Free zone workers will see wage increases this month, as the National Salaries Committee approved a 15% increase for employees of free zone manufacturing companies, effective 19 October. An additional 10% will go into effect 90 days later, for an overall increase of 25% by January 2004.
The minimum wage of free zone sector workers is currently RD$2,877 per month, which would increase to RD$3,3098.55 this month, and to RD$3,596.25 in January 2004. The free zone sector employs approximately 190,000 employees, according to a report in El Caribe.