Santo Domingo.– The National Association of Judges and Retired and Pensioned Employees of the Judicial Branch (Anjejup) once again demanded that the Council of the Judiciary review the pensions of retired judges, as established in article 42-6 of Law 327-98, which orders pensions to be reviewed every three years.
In a press release, the union explained that despite the changes in the socioeconomic reality of the Dominican Republic in these decades, retired judges, many of them elderly or with health problems, receive the same pension since their retirement.
Anjejup requests a “coherent and fair update, in line with the current cost of living.”
They highlighted that in repeated communications to the Council of the Judiciary, the association, which brings together more than 470 former judges and servants, demands a decent increase in their pensions.
“Currently, retired justices of the peace receive 11,000 pesos, first instance judges 20,000, and court judges 50,000, while their colleagues on active duty receive 140,000, 180,000 and 260,000 pesos, respectively,” the statement says.
The situation is even more critical for retired administrative employees, of whom 30% receive pensions of 8,000 pesos and many less than 10,000, which is insufficient to cover their basic needs, especially medicines. These retirees, mostly elderly and with health conditions, represent a vulnerable group.
In addition to Law 327-98, resolution 1651/2007 of the same Council created a retirement plan that, in its article 29, provides for a periodic review of pensions to maintain their purchasing value, a mandate that has not been fulfilled either.
«It is sad to see how, while we wait for an adjustment in pensions, many colleagues die or suffer hardship. It seems that instead of recognizing their work, the Judiciary punishes them,” they point out in letters sent to the Superior Council of Directors, signed by its seven members and a coordinator for each region of the country.
The retired judges expressed their claim within the framework of the Judicial Retiree Day, celebrated on October 26 and established in Minute 22-2019 of the Council of the Judiciary. However, ANJEJUP regrets that this date has become a reminder of the precariousness faced by judicial pensioners throughout the country.
«These legal mandates are not met and pensions do not adjust to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The situation they face is outrageous and inhumane,” said Rafael Camilo Amarante, president of the Association.
Camilo Amarante added that “there have been countless times that ANJEJUP has formally requested the Council, current and former, to improve the quality of life of judges and retired employees through a fair adjustment. However, pension amounts remain stagnant, and the dire situation in which many of these servants live, who dedicated their youth to the Judiciary with honesty and care, continues to be ignored.
