💰 Economy

Colombia Court Suspends 23% Minimum Wage Hike: What Expats Need to Know

Published February 14, 2026 · 5 min read · By Medellín Rainbow News Desk

⚠️ Developing story. Colombia's Council of State provisionally suspended the 23.7% minimum wage decree on February 13, 2026. President Petro has called for street mobilizations on February 19. Monitor local news before travel on that date.

📋 Key Facts

Court suspended decree on February 13, 2026
Government has 8 days to issue a revised decree
New 2026 minimum wage: ~2,531,000 COP/month (~$693 USD at current rates)
President Petro called for public protests on February 19
Business sector opposed the hike; unions celebrated it

On February 13, 2026, Colombia's Council of State provisionally suspended the record-breaking 23.7% minimum wage increase President Gustavo Petro decreed in late December 2025. The court ruled that the government must issue a new decree within eight days, this time accompanied by a detailed economic justification that accounts for the central bank's inflation target and productivity growth.

The suspended decree would have raised Colombia's monthly minimum wage from 1,423,500 COP (~$390 USD) to approximately 2,531,000 COP (~$693 USD at current exchange rates). Petro framed the increase around the concept of a "vital minimum wage"—the minimum basket of goods and services a Colombian family needs for dignified living.

Why This Matters for Expats in Medellín

For foreigners living in or visiting Medellín, this wage dispute affects several aspects of daily life:

Domestic staff costs: Cleaners, housekeepers, and drivers who earn minimum wage will see adjustments. Budget approximately 10–15% more than 2025 rates regardless of the final decree outcome.
Local service prices: Restaurants, salons, and other businesses may raise prices as their staff costs increase.
Street protests: Petro called for mobilizations in major plazas on February 19. While Medellín demonstrations are typically peaceful, avoid large crowds and the city center on that date.
Economic context: The dispute signals political tensions ahead of Colombia's May 2026 presidential elections.

💡 Current Minimum Wage Context

Colombia's minimum wage governs pay for household staff, entry-level workers, and part-time help. If you employ a cleaner or driver in Medellín, budget for ongoing wage increases regardless of this specific court dispute. The minimum wage has risen roughly 36% in real terms since Petro took office in 2022.

The Political Background

Colombia's minimum wage is negotiated annually between business associations and labor unions. When talks break down—as they did in December 2025—the president issues a unilateral decree. This is the first time in Colombia's history that a court has intervened to suspend such a decree.

The central bank had warned the increase could fuel inflation. Business groups abandoned negotiations when it became clear that labor unions' demand for a 16% increase—already below Petro's eventual 23.7%—would not be countered meaningfully. The Petro government insists the hike is necessary to close Colombia's wage gap and protect worker purchasing power.

What Travelers Should Know About Feb 19 Protests

Safety tip: Medellín's political demonstrations rarely turn violent in tourist areas like El Poblado or Laureles. The main risk is disruption to transport and temporary road closures around Parque Berrio, the civic center, and Plaza Botero. If you're in the city on February 19, stay flexible with plans and avoid the Parque Berrio area from noon to 5 PM.

Colombia's protest culture is generally expressive rather than destructive in urban centers. The real risk for expats is traffic disruption and, in rare cases, road blockades on routes in and out of the city. Flights from José María Córdova airport are unlikely to be affected.

Sources: Bloomberg, ColombiaOne, Colombia Reports, Council of State announcement, El Espectador. Updated February 14, 2026.

← Back to All News