Home  Costa Rica  Costa Rica Passes First Vote on Controversial 4-3 Work Week

Costa Rica Passes First Vote on Controversial 4-3 Work Week

By Ileana Fernandez August 16, 2023

0:00 / 2:46

After over two months of heated debate, Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly has passed the first
round of voting on a controversial bill that would allow private sector employees to work a ‘4-3’
shifted schedule – 12 hour days for 4 days followed by 3 days off.

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The initiative, officially known as the exceptional work schedule project or document 21.182, was
approved Tuesday with 32 votes in favor, primarily from the ruling party and PUSC and New
Republic members. Opposition came from the PLN and Frente Amplio deputies who argue the bill
harms workers.

Proponents say the 4-3 schedule allows employees greater flexibility. But critics insist the
extended 12-hour days will decrease productivity and increase accidents.

During Tuesday’s discussion, Frente Amplio leader Sofía Guillén outlined 9 reasons to reject the
bill, citing studies showing the negative impacts of overtime hours. She also raised concerns
about childcare for workers’ families.

Meanwhile PLN deputies criticized the plan as counterproductive, saying countries are working
to reduce hours while Costa Rica seeks to expand them. PLN leader Óscar Izquierdo expressed
disappointment, stating Costa Rican workers do not deserve this outcome.

After navigating 855 motions and reviews, the fast-tracked bill was approved in just over 2
months, starting discussion on May 20th. It would primarily apply to manufacturing, with mutual
employer-employee consent required.

But controversies remain, as the PLN and Frente Amplio have challenged the bill’s
constitutionality. It now heads to the Constitutional Court before a final vote.

“We have passionately and clearly presented the arguments against this bill. The workers of this
country do not deserve this outcome,” emphasized Izquierdo.

Advocates emphasize the shift schedule’s flexibility benefits, but admit further debate is needed. Next
Opponents remain staunchly against the change.
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“While other countries shorten work hours, Costa Rica’s lawmakers disappointingly go the
opposite direction. This regressive bill must be rejected for workers’ wellbeing,” Guillén
underscored. ×
The 4-3 proposal has stirred heated discussion for over 20 years in Costa Rica’s legislature. Its
narrow approval this week represents a milestone, but final passage remains uncertain amidst
legal appeals and continued controversy from both sides

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