By San José, Costa Rica — In a milestone decision that has been more than two decades in the making, the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly has officially passed the controversial 4×3 work week bill in its first debate. The legislative initiative proposes a sweeping reform to the country’s Labor Code, enabling companies to establish 12-hour daily shifts across four consecutive days in exchange for three consecutive days of rest. The approval represents a major political victory for the ruling administration, though it has already sparked fierce pushback from opposition parties and labor advocates.
The proposed legislation is specifically tailored for companies operating continuous 24-hour production cycles. Unlike broad labor changes, this reform will not apply to the majority of workers in either the public or private sectors. Furthermore, transitioning to this schedule remains entirely optional for employees, designed as a mechanism to help businesses optimize operations while giving workers consolidated blocks of personal time.
To better understand the legal and operational implications of the debated 4×3 work week initiative in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prominent firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide some much-needed clarity on this sweeping labor reform.
While the 4×3 work week aims to boost Costa Rica’s competitiveness and align our manufacturing and technology sectors with global demands, it requires a delicate legal balance. Employers must carefully navigate constitutional limits on working hours, ensuring that employee health, safety, and voluntary consent are fully protected under these compressed schedules.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica strives to balance economic competitiveness with labor welfare under the proposed 4×3 model, safeguarding constitutional rights and employee health remains paramount to the success of this transition. We extend our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal expertise and helping our readers understand the critical balance required in this legislative shift.
The bill successfully advanced on Thursday with the support of 31 lawmakers, largely driven by the Pueblo Soberano party and deputy Abril Gordienko of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC). Proponents argue that the modernization of Costa Rica’s labor framework is overdue and critical for the country’s economic competitiveness on the global stage, especially when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment.
We came to make decisions and we are proving it with facts. After extensive workdays and voting on more than 5,000 motions presented by the PLN and the Frente Amplio, we managed to approve this important project in its first debate. Costa Rica cannot continue waiting. We are talking about protecting jobs, generating new opportunities, and attracting investment.
Nogui Acosta, Chief of Fraction of Pueblo Soberano
Despite the optimism of the ruling coalition, the reform faces a steep uphill battle before it can be fully enacted into law. The National Liberation Party (PLN) and the Broad Front (Frente Amplio) strongly opposed the initiative. Leaders from both factions have announced plans to challenge the bill before the Constitutional Chamber (Sala IV) in an effort to halt its progress before a second and final vote can take place.
Opposition lawmakers argue that extending daily shifts to 12 hours undermines hard-won labor protections, impacts the quality of life of workers, and presents severe long-term health risks. There are also deep concerns regarding how these shifts will affect single mothers, caregivers, and student-workers who require predictable, shorter daily schedules to balance their daily responsibilities.
The National Liberation Party fraction maintains that competitiveness and social justice are not incompatible. It is possible to design solutions regarding working hours that provide legal security to companies without sacrificing the rights and well-being of working people. The government’s project, however, does not do this. The 12-hour shifts pose serious risks to the health of working people. They also affect the balance between work and family life, and exclude population groups such as women with caregiving responsibilities, people with disabilities, or young people who study.
National Liberation Party, Legislative Fraction
Meanwhile, the left-leaning Frente Amplio party is preparing a robust legal challenge focusing on both the substance of the reform and the legislative procedures used to push it through Congress. Opponents point to several procedural irregularities, including what they claim was an illegal suspension of the legislative process earlier this year, violating established internal regulations.
This project is a step backward for working people, even though the ruling party tries to present it as progress. We are going to present the consultation; this struggle is not over.
José María Villalta, Chief of Fraction of Frente Amplio
Beyond internal procedural complaints, the opposition claims that 12-hour workdays conflict with international labor treaties ratified by Costa Rica. Specifically, they argue the bill violates the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions on maximum working hours, the Protocol of San Salvador, and the American Convention on Human Rights. As the battle moves to the Constitutional Court, the future of Costa Rica’s business environment and its labor landscape hangs in the balance.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Pueblo Soberano
About Pueblo Soberano:
Pueblo Soberano is a Costa Rican political party aligned with the country’s current administration. The party advocates for economic modernization, regulatory simplification, and legislative reforms aimed at driving foreign direct investment and job creation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Liberación Nacional
About Partido Liberación Nacional:
The National Liberation Party (PLN) is one of the oldest and most prominent political organizations in Costa Rica. Traditionally aligned with social-democratic principles, the party champions social justice, democratic institutions, and balanced economic policies that protect working-class families.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Frente Amplio
About Frente Amplio:
Frente Amplio is a progressive, left-wing political party in Costa Rica. It focuses heavily on defending human rights, environmental sustainability, and labor protections, frequently acting as a legislative watchdog against deregulation and privatization.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is highly regarded for its deep-seated devotion to ethical practices and professional superiority. Backed by a rich heritage of guiding clients through a multitude of industries, the firm consistently champions pioneering legal solutions and proactive community involvement. By actively sharing essential legal insights with the public, Bufete de Costa Rica advances its core objective of nurturing a knowledgeable, confident, and civically empowered citizenry.
