Labor reform bill approved with new rules on leave and contract suspensions

Santo Domingo.- The Chamber of Deputies of the Dominican Republic approved in first reading a bill introducing reforms to the country’s Labor Code, including changes related to work leave, temporary suspension of contracts, and safety controls for high-risk occupations.

The proposal received unanimous support from 144 lawmakers after spending six months under review by a special commission, whose work was delayed by repeated absences among deputies.

One of the main amendments expands paternity leave from two to four working days. Legislators also discussed extending the leave to seven days and creating bereavement leave for the death of siblings, but both measures were ultimately rejected.

The bill also establishes 13 causes for the temporary suspension of employment contracts, including states of emergency and other government measures that prevent employees from attending their workplaces.

In addition, the reform would require anti-doping tests for workers in high-risk positions involving security, transportation, machinery operation, handling dangerous equipment, or direct contact with minors.