Spanish
Santo Domingo.- Nurses from the Dominican Republic, grouped in several unions, reactivated their plan of action this Thursday, denouncing the non-compliance by the Government of the agreements established since November 2023 regarding pensions, staff replacement, and labor improvements.
During a press conference held at the headquarters of the Dominican National Confederation of Workers (CNTD), the trade union organizations expressed their indignation at the lack of progress after meetings with high authorities of the Health Cabinet, including Vice President Raquel Peña and the Ministers of Health and Labor. The unions stated that, despite the commitments made, no concrete actions have been taken to resolve their demands.
Among the key points of the claim is the reinstatement of dismissed nursing staff, especially those known as "jornaleras", the application of time in service as an acquired right for pension purposes, the streamlining of the retirement processes of health sector personnel, the appointment of new personnel to fill vacancies, and the improvement of working conditions, including hospital infrastructure and security in health centers.
According to union representatives, on November 11th, the creation of a technical committee was agreed upon, headed by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Víctor Atallah, along with the then Minister of Labor, Luis Miguel De Camps, and the Director of the National Health Service, Dr. Mario Lama.
Said table was to present results within ten days and meet with President Luis Abinader to establish compliance dates. However, these commitments have not materialized.
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“We got tired of waiting. More than six months have passed without the promised word being respected. Today we resume our fight with firmness and unity,” expressed Francisco Ricardo García, president of the Dominican National Cooperative of Multiple Nursing Services (COOPUNASED), who warned that the actions could intensify if a response is not received in the short term.
The convening organizations include the Dominican National Union of Nursing Services (UNASED), the National Union of Nursing Workers (SINATRAE), the Nursing Association of the Former IDSS (ADEIDSS), the National Coordinator of Dignified Nursing Professionals (CONAENDILANG-CASC), and the National Union of Nursing Services (UNASE-CASC).
The unions reiterated their willingness to dialogue, but demand concrete actions. "We don't want any more promises, we want real solutions for the personnel that sustains the health system," García concluded.
