2013News

Truckers discuss wage increase

The fuel truckers union (SACTPA) has accepted the mediation of the ministers of Labor and Industry and Commerce and could accept less than they were initially demanding for wage increases. A meeting for the final agreement has been set for Wednesday, 24 April.

The SACTPA represents 700 truck drivers who control fuel transportation in the Dominican Republic. The union has imposed a monopoly on fuel transportation, obliging companies to use their services. The Ministers of Labor and Industry & Commerce served as mediators for the truckers and representatives of the fuel importer companies. Last week Chevron Caribbean, Esso DR, Dipsa-Next, Petromovil, Sunix Petroleum, Isla Dominicana and Sol Company went public and told the general public the demands the truckers were making. The base salary demanded was RD$100,000 for companies with 10 trucks or more, plus benefits that more than doubled the base wage.

The truckers are threatening to strike again if their demands are not met.