The charge d’affaires of the United States Embassy in the Dominican Republic, Robert W. Thomas, affirmed today that the ban on the import of sugar from Central Romana to that country seeks better conditions for workers and a more competitive environment. strong for the many companies that do treat their workers fairly.
The diplomat said that the US Embassy is willing to work with Central Romana if it decides to take a different path.
“Dominicans have made it clear to me that they believe all workers deserve fair treatment, and current Dominican labor law already requires it. Within the framework of the DR-CAFTA trade agreement, both the Dominican Republic and the United States committed to the full application of our labor laws,” said the diplomat at the luncheon of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Dominican Republic (AMCHAMDR).
He explained that with this action they seek to comply, even when dealing with a US company. “We are not shirking our own responsibilities: importing products into the United States that are manufactured with forced labor is against our values, and against our laws, and it is also against the laws and values of the Dominican Republic.”
He said that the United States Embassy works “closely with the Dominican government” on labor issues, and will continue to do so.