The Dominican Association of Free Zones (Adozona), unions and the Ministry of Labor are scheduled to sign an agreement today that would establish a Monday to Thursday 12-hour work week, with Friday through Sunday off for workers. The so-called 4 x 4 work week was sought by the Dominican Association of Free Zones. Another flexible work agreement is in place at the Cerveceria Nacional Dominicana, the brewers of Presidente beer. As part of a pilot program, workers labor 14 days a month, getting 14 days off. Jose Clase, president of the Dominican Association of Free Zones, applauded the agreement. He said it is most important that the concept of flexible work days becomes part of Dominican labor law. Clase also spoke of the need for different wage levels in provinces where free zone activity is only starting. He said this would increase employment in provinces such as Hato Mayor, Sanchez (Samana), Monte Cristi, and Santiago Rodriguez as businessmen set up operations that require unskilled labor. He said this would permit the country to compete with Central American countries that are offering much cheaper labor than what is available in the DR.
