Introduction
In a historic decision, The National Wage Committee (CNS) of the Dominican Republic has approved a 20% increase in the minimum wage for workers in the country's free trade zones. This measure will benefit more than 192,000 employees working in this key sector of the Dominican economy.
Salary increase in two stages
The salary increase will be implemented in two stages. The first will take place on May 1, 2023, when an increase of 15% will be applied, raising the minimum wage for free zone workers to 16,002.25 Dominican pesos, representing an increase of 2,087.25 pesos compared to the current minimum wage of 13,915 pesos.
The second stage of the salary increase will come into effect in April 2024, when the remaining 5% will be applied, bringing the minimum wage to 16,698 pesos. However, by mutual agreement, with the 15% it will be 16,000 pesos and upon completion of the 20% it will be 16,700 pesos.
The Minister of Labor, Luis Miguel De Camps García, in announcing the increase, stated that it is the result of continuous and coordinated work to achieve improvements in the quality of life of all workers, based on consensus.
“We are focused on producing agreements that will allow us to move towards improving the real wages of workers in every sector of the country. This is a vision of President Luis Abinader that we are implementing from this ministry,” the official added.
You might also be interested in: Application of the minimum wage increase in the Dominican Republic according to Resolution No. 1-2023 of the National Wage Committee
Boost to social programs for workers in free trade zones
In addition to the salary increase, the National Salary Council (CNS) also agreed to establish a commission for the development of social programs specifically for workers in free trade zones. This commission, which already exists by decree, will work on the development and implementation of projects that improve the quality of life for these employees and their families.
Conclusions
The 20% increase in the minimum wage for workers in free trade zones in the Dominican Republic represents a significant step forward in the fight to guarantee better working conditions and wages for this important economic sector. Furthermore, the creation of the commission for the development of social programs demonstrates the Dominican government's commitment to ensuring a more prosperous and equitable future for all its citizens.
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You can download CNS Resolution 02-2023 at this link:
