On June 25, 2025, Colombia made history with the launch of Law 2466—its most ambitious labour reform in decades. As the country prepares for the full rollout of the law by December, both workers and employers are adapting to a more progressive, fair and rights-focused employment framework than ever before.
Indefinite Contracts: A New Standard
One of the headline changes is a major push toward indefinite-term contracts as the default for employment. Fixed-term contracts now come with a strict four-year cap and require clear documentation. If an employee stays on after completing a specific project, their contract is automatically converted to indefinite. The goal is to tackle job insecurity head-on and curb the overuse of temporary deals that often left workers vulnerable.
Working Hours and Overtime: Rebalancing Work and Life
Law 2466 also sets new boundaries around working hours and overtime pay. Night shifts now officially start at 7:00 p.m.—earlier than before—so more employees are entitled to extra night-time pay. Overtime faces a new cap: no more than two hours per day and twelve per week. By tightening these rules, Colombia aims to foster a healthier balance between work and personal life and protect employees from burnout.
Equality and Non-Discrimination at Work
The reform takes a strong stance on workplace equality and inclusion. Building on Colombia’s constitutional foundations, the law places a clear emphasis on tackling discrimination and closing gender gaps. These updated protections give Colombia a boost in meeting international standards and send a clear message that fairness is non-negotiable in the workplace.
Expanding Protections: From Platform Workers to Community Mothers
Reflecting the realities of the modern workforce, Law 2466 extends legal protections to groups that have historically been overlooked. For the first time, gig economy and platform workers now have social security coverage, with both workers and digital platforms sharing the contributions. The law also brings young apprentices, domestic workers, and community mothers into the fold, ensuring they have the recognition and benefits they deserve.
Simon Duff – Director Leap29 shares his perspective
“Colombia’s labour reform is a landmark shift that places long-term security and fairness at the heart of employment. By prioritising indefinite contracts and extending protections to groups such as platform workers, apprentices and community mothers, the government is addressing long-standing vulnerabilities in the labour market. While the transition will bring compliance challenges for employers, those who adapt early will gain from a more engaged and stable workforce. In the bigger picture, these changes position Colombia as a regional leader in progressive employment law, aligning closely with international standards and investor expectations.”
A Step Forward in Latin America
With these sweeping changes, Colombia is setting the bar for progressive labour rights across the region. Law 2466 is expected to deliver better job security, reduce inequality, and make the country’s labour market more inclusive and resilient. As final measures roll out by December 25, both businesses and workers are watching closely to see how these reforms shape Colombia’s future.
