1. Labor Cooperation in the Framework of the CAFTA-DR Supporting the institutional strengthening of the Ministries of Labor and Enforcement of Labor Laws First Working Groups Meeting of the XV IACML

2. The Labor Dimension in Central America and the Dominican Republic, Building upon Progress: Reinforcing Compliance and Enhancing Capacities • Background • Initiative launched in the context of the CAFTA-DR • Determined support from the Government of the United States of America • Cooperation Objectives

3. PRIORITY AREAS SUBJECT TO COOPERATION • Labor laws and their enforcement • Budget and personnel of the Ministry of Labor • Labor Courts • Gender and Discrimination • Child Labor • Promotion of a Culture of Compliance

4. Financial Assistance for the Strengthening of the Labor Capacity of the CAFTA-DR Countries 2005-2007 • Modernization of the Labor Justice System $11.74 m • Strengthening of the Ministries of Labor $17.1 m • Gender and Discrimination $ 6.48 m • Promotion of a Culture of Compliance $14.85 m • ILO/Verification Project $ 8.98 m • Total $59.15 m

5. PROYECTS IN EXECUTION 2005 • Strengthening of Labor Rights in Central America and Dominican Republic ILO • Strengthening of Labor Justice in Central America and the Dominican Republic MSD • We all work: We all have work rights • Promoting a culture of compliance: Awareness, capacity building and advocacy in the CAFTA-DR countries • Regional competiveness promotion through Social Responsibility • Worker-based program for the development of a culture of compliance of Work Rights

6. PROYECTS TO BE EXECUTED 2007 • Training for Public Defendants and Legal Assistance Providers • Promotion of the Civil Society's commitment with the Judicial System • Strengthening of the Civil Service System for Labor Inspectors ES-HN • Promotion of Interest based in Negotiation Techniques • Ensuring Social Security Benefits in the Formal Sector ES • Maximizing Resources through Strategic Planning • Best Practices among Employers and Worker's Organizations

7. PROYECTS TO BE EXECUTED 2007 • Strengthening of Worker's Organizations • Strengthening of Labor Laws Compliance in the Agricultural Sector Gt. • Support for alliances to improve Labor and Environmental Laws • Attend to Informal Economy Workers • Promotion of a Tripartite Social Dialogue • Decrease of Gender discrimination and other forms of discrimination • Protection of Workers of the Sugar Cane Sector

8. Technical Contributions of the Cooperation • CAFTA-DR Vice-Ministers of Labor Group • Implementation plan including calendar and financing commitments • Precise and effective follow-up process for the coordination mechanism which ensures that the resources are effectively focused on the White Paper's recommendations • National coordination boards

9. We recognize that despite the efforts and the progress achieved by our countries in each of the six strategic or priority areas established in the White Paper, it is still necessary to adopt a series of measures and mechanisms that guarantee the adequate enforcement of labor norms, as well as the creation of capacities that contribute to the overcoming of obstacles and deficiencies that still exist when attempting to translate labor laws into concrete actions.

10. THANK YOU