LatinNews Daily - 18 October 2024

*Colombia’s lower chamber of congress has approved a labour reform bill submitted by President Gustavo Petro’s government. The bill, which was approved with 93 votes in favour and 13 against, now goes to the senate, where the Petro administration has tended to face stiffer opposition to its reform proposals. The lower chamber approved most of the articles in the bill, including establishing obligatory rest days at full pay; extending paternity leave to four weeks; and requiring employers to approve paid leave for medical appointments, school commitments, union meetings, and domestic emergencies. Workers employed via digital platforms would be guaranteed full labour rights, among other changes to Colombian labour law. However, deputies struck down other articles in the bill, including maternity and paternity leave for same-sex couples; increased penalties for unfair dismissal; and tighter regulations on rural working conditions.