Resolutions 652 and 1356 of 2012 – Colombia’s Working
August 2012

Resolutions 652 and 1356 of 2012 – Colombia’s Working

The resolutions of the Colombian Ministry of Labour require all employers to set up and establish a Working Environment Committee by December 31, 2012.

Resolutions 652 and 1356 of 2012 require the formation of a Working Environment Committee (WEC) in private sector companies. Accordingly, if your WEC is not yet set up, it will soon be time to do so.

Important aspects of the resolutions include:

• All employers must create a WEC that includes both management and employee representatives.
• Two representatives will be selected by the employer and two by the employees, each with its alternates. Depending on the internal organization of the company, the employer may have the opportunity to designate a larger number of representatives.  Private companies with fewer than 20 employees will only need to have one representative each for the employer and employees, with alternates.
• A company with multiple business locations must have a central WEC, and if required, another for each location.
• The initial period of WEC operation is set at two years.
• The WEC will deal with situations such as work-related complaints, review of specific cases, and implementation of plans to improve relations between affected parties (including follow-up), and will develop preventive and corrective measures to promote a healthy working environment.
• The committee must include a chairman and secretary, chosen from among committee members.
• Meetings are normally at least once every three months, more often when necessary, with a quorum of a simple majority of members.

We would be happy to address any questions you may have.

This article highlights aspects of the law discussed, but does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such, without further professional consultation.

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Download Resolutions 652 and 1356 of 2012 – Colombia’s Working Environment Committee (90kb)

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