National Wage Committee announces phased minimum wage hike for hospitality sector

Santo Domingo.- The National Wage Committee (CNS) of the Dominican Republic has approved a minimum wage increase for workers in the hotel, bar, and restaurant sectors, to be rolled out in two phases beginning June 1, 2025.

In a session described as historic, government officials, business leaders, and labor unions reached a consensus on the wage adjustments. The hotel sector will receive a 30% increase, and the bar and restaurant sector will see a 25% rise.

For hotel workers:

• June 1, 2025: Wage rises by 15%, reaching RD$19,320.

• June 1, 2026: Remaining 15% applied, bringing the total to RD$21,840.

For bar and restaurant workers:

• June 1, 2025: First 13% increase.

• June 1, 2026: Additional 12% increase applied.

Labor Minister Luis Miguel De Camps celebrated the agreement as a model of effective tripartite dialogue, praised by the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Union leader Próspero Juan welcomed the wage hike but urged the government to consider salary indexation to avoid higher income tax burdens for workers. On the employer side, hotel representative Juan Bancalari argued that industry wages, when including tips and benefits, already average around RD$37,300 per month, exceeding current minimum standards.