Venezuela Reforms Social Welfare Law

Partial reform of the Venezuelan Social Welfare Law strengthens the system of sanctions against entities which violate legislation and increase the workers' benefits, government authorities said on Tuesday. Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security Jesus Faria said that the new regulation will sanction minor, serious and very serious offenses with fines of 10, 50 and 100 bolivars, respectively. Previously, violators paid just two bolivars (less than a dollar) per offense, a ridiculous amount of money, the official told journalists. He said reoffending businesses may be closed up to tree days, as 'we are seeking a fulfilment of their obligation to give information about the payroll and give resources to the workers.' Our ministry will promote information campaigns on the law to guarantee its enforcement with the backing of mainstream, community and alternative media, said Faria. It is the workers who must play a main role in the construction of the new Venezuelan society, he stressed.