Valentín Herrera closes cycle at the Ministry of Labor after promoting modernization and labor dialogue

Santo Domingo.– After a career of more than three decades in public administration, Valentín Herrera concluded his functions at the Ministry of Labor, leaving a mark marked by institutional modernization, the strengthening of social dialogue and the promotion of compliance with labor regulations in the Dominican Republic.

Herrera began his career in 1989 as a Labor Inspector, a role he held for more than ten years, consolidating experience in the supervision and application of labor legislation. Subsequently, between 2000 and 2004, he assumed the direction of local representations in Jarabacoa, San Pedro de Macorís and Santiago de los Caballeros, strengthening the territorial presence of the Ministry. Between 2004 and 2008 he held the Sub-Directorate General of Labor, and in 2008 he was appointed Director General of Labor, a position he held until February 6, 2026, accumulating 17 years and five months at the head of that department. During his management, he led key processes in labor regulation, mediation and arbitration, registration supervision, labor migration and coordination of the national inspection system. His work was aimed at consolidating labor policies with a focus on social justice, efficiency and institutional strengthening.

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On the international stage, he represented the country at the International Labour Conference of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in the periods 2009-2018 and 2022-2024, participating in discussions and adoption of standards related to labor rights, decent work and social protection. In addition, he was a member of the ILO Governing Body in 2014 and 2022. Among the milestones of his management is the articulation of an agreement with the General Directorate of Internal Taxes to make transparent the participation in benefits of the workers, as well as his participation in the elaboration of the proposal to modify the Labor Code presented to the National Congress in 2024. He also drove a profound digital transformation in the Ministry, highlighting the creation of the Integrated System of Labor Records (SIRLA), which allowed for streamlining procedures, reducing paper use, and expanding access to services for employers and workers. Furthermore, he played a decisive role in the design of the technological system of the FASE I and II program during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating the management of labor suspensions and the payment of subsidies. Added to this was the implementation of digital certifications with electronic signature and the development of the Single Registration Window for Temporary Workers, strengthening labor control and formalization, especially in the agricultural sector.

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The culmination of his management marks the closing of a stage characterized by institutional consolidation, technological innovation, and the strengthening of the Dominican labor system.