The National Salary Committee approved an 18% wage increase for those working in general business. Free zones and tourism industry, and other industries have special wage levels. The 18% increase will benefit workers at businesses with capital of at least RD$500,000. The RD$521.10 increase in the minimum wage, ups the present RD$2,985 minimum wage to RD$3,416.10. The increase was passed after days of discussions between representatives of the government, business, and labor groups. The labor groups had requested an increase of 35%, but said they would have accepted a minimum 20% increase. The government and business sectors voted in favor of the 18% increase. Business had proposed a 15% increase. Altagracia Español Yaport said that the increase will be effective once the Committee issues a resolution on the increase and makes the publication in a newspaper of national circulation. If 15 days after the publication it is not impugned, it will automatically go into effect. Already, the government has authorized a 10% increase in wages for its personnel, and free zones have authorized a 12% increase bringing the free zone wage to RD$2,490.
