A solution to the problem of illegal labor in construction is urgently needed
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican Confederation of Micro, Small and Medium Construction Companies (Copymecon) said yesterday that it is urgent to take specific action on illegal labor in the construction sector, since this problem, along with the high rate of informality, continues to distort this part of the economy.
According to Copymecon president Eliseo Cristopher, these problems affect job stability and technical professionalization in construction projects, creating execution deficiencies.
He understands that a short- and medium-term solution is needed.
He pointed out that the repatriation of illegal Haitians is paralyzing the construction sector, since they are the ones working in the area, so it is necessary, he noted, to attract national workers.
“More than 95% of the Dominican skilled workforce is needed in the construction sector,” he added.
He insisted that the sector needs national workers to gradually replace foreign labor.
On this, the Minister of Housing and Buildings, Jean Luis Rodríguez, said the issue of illegal labor must be addressed, and a joint solution sought, since it has sparked debates about migration and other aspects.
He also acknowledged that the high rate of informality in the construction sector is affecting the industry, and that authorities are studying the issue. Cristopher added that over 98% of the construction sector comprises micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating informally, and that, despite this, they see no Government policies to combat it.
“And nothing is being done to address this problem. We definitely don’t see any Government policy to combat informality in the construction sector,” he said.
