Santo Domingo.- President Luis Abinader reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the “Dominicanization” of the workforce, particularly in the tourism sector and free trade zones. To attract more local workers and reduce dependence on foreign labor, the government has proposed a 30% wage increase for tourism jobs and a 25% increase in free trade zones.
During his weekly press briefing, LA Semanal con la Prensa, Abinader announced that the salary hikes would be rolled out in two phases. The first increase for free trade zones begins May 1, while the tourism sector will see its first raise in June, with a second installment to follow in the coming months.
Additionally, the government is working on a broader labor pact to expand this initiative to the agricultural and construction sectors. The proposal has received public support from labor leader Pepe Abreu, president of the National Confederation of Trade Union Unity (CNUS).
