Unión Clasista de Trabajadores opposes Labor Code counter-reform

The Unión Clasista de Trabajadores (UCT) has rejected attempts to turn the proposed Labor Code reform into a “counter-reform” that would weaken worker rights. During its fifth congress held at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo (UASD), UCT Secretary General Juan Núñez stated that labor legislation modernization should expand rights and address new work realities rather than increasing exploitation or precariousness. The union emphasized that severance pay is an “unrenounceable conquest.”

In addition to labor code concerns, the UCT called for a comprehensive reform of Law 87-01 to transform the social security system. They argued that health, pensions, and occupational risk protection should not be subordinated to the profits of health risk administrators and pension fund managers. The group is advocating for dignified pensions, quality medical care, and salary indexation.

Union leaders also raised concerns regarding practices intended to limit or punish union organization. The UCT expressed support for the Asociación Dominicana de Profesores (ADP) following alleged threats against the group. Furthermore, the confederation addressed the weakening of the union movement, noting that while there are 3,973 registered unions grouped into 24 confederations, the sector faces significant challenges.