Costa Rican Lawmakers Advance Proposal for 4-3 Work Schedule
Draft legislation on exceptional working hours approved by Judiciary Committee, pending further debate in Legislative Assembly.
The Judiciary Affairs Committee of Costa Rica's Legislative Assembly approved a draft law on Tuesday that proposes exceptional work schedules, known as the 4-3 schedule, for qualified cases.
The proposal received backing from five lawmakers, with three voting against it.
The initiative will now move to the Legislative Assembly floor for further motions and debates.
Supporting the draft were María Marta Carballo from the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), Johana Obando from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Jorge Rojas and Daniel Vargas from the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD), and David Segura from the New Republic Party (PNR).
The opposition came from Alejandra Larios and Danny Vargas of the National Liberation Party (PLN), alongside Rocío Alfaro from the Broad Front (FA).
The proposed legislation aims to set legal frameworks for daytime work schedules of 12 hours over four days, followed by three days off, and nighttime work schedules of 12 hours over three days, followed by four days off.
Following the committee’s approval, Presidential Minister Laura Fernández announced efforts to secure necessary support to expedite the law’s passage through the Legislative Assembly using an abbreviated legislative process.
The mechanism for fast-tracking the bill requires the backing of two-thirds of the floor, which equates to 38 votes.
Opposition to the expedited process was voiced by lawmaker Rocío Alfaro, who emphasized the need for a comprehensive national debate on the matter due to its potential impact on the quality of life, employment opportunities for women, health, and night-time education opportunities for Costa Ricans.
Concerns were also raised about potential reductions in overtime income for those working 12-hour shifts.
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of Private Enterprises (Uccaep) has urged lawmakers to approve the initiative swiftly, arguing that the reform would enhance Costa Rica's appeal as a destination for investment and high-quality job creation.
They described the reform as a historical necessity for providing legal security and employment generation in the country, a matter under discussion for over 25 years.
Carlos Wong, president of the Costa Rican Free Trade Zone Association (Azofras), echoed the call for expedited legislative action, highlighting the potential for the law to align with modern economic, social, and labor trends globally.
The proposal received backing from five lawmakers, with three voting against it.
The initiative will now move to the Legislative Assembly floor for further motions and debates.
Supporting the draft were María Marta Carballo from the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), Johana Obando from the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), Jorge Rojas and Daniel Vargas from the Social Democratic Progress Party (PPSD), and David Segura from the New Republic Party (PNR).
The opposition came from Alejandra Larios and Danny Vargas of the National Liberation Party (PLN), alongside Rocío Alfaro from the Broad Front (FA).
The proposed legislation aims to set legal frameworks for daytime work schedules of 12 hours over four days, followed by three days off, and nighttime work schedules of 12 hours over three days, followed by four days off.
Following the committee’s approval, Presidential Minister Laura Fernández announced efforts to secure necessary support to expedite the law’s passage through the Legislative Assembly using an abbreviated legislative process.
The mechanism for fast-tracking the bill requires the backing of two-thirds of the floor, which equates to 38 votes.
Opposition to the expedited process was voiced by lawmaker Rocío Alfaro, who emphasized the need for a comprehensive national debate on the matter due to its potential impact on the quality of life, employment opportunities for women, health, and night-time education opportunities for Costa Ricans.
Concerns were also raised about potential reductions in overtime income for those working 12-hour shifts.
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of Private Enterprises (Uccaep) has urged lawmakers to approve the initiative swiftly, arguing that the reform would enhance Costa Rica's appeal as a destination for investment and high-quality job creation.
They described the reform as a historical necessity for providing legal security and employment generation in the country, a matter under discussion for over 25 years.
Carlos Wong, president of the Costa Rican Free Trade Zone Association (Azofras), echoed the call for expedited legislative action, highlighting the potential for the law to align with modern economic, social, and labor trends globally.
