Dominican Republic unions push President Abinader to scrap labor reform

Union leaders in the Dominican Republic, including Gabriel del Río Doñé of the Confederación Autónoma Sindical Clasista (CASC) and deputy Jacobo Ramos, have called on President Luis Abinader to withdraw the proposed reform of the Labor Code from the National Congress. They argue that conditions are not suitable for further dialogue, especially on the issue of severance (cesantía), stating, "No tenemos ningún interés en seguir conversando sobre el proyecto, sobre todo sobre la cesantía."

The unions say the labor reform was already settled in a 14‑year tripartite dialogue and that any further discussion is a closed chapter. They blame the business sector for blocking the bill’s approval and insist the current code should remain in force, with any needed changes made by decree. While rejecting talks on the code, they remain open to addressing other labor agenda items such as platform‑worker legislation and salary agreements.