Colombian President Petro Calls for National Pact on Living Wage

Petro urges consensus with businesses and workers to set temporary living wage

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Colombian President Gustavo Petro called on Sunday for a national consensus with the business sector and workers to set a temporary living wage, as he had ordered the government to do.

Why it matters

Petro's call for a living wage pact reflects his progressive agenda to address income inequality and worker rights in Colombia. However, negotiations with businesses may prove challenging as the country faces economic headwinds.

The details

Petro said the government would work with businesses and unions to determine the appropriate living wage level, which would be higher than the current minimum wage. He also called for nationwide protests to demand better worker protections and benefits.

  • Petro made the announcement on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Gustavo Petro

The current president of Colombia, who has pushed for progressive economic reforms since taking office.

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What they’re saying

“We must reach a national consensus with the business sector and workers to define a temporary living wage.”

— Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia (Colombian News Source)

What’s next

The Colombian government will begin negotiations with businesses and unions this week to determine the appropriate level for a temporary living wage.

The takeaway

Petro's call for a living wage pact reflects his efforts to address income inequality in Colombia, but reaching an agreement with the business community may prove challenging given the country's economic headwinds.