25% salary increase benefits agricultural machinery operators in the Dominican Republic
The Ministry of Labor has officialized a 25% increase in the minimum wage for heavy machinery operators dedicated to agriculture. This measure, formalized under Resolution No. 11/2026, arises as a result of a tripartite consensus reached between representatives of the labor sector, employers, and government authorities.
The resolution, issued on September 29th, establishes that the monthly minimum wage for this specialized personnel will increase to RD$27,500, surpassing the RD$22,000 that was previously received. This adjustment seeks to dignify the work of those who operate heavy machinery, a fundamental link for the productivity of the Dominican countryside.
This 25% increase recognizes the value of the work performed by heavy machinery operators in agricultural activity and is proof that, through responsible dialogue between workers, employers, and the State, we can reach agreements that improve working conditions and contribute to the development of productive sectors.
Eddy Olivares Ortega, Minister of Labor
Details of the new tariff structure
In addition to the base salary, the regulations include a 25% update on rates for specific tasks. Among the adjusted tasks are plowing, mudding, furrowing, sowing, fumigation, harvesting, among others. Some of the new highlighted rates are:
- Plowing: RD$23.70 per tarea.
- Mudding: RD$116.53 per tarea.
- Leveling with grader: RD$183.63 per tarea.
- Rice and corn harvesting: RD$16.88 per sack.
- Sorghum harvesting: RD$8.38 per sack.
Additional provisions and compliance
The resolution details that assistants, hauling tractor drivers, and equipment watchmen will be remunerated in accordance with the current minimum wage for the non-sectorized private sector. Likewise, the Ministry of Labor emphasizes that employers have the obligation to accurately record the daily hours worked by each employee.
It is important to highlight that, in compliance with article 217 of the Labor Code, those employees who currently receive remuneration higher than that established in this new scale will not have their salary affected, thus guaranteeing the protection of previously acquired income.
With this action, the Dominican Government reaffirms its commitment to social dialogue as a key tool to promote labor formalization and maintain an environment conducive to investment and economic growth in the agricultural sector.
