If someone provides services this Monday, October 13, a national holiday in Colombia, they are entitled to a surcharge on their ordinary salary as established in article 179 of the Substantive Labor Code (CST). Specifically, The law states that work on holidays must be remunerated with a surcharge of 75% of the value of the ordinary hour.proportional to the hours actually worked.
For example, for a worker with the legal monthly minimum wage in force in 2025, the ordinary daily wage is calculated as $47,450 (not including transportation assistance). Then, The full remuneration for the holiday with surcharge would be 1.75 times that value, that is, approximately $83,037.
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For those who work hourly, The surcharge also applies: for example, daytime hours on holidays are paid at $10,831 and nighttime hours at $12,997. in accordance with current regulations.
Nevertheless, It should be noted that this legal surcharge of 75% will be adjusted within the framework of the ongoing labor reform: thus, From July 1, 2025, the surcharge for work on Sundays and holidays will increase to 80%, then to 90% in 2026, until reaching 100% in 2027.
If a person works this holiday, October 13, they must receive their usual salary for the day plus a surcharge of at least 75%, subject to gradual adjustments defined in the labor reform.
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Employment in the country
In Colombia, workers who work on Sundays or holidays have the right to a surcharge on their ordinary salary. Until before the changes introduced by the new regulations, That legal surcharge was 75% of the value of the ordinary hour.
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However, with the approval of the labor reform (Law 2466 of 2025), this surcharge will begin to gradually increase. Starting July 1, 2025, the surcharge will go to 80%, then rise to 90% in July 2026, and finally reach 100% in July 2027.
In addition, the reform also addresses night surcharges: It was approved that night work begins to be paid with a surcharge from 7:00 pm instead of 9:00 pmand that night surcharge will be 35% of the ordinary hour.
The labor reform promoted by the Government has generated a debate between unions and unions. While the workers highlight that it seeks to guarantee stability, fair payment of surcharges and formalization, employers warn it could raise hiring costs and limit the creation of new jobs.
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Experts in labor economics point out that the success of any policy on this front will depend on its ability to balance labor rights with the competitiveness of the productive fabric.
In the medium term, the challenge for Colombia will be to consolidate a more inclusive, formal and sustainable labor market. This involves strengthening technical education and digital training, expanding incentives for youth and female hiringand improve coordination between the State and the private sector.
Likewise, it will be key to promote investment in regions with less economic development, so that employment not only grows in large cities, but also in historically lagging territories.
VALENTINA DELGADILLO ABELLO
Portfolio Journalist
