Ombudsman proposes unemployment assistance fund in Labor Reform talks

Santo Domingo.- Ombudsman Pablo Ulloa presented four proposals during discussions on labor reform in the National Congress, with the most notable being the creation of a general unemployment assistance fund. This mixed fund would be partially financed by the Dominican Institute for the Prevention and Protection of Occupational Risks (IDOPPRIL), starting with 5,000 million pesos from its 15,000 million-peso reserves. The initiative aims to support small and medium-sized businesses by ensuring they have the liquidity to provide severance pay while remaining operational.

Ulloa emphasized that the proposal seeks to create a more progressive labor market, ensuring that employees have financial support in case of job loss. He also put forward recommendations on employment training, employment intermediation, and qualification systems.

Following his presentation to the Senate Special Committee reviewing the Labor Code, the committee chairman, Senator Rafael Barón Duluc, announced further meetings with Labor Minister Eddy Olivares and other sector representatives. Deliberations on the proposed reforms will begin in April, with a final report to be presented to the Senate.