Aumento del salario mínimo para el 2026 enfrenta un camino con altos riesgos: cuáles son The negotiation for Colombia’s 2026 minimum wage begins with a technical starting point of 6.42%, calculated from a 0.91% total factor productivity and 5.52% October inflation. However, experts warn that labor market tensions, including a drop in productivity per employed person, must also be considered. Political proposals for an 11% or $1,800,000 increase add to the tension, with business leaders urging caution due to potential inflationary and fiscal risks.

• The technical starting point for the 2026 minimum wage negotiation is 6.42%, based on 0.91% total factor productivity and 5.52% inflation.
• Productivity per hour worked increased, but productivity per employed person decreased by 0.32% due to fewer hours worked and less capital per employee.
• President Petro and Minister Benedetti have suggested increases of 11% or a target of $1,800,000, creating political tension.
• Business leaders warn that unaligned adjustments could lead to inflation, macro-economic imbalances, and harm vulnerable households.
• Previous high minimum wage increases are cited as a factor in persistent inflation, with a 1% increase above inflation and productivity potentially raising annual inflation by 0.06 percentage points.
• International experience suggests strong wage increases can prolong inflation, while aligned increases support deflationary processes.
• An increase of one additional percentage point in the real minimum wage generates a 0.24 trillion peso surcharge in the defined benefit pension system.