BOGOTÁ, Colombia — In an unprecedented move, the Colombian government has published the specific questions it plans to ask voters in a national referendum on labor reforms aimed at improving workers’ rights and benefits. The proposal, which seeks to modernize labor laws and extend protections to millions of informal and freelance workers, has ignited intense debate nationwide as political leaders, business groups and workers brace for a high-stakes showdown.
On Tuesday, Colombia’s Ministry of the Interior released the text of 12 referendum questions that would let voters decide on key aspects of labor law reform, including access to health insurance, overtime pay, and inclusion of marginalized groups such as rural workers and people with disabilities. The referendum, known locally as a “popular consultation,” still needs approval from Colombia’s Senate before it can be scheduled.
What the Referendum Asks
The proposed questions span a wide range of labor protections. One provision would require food delivery platforms to provide health insurance to freelance workers, reflecting a growing global debate about gig economy rights. Another question asks whether employees who work Sundays should receive double pay — a significant shift aimed at better compensating work on traditional rest days.
Other questions propose stricter definitions of working hours, asking voters whether daytime work should be defined strictly as 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a 35% pay bonus for hours worked outside that window.
Additional proposals include creating a special pension fund for rural workers — a group historically underserved by Colombia’s social security system — and mandating that companies hire at least two people with disabilities for every 100 employees.
Government’s Push Amid Senate Resistance
President Gustavo Petro, a leftist and former guerrilla fighter, has made labor reform and healthcare expansion central pillars of his economic agenda. But his proposals have repeatedly run into resistance in the Senate, where opposition parties and business-friendly lawmakers argue the changes would raise costs and stifle job creation.
In a televised address Monday, Petro declared he would lead a march on Congress on May 1, International Workers’ Day, to demand legislative approval for the referendum. “It’s time for the people to make their own decisions,” he said. “For too long, Congress has denied Colombians the right to decide their own future.”
Unable to secure Senate backing for direct legislation, Petro sees the referendum as a democratic bypass, letting citizens approve reforms lawmakers have stalled. No Colombian president has previously attempted to push labor reform through a referendum, making this a historic and risky political bet.
Opposition and Concerns from Business Groups
Business associations have voiced strong opposition, arguing the changes would burden companies financially, especially small and midsize businesses already navigating a volatile economy.
Jaime Alberto Cabal, president of Colombia’s National Association of Merchants, said the reforms ignore the reality of the country’s large informal sector. “The government’s reforms do not recognize the reality of 16 million informal laborers and unemployed people in Colombia,” Cabal posted on social media. He warned that stricter regulations might push employers to avoid formal contracts and pay workers off the books, undermining protections further.
Critics also doubt whether the reforms will generate new jobs. Colombia’s economy — Latin America’s fourth largest — has struggled with high unemployment and underemployment, worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic and global economic headwinds.
Political Analysts Weigh In
Analysts say the referendum allows Petro to rally his base and energize supporters ahead of the 2026 presidential election, but generating enough turnout will be a challenge.
Under Colombian law, at least one-third of eligible voters — about 13 million people — must participate for the results to be legally binding. Petro won the presidency in 2022 with roughly 11 million votes, so he would need to mobilize an even larger electorate.
“There might be institutional actors, like labor unions, who are very interested in this referendum,” said Yan Basset, a political analyst at Bogotá’s Rosario University. “But their capacity to mobilize voters is limited.” He noted that low turnout could invalidate the referendum, weakening the government’s position.
Still, Basset said the referendum provides Petro with a valuable tool to shore up grassroots support. Conversely, if it fails to meet the threshold or is rejected by voters, it could damage Petro’s credibility as a leader for working people.
The Stakes for Workers and the Economy
For many workers, especially in precarious or informal jobs, the referendum offers a chance at overdue protections. Freelancers in the booming gig economy, such as food delivery drivers, lack guaranteed health insurance or overtime pay, leaving them economically vulnerable.
“I work seven days a week, often late at night, and I have no health insurance,” said Juan Carlos, a delivery driver in Medellín. “If the referendum passes, it could mean a better life for people like me.”
However, economists warn that raising labor costs could deter employers from hiring, especially in an economy where many businesses operate on thin profit margins.
“The balance is delicate,” said economist Laura Moreno. “Workers deserve protections, but we must consider how reforms impact jobs and growth.”
What Comes Next?
The referendum still faces hurdles. The Senate must first approve the government’s plan to hold the vote — a step far from guaranteed given Petro’s ongoing legislative struggles.
If approved, the government will need to launch a massive voter education and mobilization effort to explain the questions and encourage turnout. Over the coming months, the referendum will likely dominate Colombia’s political scene, shaping the debate ahead of the next presidential race.
President Petro’s decision to appeal directly to voters underscores his resolve to pursue reforms despite institutional roadblocks. As he prepares to march on Congress and rally the public, Colombians are bracing for a historic vote that could transform the country’s labor landscape — or expose deep divisions over the future of work.
