Colombia Expat Forum

fecherklyn
Joined 2015
Posts: 1370

1 year ago

Reminder, Maids' Prima

1 year ago

Just a reminder for those forum members who employ domestic workers (maids, gardeners, etc), the semi-annual “PRIMA” is due to be paid by end June.

For those who may not be aware, all domestic workers are due (2016 Law 1788) a Prima (essentially a bonus that is part of Colombian prestaciones socials) that is payable at the termination of any fixed term or indefinite work contract.

Thus, those of us who employ our maids based on annual work contracts are legally obliged to pay a Prima equivalent to one month salary (including agreed transport subsidy). For a one calendar year work contract, the Prima is payable in two parts, the 1st no later than June 30th, and the 2nd no later than Dec 31st.

The Prima is one element of the prestaciones socials payable to domestic workers employed on work contracts. The other elements are:

Cesantias, equivalent to one month salary including transport subsidy.

Interest on Cesantias based on interest rate of 12% p.a.

Vacaciones, equivalent to half a month salary, excluding transport subsidy.

Aportes de Pension, Trabajador 4.0% salary + 12.0% Empleador 12% salary.

Aportes de Salud, Trabajador 4.0%, Empleador 8.5% salary.

Of course and typically, these are the legal obligations and many Empleadors consider domestic workers are fortunate to obtain any form of employment and they should be thankful for any payment they receive. Nowadays, domestic workers are increasingly aware of their legal entitlements and fight for their rights with a friendly court disposition.

The easy way to get around all these administrative tasks is to employ maids via an agency – easier, but more costly.

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