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BiggerUnions demand wage increase for tourism workers
Santo Domingo.- The National Confederation of Dominican Workers (CNTD) and the Federation of Tourism Workers (Fesitratur) have urged the National Salary Committee (CNS) to convene a meeting to discuss salary increases for tourism employees, stressing that they can no longer afford to wait.
Tourism workers currently earn a minimum wage between RD$14,161 and RD$16,800, significantly lower than non-sector workers. Justo Carmona, president of Fesitratur, noted that as of April 1, wages will rise by 12% to reach RD$27,928, with an additional 8% increase in February 2026, bringing salaries to RD$29,998. He called for a 30% raise in the hotel sector to ensure wages remain at least 10% higher than those of non-sector employees.
Carmona urged President Luis Abinader and Labor Minister Eddy Olivares to eliminate the differentiated wage rate, which allows tourism workers to be paid 20% less than other sectors. He also emphasized that tips should not be considered part of base wages.
DR generates more than $10 billion in revenue from the tourism sector every year but yet tourism employees get paid miserable salaries. I agree that something needs to be done about that.
There are so many sweetheart deals among resorts, government, suppliers, and services in the tourism sector that keep costs low, to include wages, but in turn make millions for the principals. Tourism workers have always been needed but overlooked for the services they provide. They are victimized by an industry seeking to draw in thousands of tourists at the expense of their low wages. They deserve better than what they have now. The hotel sector can afford to give pay raises.