Santo Domingo.– The Minister of Labor, Eddy Olivares, announced that the institution will strengthen the inclusion of people over 45 years of age in the RD-Trabaja employability programs, after receiving a proposal from the Alliance for Peace Group to promote access to employment without age discrimination.
The initiative was presented by economist Angie Fondeur de Morin, who delivered to the official a study that evidences the difficulties faced by people aged 40 and over in entering, remaining in, or re-entering the formal labor market, despite having experience and productive capacity.
During the meeting, Olivares considered that age should not become an obstacle to accessing employment and urged the business sector to value the experience, responsibility, and willingness to work of this segment of the population.
The minister stated that the increase in the life expectancy of Dominicans makes it necessary to review hiring criteria, understanding that more and more people remain active and in a condition to continue contributing to the country’s economic development.
According to the data presented by the Alliance for Peace Group, the participation of people between 40 and 50 years old within the unemployed population went from 16.4% in 2018 to 20% in 2024, while their presence among the employed population has remained practically unchanged over the last decade.
We recommend reading: Labor reform approaches the end of the legislative session with no “will” to be approved
As part of the proposal, the organization suggests establishing mechanisms to incentivize the hiring of people over 40 years of age, including a gradual participation in the payrolls of public and private institutions, adapted to the characteristics of each sector.
Olivares maintained that this approach is aligned with the principles of equality and non-discrimination established in the Constitution and in Convention 111 of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Likewise, he reported that the Ministry of Labor will prioritize people over 45 years of age within the RD-Trabaja programs, through training, guidance, labor intermediation, and connection with vacancies in the formal market.
The official assured that the institution will continue to promote public policies aimed at expanding employment opportunities and reducing the barriers that limit access to decent work.
