The Unified Labor Council (CNUS) held a press conference during which it proposed a 35% salary increase in both the public and private sectors, including pensioners. At the same time, in separate press releases, two powerful business organizations – the National Businessmen?s Union (UNE) and the Herrera Industrial Association (AEIH) urged approval of a salary increase, but affirmed that a 10% increase is more in line with the increase in the cost of living. UNE?s President, Andres Dauhajre, insisted that a salary increase is ?a question of conscience, humanity and solidarity,? but declined to cite a figure. In another press release, the Dominican Business Federation (FDC) argued that an adjustment in the minimum salary is in order in the range of 30% to compensate for the loss of purchasing power occasioned by the increase in fuel costs and this summer?s devaluation of the peso. Nevertheless, the cautious Celso Marranzini, of CONEP, again urged all parties to await the unveiling of the Mejia administration?s tax package before committing themselves on the subject of salaries. Marranzini also pointed out that the National Commission on Salaries (CNS) meets every two years to consider salary increases in light of economic developments in the intervening twenty-four months, and is scheduled to meet next May.
