Unemployment in May: Unions Say Barriers to Leaving Informality Persist in Colombia
Portafolio Journalist 04.30.2026 16:37 Updated: 04.30.2026 16:37
TL;DR
- Colombia's unemployment rate reached 8.8% in March, the lowest since 2001.
- This represents an increase of about 650,000 employed people compared to March of the previous year.
- Concerns exist that the productive base is not strengthening, with job growth in services and administration but a decline in agriculture and industry.
- The gender gap in employment persists, with women facing a 3.9-point difference compared to men.
- Business associations highlight barriers to formal employment and worry about the influence of state contractors, especially during an electoral period.
- The government defends the increase in the minimum wage, stating it has not negatively impacted employment or informality.