Catherwood LibraryILR School

Labor unions across Colombia launched a two-day strike to show support for a proposed national referendum on labor reforms backed by President Gustavo Petro. The proposal, which aims to improve worker protections such as limiting workdays to eight hours, has faced repeated opposition in Congress. After lawmakers narrowly rejected the measure earlier this month, Petro urged workers to mobilize and push for direct democratic approval. Demonstrations took place in major cities, with protestors calling the referendum a necessary step toward restoring labor rights. Petro has signaled he may authorize the vote by decree if Congress fails to act.