The impending entry into force of Colombia’s new night time schedule marks a crucial point in Colombia’s labor regulations. Now they will see an increase in wages as a result of labor reform. The change, together with the gradual increase in the premium for work on Sundays and public holidays, represents a significant change in the rights and working conditions of millions of Colombians.
The initiative was approved by the Congress of the Republic and approved on June 25, 2025. The law’s central goal is to change regulations that have governed Colombia’s work environment for years and at times did not favor workers. The implementation process was designed gradually to avoid abrupt consequences for employees and employers.
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Some measures have already been implemented since they came into force, while others, such as the adjustment of night hours and the increase in the Sunday and public holiday surcharge, are about to come into force.
One of the most important changes in the reform is the change in the start of the night shift. Previously, night work was recognized from 9 p.m. With the new law, the schedule will be advanced by two hours, starting at 7:00 p.m. and running until 6:00 a.m. the next day. According to the Ministry of Labor, this provision will come into force on December 25, 2025, a date corresponding to six months from the adoption of the reform established in the articles.
From this point on, all hours worked between 7:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. must be paid with the night surcharge, which is currently an additional 35% of the value of the regular hour. For example, an employee with a shift from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. receives compensation for four hours instead of the previously recognized two hours. For those earning the minimum wage, this means that if the regular hour is paid at $6,470, the night hour must be paid at $8,734.
The other central axis of the reform is the gradual increase in the bonus for work on Sundays and public holidays. The surcharge is currently 75% of the regular hour.
However, the new regulations establish an increase plan that will be developed in three phases:
- From July 2025: the surcharge increases to 80%.
- In July 2026: the percentage increases to 90%.
- In July 2027: The surcharge is 100% of the regular hour.
The tiered system is intended to give companies time to adjust their cost structures and payroll systems while gradually increasing workers’ compensation for work on mandatory rest days.
The change to the night timetable and the increase in the Sunday and public holiday surcharge will have a direct impact on employee pay. Anyone who works shifts after 7 p.m. or on Sundays and public holidays receives bonuses, which can be reflected in a higher monthly income. For example, an employee who works from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. will now receive the night bonus for four hours a day instead of two, which represents a salary improvement.
From an employer’s perspective, these changes mean an increase in labor costs, especially for companies that rely on night shifts or require staff on public holidays. Some companies expressed concerns about the possible impact on their finances, although the gradual implementation aims to mitigate negative impacts and facilitate adaptation.
In addition to the changes introduced by labor reformIn 2026, a reduction in the weekly working day will come into force, established by Law 2101 of 2021. From July 15, 2026, the maximum working hours per day will increase from 44 to 42 hours per week. It is important to note that this reduction is not part of the labor reform passed in 2025, but rather corresponds to previous legislation that provided for a gradual reduction in working hours.
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