Colombia: National Strike Grips Nation Amid Labor Reform Fury

Colombia: National Strike Highlights Opposition to Labor Reform On May 28, 2025, Colombia witnessed a significant national strike, fueled by widespread discontent over a recently passed labor reform. The protests, organized by major labor unions and social movements, took place across the country, with large demonstrations in cities like Bogotá and Medellín. The reform, approved by the Senate, introduced increased surcharges for weekend and holiday work. This sparked outrage among workers and labor leaders who viewed it as detrimental to their rights. "This reform is unacceptable," stated Fabio Arias, president of the Central Unitaria de Trabajadores (CUT), highlighting the communication challenges and the dominance of opposing narratives surrounding the issue. The strike also served as a show of support for President Gustavo Petro, who celebrated the mobilizations as a sign of popular backing for his government. Senator Iván Cepeda denounced the lack of quorum that prevented a proper debate on the reform. Meanwhile, Senator María José Pizarro pointed out that nine congress members declared themselves ineligible to vote, including Senate President Efraín Cepeda, who repeatedly obstructed debate on the reform. The national strike underscores the deep divisions within Colombian society regarding labor rights and the government's policies. The events highlight the need for open dialogue and compromise to address the concerns of workers and ensure a fair and just labor environment in the country.