The evolution and reform of labor markets in Colombia

"Like most Latin American countries, during several decades Colombia developed a complex system of government interventions in the labor market, which were aimed, in principle, at protecting workers 'jobs and incomes, strengthening their negotiation positions vis-a-vis the capitalists, and establishing an ambitious social security system. Most of the legislation and institutions supporting these interventions were established in the fifes and sixties, and remained almost untouched until 1990."