A text for women to retire at age 55 was Approved for a Second Debate

Assembly members Scheznarda Fernández and Silvia Salgado (r) cast their vote in favor of the project.

Yesterday, the Committee of Workers of Ecuador Assembly approved the report for a second debate of the special retirement project. This project reduces to 25 years the time of contributions and the limit to voluntarily retire will be at age 55 for a woman. Currently retirement must be done at age 60 and they must have 30 years of contributions.

This project was supported by Assembly members: Enrique Herrería (former member of MG party), Kléver Garcia (PSP party), Nivea Velez (not affiliated), Consuelo Flores (MG), Scheznarda Fernandez (not affiliated) and Silvia Salgado (PSE). The latter two are close to the ruling.

Este texto fue apoyado por los asambleístas Enrique Herrería (antes de MG), Kléver García (PSP), Nívea Vélez (no afiliada), Consuelo Flores (MG), Scheznarda Fernández (no afiliada) y Silvia Salgado (PSE). Estas dos últimas son cercanas al oficialismo.

The ruling did not support the proposal, as well as MPD party, which questioned the basis of the establishment of 55 years old for retirement, when in the original draft there was no age limit.

Fernandez, who chairs the Committee of Workers, said the project is based on the actuarial report of the Social Security Institute (IESS) and the International Labour Organization (ILO), that is why he ruled that there is no  risk for the IESS to become underfunded.

Betty Carrillo (AP) said that 36,138 women could access this benefit, which would mean an expenditure of $ 5,450 million for the State. (FL)