SANTO DOMINGO.- The Classist Union of Workers (UCT) expressed this Thursday its opposition to the proposals of business sectors to modify the unemployment aid in the reform of the Labor Code. The union organization considers that this is a social right acquired by workers and that, if affected, it should be only for their improvement.
«We believe that unemployment should not be touched; It is a conquest of the workers. “You cannot legislate to affect the rights already won, but to strengthen them,” declared Efreen Sánchez Soriano, secretary of international affairs at the UCT.
Sánchez Soler announced that in the coming days he will meet with the Special Commission of the Senate that studies the reforms to the Labor Code to discuss this and other issues of interest to workers.
The organization described as false the premise that improving the economy of the country and companies requires cutting labor rights, arguing that limiting or eliminating unemployment benefits would be a harmful measure.
«The modification to the Labor Code must be made in a progressive sense, never regressive. That is why we reject the claims to limit unemployment benefits, since these proposals represent a setback and a violation of the Constitution,” the union leader emphasized.
The UCT and its union organizing mission
Juan Núñez, general secretary of the UCT, highlighted that the organization carries out constant and structured work with workers, especially in sectors that do not have union representation.
“In the country, more than 85% of workers are not organized in unions, and our mission is to strengthen union awareness, organization and training in these sectors,” said Núñez.
The UCT, formally recognized by the Ministry of Labor after meeting the legal requirements, has as its main objective the defense of the interests of workers and the promotion of policies that improve their employment situation.
Merger of ministries
Regarding the proposal to merge the ministries of Education and Higher Education, the UCT warned that this measure affects sovereignty and is a manifestation of the neoliberal policies of the current government, which seek to reduce the capacity of the State.
«These two ministries have been separate for decades in the Dominican Republic, and we believe they should remain that way. However, it is necessary to redefine its policies. “It is a crucial issue due to the impact that this decision will have on Dominican education,” said Núñez.
The UCT reiterated its position against any decision that weakens State structures and affects essential sectors such as education.
