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Is it legal in Colombia to make a worker pay for a uniform that is required for work?

I'm honestly just curious about this. I work somewhere and they doc a little out of each pay check to pay for our uniforms. I don't have a problem with it because I was told about it orignially when I accepted the job but recently I have heard some other teachers say it is illegal and yet none of them want to go make a complaint. I think if that is the case, then it is just plain wrong. Then other teachers say they just have to pay a percent and then another scenerio that I have heard is because we are not minimum wage workers then they can do what they want. So anyone know for sure? What is the law?

Thanks.

By adrienne79 on Mar 12, 2009, 16:42 in Friendly Talkzone.

kenblanquito says on Mar 12, 2009, 16:49:

I think that even if you have a live-in maid, you need to pay for the clothes they work in. They do not pay anything towards it.
Sounds like an illegal contract there! Sure that is common but people are scared to complain for fear of losing their jobs

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CakeDesigner-wannabe says on Mar 12, 2009, 17:27:

"common but people are scared to complain for fear of losing their jobs" that's my first thought - even in my country (UK) they still do it - fear of losing their jobs.

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kenblanquito says on Mar 12, 2009, 17:30:

Yes, especially now!

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lawyer CO says on Mar 12, 2009, 18:06:

depending on the type of contract but let`s say full term contract. The company must provide clothes for the worker 3 times per year, every 4 month. The clothes includes dress, shoes and other parts depending of the risk of the job.

If you want to complain, visit the work inspector ( officer of the labor minister), he will check your complain and visit the company.

Esteban Rada
lawyer

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goin_south says on Mar 12, 2009, 18:09:

I really can't imagine that ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.... it would be ILLEGAL.

Maybe it's not desirable, if you are the employee, but... illegal? I seriously doubt it.
But... I could be wrong.
(who? me??)
It just sounds like 'good company policy' to me :-))

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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adrienne79 says on Mar 12, 2009, 18:11:

It is a 10 month contract, so what they are doing is legal?

Thanks, BTW!

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Atrevido (☼Travelguide writer) says on Mar 12, 2009, 18:56:

I think there is something about after the first year or maybe just after the 6 month prueba you are supposed to supply them with a uniform. I don´t know where you are but it would be worth the trip to run down to the government employment division. You´ll learn a lot of of interesting stuff about what you do and don´t owe your employee.

https://sites.google.com/site/colombianaturesite/nature-images

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goin_south says on Mar 12, 2009, 20:43:

!!!!!!!!!

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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La_Huella says on Mar 12, 2009, 21:24:

The answer is, YES it is illegal in Colombia. IF you require a uniform for work as an employer YOU have to buy it. This doesn't apply for contractors, or people who work for "prestacion de servicios", but most jobs don't qualify for that. For example, the IRS won't let you pay a full time receptionist or office worker as a contractor in most cases, and neither will they here.

In general, you pay about 50% more than the salary of a worker (contrato laboral directo) in "prestaciones sociales" including pension, matching health insurance, transportation subsidy etc.

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goin_south says on Mar 12, 2009, 22:37:

So what? Alot of things in Colombia are illegal, no?
with no enforcement.
So?
With All Due (little) respect, rubito... I tend to find this particular source of intelligence in error.
When jobs are already so fokn hard to come by,.. if you can't by your own UNIform.. then.. someone else (other prospect) can/will.
I think you are misinformed.
But... I COULD BE wrong.

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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La_Huella says on Mar 12, 2009, 22:42:

There is more enforcement than you think on this issue. MOST people here have their uniforms bought for them by their employers.

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goin_south says on Mar 12, 2009, 22:45:

well... that's good. then.
If I need an assistant...
she' s only going to be wearing some lil skimpy piece of loinclothe!

nothin I say is to be takn for my words, but rather for the words of Sailor Jerry.

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La_Huella says on Mar 13, 2009, 14:13:

It may well be that way here. Most jobs that require those sort of dorky uniforms also happen to pay exactly the minimum :P

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