These Are the Fines for Companies That Do Not Pay Complete Overtime Hours

Labor and employment attorney Camilo Cuervo was mentioned in an Asuntos Legales article about the consequences of not paying overtime hours in Colombia. Even though beginning July 15, 2025, the weekly hours will change from 46 to 44 under the workweek reduction established by Law 2101 of 2021, neither salaries nor workers' rights will be affected. This means that employers must still pay their employees for overtime or mandatory rest days. Mr. Cuervo commented that if a company does not make these payments, it can face administrative sanctions from Colombia's Labor Ministry, although the agency does not have the authority to force payment. He added that fines depend on the size of the business and the number of violations.

"The Labor Ministry does not have the ability to define individual rights. The only person that can demand and oblige a payment is a labor judge," he clarified. "The ministry reviews compliance with labor regulations, and when it finds payments have not been made, it sanctions non-compliance with the regulations, not the payment."

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