Tigo Seeks Government Approval to Lay Off Over 10% of its Colombian Workforce

During the second week of 2025, Tigo, the third biggest mobile telecommunications company in Colombia with a market share of 17.5% and part of the joint venture between EPM based in Medellin, Colombia, and Millicom based in Luxembourg, asked the Ministry of Labor for permission to layoff of about 10% of its active employees.

According to Colombian law, a company with an active staff between 501 and 1.000 cannot lay off more than 7% of its employees without an authorization from the Ministry of Labor.

Tigo has an active staff of 745 employees, and its plan is to terminate 81 of them, about 10.8% of its staff.

The company explained that its decision is driven by new market dynamics and the constant changes in the telecommunications industry. “These transformations are essential to adapt the company to the new reality, making the business sustainable and viable.” Tigo also stated that these changes will lead to a reduction in its operational size and decrease the need for a larger staff.

The ministry’s response didn’t take long and confirmed that they initiated the verification of all legal requirements needed to fulfill Tigo’s request. Additionally, the government department clarified that its role in this procedure “is to be the guarantor of labor rights, and in these situations, it is important to activate social dialogue scenarios for the resolution of labor conflicts that can allow for a more harmonious solution through agreements that generate the least possible impact.”

Headline Photo: Tigo headquarters in Medellín. (Source: Tigo Official Facebook Page)