Government support for business and workers in Colombia

1. What government schemes(s) are available in your country to help employers and workers in the current COVID-19 crisis and for how long?

Under the emergency, no such rule related to short-time working has been issued. However, under article 161 of the Colombian Labour Code, employers and employees can individually agree to reduce the working schedule, applying part-time work, which may also imply a decrease on the employees monthly wage.

This may also benefit payments of other accruals such as fringe benefits, social security and parafiscal contributions, since they all depend on the employees’ monthly wage. Nevertheless, even if the wage is less than a minimum wage, paid in proportion to the working time, social security and parafiscal contributions have to be paid according to a minimum wage basis.

2. What payments are made under the scheme(s) and how/by whom?

If agreed, employees who work part-time are entitled to a salary that is directly proportional to their work-time and also to all labour accruals, which will be calculated based on the monthly wage.  

3. Which employers and employees are covered?

All employers and employees may agree to work on a part-time schedule. The agreement must be agreed individually between each employee and each employer.

4. What process(es) does an employer have to follow to be able to take advantage of the scheme(s)?

An individual agreement with the employee is needed.

5. Are there any other important rules or requirements to be eligible?

No.

6. Are employees covered by the scheme(s) protected from dismissal?

No.