What will the minimum wage be for 2026 after the suspension of the 23% increase?
Portafolio Journalist 02/13/2026 11:09 Updated: 02/13/2026 11:09
TL;DR
- The Council of State suspended the 23% minimum wage increase for 2026.
- The decision was made to prevent irreversible adverse economic effects and due to indications of illegality.
- The current minimum wage remains in effect until the government issues a new, motivated temporary decree.
- This temporary decree must be issued within a maximum of 8 days and will be effective until a final ruling.
- The private sector, particularly SMEs, had filed 16 lawsuits against the increase, citing rising labor costs.
- The suspension introduces uncertainty, potentially reducing formal hiring incentives and increasing inflation expectations.