Central America and DR renew commitment to decent work and employment modernization

In Panama City, the Ordinary Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Labor of Central America and the Dominican Republic was held on May 14, 15 and 16, with the aim of renewing the regional commitment to decent work, social justice and the modernization of employment.

The Dominican Republic was represented by the Minister of Labor, Eddy Olivares Ortega, who highlighted during his speech that the country assumed the formality of employment as the main labor task, convinced that it is the path that leads the worker and their family to enjoy their right to social security.

Furthermore, he said that work is being done intensively on decent employment, which is another fundamental pillar for ensuring human and social development.

Olivares highlighted the successful tripartite model as a strength of the country, which has created labor and social peace that is a benchmark in the region. “With the union and business leadership, during the government of President Luis Abinader, the highest levels of minimum wages in our history have been produced,” he affirmed.

During the meeting, the Council’s 2025-2027 Action Plan was approved, structured around five strategic axes: Public Employment Systems, Labor Inspection, Formalization, Strengthening the Council’s Functioning, and Management of International Cooperation.

As part of the meeting, the Minister of Labor, Olivares Ortega, presented a report on the progress of the preparations in October for the American Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organization (ILO), which is part of the Panama Proclamation of the Council of Ministers of Labour.

Also, the importance of the Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs), developed with the ILO, was recognized as key instruments for aligning national labor policies with international standards, promoting quality jobs, social protection, and respect for labor rights.

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In the same way, the transfer of the Pro Tempore Presidency of the Council that was in charge of the Secretariat of Labor and Social Security of Honduras to the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development of Panama was carried out.

With this meeting, Central America and the Dominican Republic move forward together towards a modern, inclusive and resilient labor market, which puts people at the center of public policies.

In addition to Minister Eddy Olivares, Jacqueline Muñoz de Cedeño, Minister of Labor and Labor Development of Panama, Andrés Romero of Costa Rica, Wilmer Fernández of Honduras, Oscar Rolando Castro of El Salvador and Miriam Roquel Chávez of Guatemala participated.