Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

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Financial Aid Program for Employers Extended to March 2021

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Juliana Visbal Restrepo, Associate - Godoy Córdoba | Littler

Law 2060 issued by the Congress on October 22, 2020, extended the period in which employers can apply to the Formal Employment Support Program to March 2021. Under the program, the government will pay a monetary aid to employers to support employment during the economic crisis caused by the pandemic. This monetary aid consists in paying 40% of the minimum monthly wage for each employee; employers in the hotel industry can receive up to 50% of the minimum monthly wage for each employee. To receive the aid, the employer must meet specific criteria, including not having previously received financial aid more than three times during the pandemic.

New Monthly Wage and Transportation Allowance for 2021

New Order or Decree

Author: Juliana Visbal Restrepo, Associate - Godoy Córdoba | Littler

Under Decree 1785 (issued on December 29, 2020), the minimum monthly wage will be CO $908,526, effective from January 1, 2021, through the end of the year. Additionally, under Decree 1786 (issued on December 29, 2020), the transportation allowance for 2021 will be CO $106,454. The obligation to pay transportation allowance will apply to every employee who earns two minimum wages or less. These decrees represent a salary increase of 3.5% over both the minimum monthly wage and the transportation allowance for 2020.

Public Health Emergency Extended, Implications for the Workplace

New Order or Decree

Author: Juliana Visbal Restrepo, Associate - Godoy Córdoba | Littler

On November 27, 2020, the Health Ministry extended the state of health emergency due to COVID-19, until February 28, 2021. During the state of emergency, employers are obligated to subsidize the connectivity of employees working from home; employees may apply for unemployment aid to compensate for reduction in their salary; and employers may send employees on vacation with a one-day notice. The extension of the state of emergency also impacts other measures that allow employers to have employees work from home without the implication of teleworking. These measures will be extended for as long as the health emergency persists, unless authorities indicate otherwise.