Dominican labor groups reject Social Security reform proposal

Political and labor organizations in the Dominican Republic, including Frente Amplio, the Bloque Popular Jesús Adón, and the Unión Clasista de Trabajadores (UCT), have rejected the current proposal to reform the Social Security Law. The groups delivered a formal document to Senator Omar Fernández, arguing that the legislative changes fail to address systemic deficiencies and instead favor Pension Fund Administrators (AFP) and Health Risk Administrators (ARS).

UCT General Secretary Juan Núñez criticized the individual capitalization model, stating it does not account for the Dominican labor market's high informality, low wages, and income instability. The organizations oppose increasing retirement ages or contribution rates without first addressing the structural issues that result in insufficient pensions.

Regarding healthcare, the groups expressed concerns over limited service catalogs and the proposal to create a separate insurance scheme for catastrophic illnesses. They argued for comprehensive coverage that prevents families from depleting their assets to pay for medical care. Additionally, they questioned the mandatory inclusion of self-employed workers into the contributory regime without considering the realities of informal labor.