The National Committee of Salaries approved 40% wage increases for construction laborers. The highest wage increase so far approved for other sectors was 18%. The increase is effective 24 May. Days will now be paid at the following rates: Non skilled laborers RD$147, skilled laborers RD$161, assistants RD$189, third category operators RD$215, second category operators RD$280, first category operators RD$350. The announcement comes at a time when new construction has declined considerably in the DR, primarily due to the general slowdown in the economy and the high interest rates on peso loans. According to data from the Central Bank construction declined from 17.7% in 1999 to 5.2% in 2000.
