Colombian Lawmakers Block President Petro’s Labor Reform Referendum

Colombian lawmakers have rejected a referendum proposed by President Gustavo Petro, which aimed to limit workdays to eight hours and guarantee double pay on holidays. This follows prior rejections of his labor law reforms. Petro criticized the blockage, labeling it a fraud. Some congressmen have appealed for another chance to discuss these reforms, facing a deadline by June 20.

On Wednesday, Colombian lawmakers once again put the brakes on President Gustavo Petro’s attempts to reform the country’s labor laws. They rejected a referendum that aimed to ask citizens whether workdays should be capped at eight hours and if workers ought to receive double pay for holiday shifts. This decision marks yet another setback for Petro, who has faced legislative opposition on this matter multiple times.

Petro initially presented the 12-question referendum to Congress earlier this month, hoping to give voters a chance to weigh in on reforms that lawmakers had previously dismissed. He warned that if the referendum failed, it could lead to dire consequences for lawmakers come the 2026 elections. Just before the rejection vote, he addressed thousands during a Labor Day demonstration, stressing the repercussions of their decisions.

The vote concluded with 49 senators opposing the measure against 47 who supported it. Following the defeat, President Petro expressed his discontent by calling the process fraudulent. He has accused the lawmakers of ignoring essential social needs and actively blocking initiatives aimed at improving labor conditions for Colombians.

Had they approved the referendum, it would have provided citizens a chance to vote on several critical issues, including whether the workday should end at 6 p.m. and if permanent contracts should be made available to enhance job security. These proposed changes reflect the demands that many workers have been expressing.

In an unusual legislative tactic, a group of congressmen was able to challenge the prior dismissal of Petro’s proposals from March. This appeal allows them to revisit and possibly approve his labor reforms before a looming deadline on June 20. This development could reshape the narrative around labor rights in Colombia, but the journey remains complicated with strong opposition.

The rejection of President Petro’s labor reform referendum by Colombian lawmakers underscores the persistent friction between the government and legislators regarding labor issues. Despite Petro’s attempts to engage the public, the blockade suggests a challenging road ahead for social reform. The congressional appeal of March’s dismissal offers a glimmer of hope, but the outcome remains to be seen as the June 20 deadline approaches.

Original Source: www.newsday.com