Dominican Labor Ministry closes 24 Chinese-owned businesses over worker safety risks and violations

Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Labor ordered the closure of 24 establishments owned by Chinese investors after inspections found conditions posing an imminent danger to workers, along with multiple violations of labor regulations.

Labor Minister Eddy Olivares said authorities inspected 101 establishments in the National District, Santo Domingo province, San Pedro de Macorís and Higüey, issuing 1,016 reports for violations.

The inspections found that 91 businesses dismissed employees before they completed three months of work, a practice authorities said prevented workers from accumulating certain labor benefits, including vacation and severance pay.

Other violations included failure to provide mandatory weekly rest at 53 establishments, nonpayment of bonuses at 52, unpaid overtime at 37, and other labor violations at 33 businesses.

Occupational health and safety violations were identified at 53 establishments. Of these, 24 were considered to pose imminent danger, prompting authorities to order their closure under Resolution 04/2007.

In the National District, inspectors visited 54 establishments, issuing 546 reports and ordering 13 closures. Another 34 businesses were inspected across Santo Domingo East, West and North, resulting in 302 reports and three closures. In San Pedro de Macorís and Higüey, 13 establishments were inspected, generating 168 reports and eight closures.

Of the 1,016 reports issued nationwide, 974 were warnings and 42 cited violations.

Olivares said labor inspections will continue to ensure compliance with the Labor Code and protect workers’ rights, regardless of the nationality of business owners.