The internal conflict in Falconbridge Dominicana SA (Falcondo) has plunged hundreds of people into uncertainty workers and their families. In a context of economic crisis and lack of response from the company and the authorities, employees face a harsh reality: they have not been paid for 11 weeks and lack access to health insurance.
The situation is critical, not only for assets, but also for the pensionerswho are not receiving their resources.
The company owes more than 300 million dollars in salaries, benefits and vacations, affecting about 1,200 employees, while the debts to contractors and subcontractors exceed the 1 billion dollarsunionists say.
Today, a commission of workers He went to the Ministry of Labor in the hope of mediation. However, the Falcondo representatives did not attend.
“The president of the company, Gaetan Bucherhas requested an extension to seek funds, but we can’t hold out any longer. We haven’t been paid for three months,” declared Víctor Rodríguez, general secretary of the Union of Workers United States of the Dominican Falconbridge (Sutrafado).
For the president of the National Confederation of Trade Union Unity (CNUS), Rafael (Pepe) AbreuBucher’s actions are “irresponsible”and indicated that the company’s delays are placing the workers “against a rock and a hard place.”
He indicated that the Ministry of Labor suggested drawing up a record to take the process to court, but it is a long-term measure. “The workers need immediate solutions to cover daily expenses, such as rent and food,” he said.
The employees They expressed their desire to take their fight to the National Palace. In fact, they have been setting up a camp in front of the Provincial Government in Bonao for a month.
“We demand that our acquired rights be respected and that the government, as guarantor of those rights, give us answers. There are 385 families that are going through calamities“Rodríguez stressed.
The workers They demand not only the payment of their back salaries, but also to separate themselves from a company that, according to them, does not offer working or economic conditions.
The situation is further aggravated by the lack of health insurance and the withdrawal of retirees’ pensions. Since last November, the employees lack access to health services, and some pensioners have suffered severe consequences, including the death of four workersmost with chronic diseases.
Protests and calls to action
The Sutrafado union has announced that next Monday, October 14, they will begin a peaceful walk on the Duarte Highway towards the Falcondo facilities.
Furthermore, a 48 hour provincial strikewhose date will be announced during this activity.
“We have exhausted all legal steps and no one responds. The situation is unsustainable”General Secretary of Sutrafado
Impact on the community and contractors
- The conflict also has repercussions on more than 40 contracting companies that used to provide services to Falcondo. With accumulated debts amounting to more than 1,000 million pesos, some companies have had to close operations, affecting their workers.
The lack of action on the part of Falcondo has generated a domino effect that has left many in a situation of extreme vulnerability.
The company’s response
In a letter addressed to the director of mediation and arbitration, the president of Falcondo apologizes for not being able to meet the salary commitments and requests a new meeting for October 15.
“Despite the great efforts we have been making to manage the funds that allow us to honor the salary commitments with our employees, for this week it has not been possible to materialize said management,” Bucher explained in a letter to which Free Diary had access.
As the employees continue their fight, the clock is ticking and uncertainty growsleaving 385 families in a situation of abandonment and despair.
Next week will be crucial, and the workers They are determined to make themselves heard, demanding an immediate solution to their crisis.
“We continue to work hard to have these funds as soon as possible, and thus fulfill our commitments,” he expressed Falcondo.
That said, Bucher formally requested that the meeting scheduled for this Friday be rescheduled for October 15, a date on which he understands that it will be enough for funds to come in and thus comply with the pending salaries.
In January of this year, Americano Nickel Limited and its subsidiary Falconbridge Dominican appointed Gaetan Bucher as president of Falcondo in the middle of a crisis. Employees were fighting for their Christmas salaries.
According to the company, this measure reflects a proactive approach towards company adaptationestablishing differentiated roles for new leadership, highlighting the importance of experience, training and complementary skills in the search for innovative solutions.
With a commitment to excellence, the senior executive hoped to lead the organization into a phase of business transformation. ferronickel mining operation.
Falconbridge Dominicana came out of operation after having entered a state of “care and maintenance” at the end of 2023 due to the low nickel prices. The situation has generated uncertainty about its possible reactivation.
At that time, the company faced debts that could reach $100 million, affecting both its creditors and its customers. fuel supplier.
Furthermore, the labor disputes with employees have intensified concern among workerslegislators and creditors.
Falcondolocated in Bonao, Monseñor Nouel province, Northern region of the Dominican Republic, is going through a crisis that poses doubts about your future and the impact on the local community.
