New minimum wage decree acknowledges that the increase for 2026 should have been 13.6% under technical parameters
Minimum wage negotiation table Photo: Ministry of Labor
TL;DR
- The government issued Decree 0159 of February 19, 2026, to temporarily set the minimum wage for 2026.
- The decree confirms the minimum wage at COP 2 million, including transport assistance.
- It acknowledges that traditional technical parameters (inflation, productivity, economic growth) would have resulted in a 13.6% increase.
- The government justifies the 23% increase by integrating constitutional mandates for a 'vital and mobile' salary, referencing ILO calculations for dignified living conditions.
- This temporary decree remains in effect until the Council of State makes a final decision on the legality of the previous increase.