The Procurement Agency (DGCP) is establishing itself as a preferred place to work. The government department announced it is now giving its new fathers 30 days of paternity leave with remote working. The Dominican Labor Code establishes three days of paternity leave and 14 weeks to mothers. Some companies have been authorizing new fathers to take ten days of paternity leave.
The DGCP becomes the first government agency to announced extended paternity leave. The DGCP says the measure is part of its Institutional Family Responsibility Policy, which seeks to promote the reconciliation of family and work life, paternal and social co-responsibility in the care of the family and a culture of equality between men and women.
Carlos Pimentel, director of the agency, presented the advances in worker relations. The initiative also contemplates a special maternity leave for employees who adopt children, and teleworking facilities so new mothers can complete the six months of exclusive breastfeeding recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
As part of the new initiative, DGCP staff will also receive economic support, subject to budgetary availability, in cases of multiple births, children born with disabilities or special permanent illnesses. The economic assistance is also available in the case of major accidents or catastrophic illnesses, after the worker’s medical insurance coverage has been exhausted.
Deputy DGCP director Crystal Fiallo said that those who work at the DGCP have access to constant training and their children are eligible for scholarships. The program also contemplates flexible hours for employees who care for aging parents.
“The Dominican state must guarantee the rights of all people. And with this mandate that promotes mechanisms that prevent and combat discrimination and other initiatives, the DGCP will become one of the preferred institutions to work for in the country,” she said.
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El Caribe
Hoy
11 March 2021