Colombian lawmakers rejected President Gustavo Petro’s labor reform referendum, blocking initiatives to limit workdays and mandate holiday pay. Petro described the vote as fraudulent, asserting that legislators ignore public demands. A late appeal allows for renewed debates, but lawmakers face a deadline of June 20.
Bogotá, Colombia — In a significant setback for President Gustavo Petro, Colombian lawmakers have once again thwarted efforts to reform labor laws in the country. On Wednesday, they voted against a crucial referendum that sought to allow citizens to weigh in on limiting workdays to eight hours and mandating double pay for labor on holidays. This decision marks the third time Congress has rejected reforms proposed by the president.
Earlier this month, President Petro requested Congress to pass the 12 questions referendum, emphasizing the urgency for wider public participation in labor reform decisions that lawmakers had previously dismissed. He cautioned that failure to support the referendum would likely backfire during the upcoming 2026 legislative elections, stating that Colombian voters would hold lawmakers accountable for their actions.
The vote saw 49 senators opposing the referendum with 47 in favor, highlighting the divisions within Congress. Following the results, Petro, who entered the presidency as Colombia’s first leftist leader, denounced the vote as fraudulent. He accused lawmakers of consistently blocking social initiatives while disregarding the voices of ordinary Colombians seeking change in their working conditions.
Had the referendum been successful, it would have posed questions about ending daytime work at 6 p.m. and ensuring stable job contracts for workers. These potential changes are critical as many Colombians seek reforms that enhance their livelihoods and job security.
In an interesting turn of events, a group of congressmen resurrected Petro’s proposed labor reform after an earlier dismissal in March. This tactical move means that lawmakers have until June 20 to revisit the discussion surrounding these labor reforms, leaving open the possibility of a different outcome this time around.
The recent rejections reflect ongoing political tensions and the challenges Petro faces as he pushes for progressive reforms in a legislature resistant to his agenda. As Colombia continues to grapple with its labor issues, observers will be watching closely to see if the tide might change before the looming deadline.
In summary, Colombian lawmakers’ rejection of President Gustavo Petro’s labor reform referendum underscores the continued challenges he faces in advancing his agenda. Despite warnings of political consequences at the polls, lawmakers remain divided on crucial reforms aimed at enhancing workers’ rights. The revived chance to debate these ideas offers a glimmer of hope for advocates, but time is running short with a June 20 deadline fast approaching.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
