Government Hands Out RD$360 Million to Former Falcondo Workers and Pensioners
The Dominican government has disbursed about RD$360 million to laid-off workers and pensioners of Falcondo after years of waiting.
Key points
- About RD$360 million for labor severance and special aid.
- More than 100 pensioners will receive compensation equal to three years of the aid they were receiving.
- The payments were made with judicial authorization through a subrogation mechanism.
The Dominican government has disbursed about RD$360 million for labor severance and special aid to laid-off workers and pensioners of Falconbridge Dominicana (Falcondo) in Bonao, Monseñor Nouel province. The funds were coordinated by the Ministry of the Presidency (MINPRE) and the Patrimonial Fund for Reformed Enterprises (FONPER).
According to FONPER president José Florentino, the funds will allow the completion of severance payments to the last group of pending workers, including union members, and address the situation of pensioners. Florentino explained that the payments were made with judicial authorization and through a subrogation mechanism, which allows the State to later recover the advanced funds within the legal process, without extinguishing Falcondo's obligations.
Minister of the Presidency José Ignacio Paliza led the event and said the payout fulfills President Luis Abinader's commitment to workers and pensioners. Paliza also said the government is working to create conditions that would allow mining operations to resume, within the legal framework, to make use of the minerals that remain in the area.
Labor Minister Eddy Olivares Ortega stressed tripartite dialogue as a path to solutions. He said the Labor Ministry made its mediation, arbitration, and legal assistance services available to beneficiaries. Monseñor Nouel Governor Adela Tejada Gil said the payout responds to the prolonged uncertainty faced by workers and their families, whose situation has affected the provincial economy, health, and education.
During the event, checks were symbolically handed to four beneficiaries representing pensioners, former regular employees, people with disabilities, and union representatives. After the formal ceremony, the distribution of checks to laid-off workers and pensioners continued.
Why it matters
If you have relatives or friends who worked at Falcondo in Bonao, this payout may be part of the resolution of unpaid benefits. The case also shows how the state seeks to recover advanced funds through the legal process.
With additional reporting from: Z Digital · De Último Minuto