Fecode Calls for Mid-Year Bonus for Colombian Teachers
The Colombian Federation of Education Workers (Fecode) has issued a strong warning to teachers regarding the mid-year bonus. The union stresses that educators should not relinquish their rights to this retroactive payment as the Ministry of Education, alongside Fomag, is currently re-evaluating the legality and nature of the bonus.
Financial Implications of the Mid-Year Bonus
The ongoing discussions hinge on substantial amounts previously disbursed. As of February 2026, Fomag reported payments totaling $458,799 million, yet there are allegations of inconsistencies amounting to $260,437 million, which constitutes roughly 56.8% of the funds that were executed. Such discrepancies underscore the urgency for teachers to act.
Fecode has advised educators who believe they are entitled to this payment to take appropriate legal actions to ensure their rights are upheld. It is crucial for teachers to not let the statute of limitations lapse concerning their claims.
Deciding on Legal Action
“The decision to initiate legal action is personal and corresponds to each teacher based on individual circumstances and legal advice,” Fecode stated. Teachers are encouraged to file petition rights which, if done in a timely manner, could interrupt the three-year statute of limitations on payment claims.
Should their claims be rejected, Fecode recommends filing a reconsideration appeal as well as an appeal with Fiduprevisora and the corresponding authorities.
The Crux of the Legal Dispute
The essence of the conflict lies in defining the mid-year bonus’s nature. The Ministry of Education is evaluating whether it is a singular payment or an additional pension allowance. Should it be categorized as the latter, the benefit would violate regulations that prohibit providing more than 13 annual allowances to pensioners in Colombia. This situation complicates the legal landscape for teachers hoping to receive back payment.
History and Relevance of the Mid-Year Bonus
Introduced under Law 91 of 1989, the mid-year bonus was designed to supply public school teachers with a retirement pension equivalent to 75% of their final month’s salary, in addition to the bonus itself. This arrangement was reexamined under Legislative Act 01 of 2005, which effectively limited the application of the law except for certain teacher categories identified as exceptions.
Recently, Fecode reiterated that the retroactive effect of this payment must be acknowledged for teachers appointed between January 1, 1981, and June 26, 2003. This also includes those who were not granted an ex-gratia pension and who retired before July 31, 2011, with a pension allowance of three legal minimum wages or less.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As the Federation represents over 270,000 teachers in Colombia, Fecode emphasizes that each case must be individually assessed to determine the appropriate legal strategy. In a time where financial implications have become a pressing matter, it is crucial for educators to stay proactive regarding their rights and benefits.