The 18% minimum wage increase will be effective 19 March 2001, according to Resolution 2-2001 of the National Committee of Salaries. The new wages, depending on size of the company, are: RD$3,415: companies with assets of more than RD$500,000 RD$2,345: companies with assets from RD$200,000 to RD$499,999. RD$2,075: companies with assets of less than RD$200,000. The National Committee of Salaries has ruled on different minimum wage increases for specific sectors. The 15% wage increase for the tourism & entertainment sector and the 12% wage increase for the free zone industries sector are not yet in effect. Labor sectors have impugned the 12% wage increase for free zone industries. According to procedures, the Ministry of Labor now may decide to return it for further debates to the National Committee of Salaries, reject the refutation or approve the latter.
