CALREPGFI was recently awarded a U.S. Department of State grant for the project Promoting Informal Labor Rights (PILAR). The project’s objectives are based on the principals of DR-CAFTA and the needs outlined by the April 2005 “White Paper” prepared by the Central American and Dominican Vice-Ministers for Trade and Labor, both of which look to foster long-term improvements in application of labor laws and standards.

The project will improve government capacity to collect data on the informal sector while developing strategies that encourage formalization and extend labor rights to informal sector workers. Expected results are development of best practices for government data collection on the informal economy, extension of labor rights provisions to informal sector workers, and development of new policies or reforms that encourage formalization.
 
GFI will implement the project with the Argentine firm Poliarquía Consultants. Chief of Party Míchel Andrade will direct the project team in Nicaragua and Guatemala. Whitney Simon will manage Washington-based operations.