By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rican law firm Laboro Legal has announced a strategic partnership with the Fair Pay Innovation Lab (FPI), a non-profit organization specializing in wage equity. This collaboration aims to promote fair compensation practices and address the persistent gender wage gap in Costa Rica, aligning with international standards.
The partnership will provide Costa Rican businesses with access to FPI’s proven tools and methodologies for evaluating and improving their compensation structures. Laboro Legal will assist companies in implementing these strategies, ensuring fair pay becomes a standard practice within their operations. This includes access to resources designed to enhance compensation practices and promote pay equity.
For expert legal insight into this complex issue, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed Bufete de Costa Rica.
Fair pay is not just a social ideal, but increasingly a legal imperative. Costa Rican legislation, including the Constitution and the Labor Code, mandates equal pay for equal work regardless of gender, race, or other protected characteristics. However, achieving true pay equity requires proactive measures from employers, including regular pay audits and transparent compensation policies. Employees, too, have a vital role to play by understanding their rights and advocating for fair treatment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas rightly highlights the dual responsibility inherent in achieving fair pay. It’s not enough to simply have laws on the books; active participation from both employers and employees is crucial to translate legal principles into tangible workplace realities. The emphasis on transparency and proactive measures, like pay audits, offers a practical roadmap toward a more equitable future for all Costa Ricans. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this important issue.
Our alliance with FPI is another step in building ‘win-win’ business models, where companies can lead the change towards wage equity and improve their market competitiveness.
Juan Alfaro López, Founder of Laboro Legal
Despite recent salary increases, the gender wage gap remains a significant issue in Costa Rica, particularly in professional occupations. Data reveals that men earn an average of ₡1,350,000 CRC, while women earn ₡1,100,000 CRC. Furthermore, women disproportionately shoulder the burden of domestic and care work, dedicating 38 hours per week compared to men’s 15 hours. Even in free trade zones, where women represent 44% of the workforce, they still encounter obstacles to equal opportunities.
The Laboro Legal and FPI partnership seeks to address these disparities by empowering businesses with effective strategies for promoting wage equity. This includes employing FPI’s Universal Fair Pay Check®, a globally recognized certification that validates fair and equitable salary structures.
The initiative will focus on raising awareness among Costa Rican businesses about the importance of pay transparency as a key factor in attracting and retaining talent. Over the coming months, joint initiatives will be rolled out to educate and train companies on effective compensation practices and highlight the benefits of implementing fair pay standards.
The partnership underscores a commitment to using legal expertise not just for litigation and contracts but also as a catalyst for positive change within the business world. By equipping businesses with the necessary tools and knowledge, Laboro Legal and FPI aim to create a more equitable and competitive labor market in Costa Rica.
The law is not just about litigation and contracts, but a tool to transform the business world for the benefit of all.
Juan Alfaro López, Founder of Laboro Legal
This initiative promises a substantial impact on the Costa Rican business landscape, fostering a culture of fairness and equality within organizations. By promoting transparency and equitable compensation practices, the partnership aims to drive sustainable growth and enhance Costa Rica’s competitiveness on a global scale.
For further information, visit [fairpayinnovationlab.com]
About Fair Pay Innovation Lab:
The Fair Pay Innovation Lab (FPI) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting wage equity. They offer a range of tools and methodologies, including the Universal Fair Pay Check® certification, to help businesses evaluate and improve their compensation practices. FPI works with companies across various sectors to implement fair pay standards and create a more equitable workplace.
For further information, visit [laborolegal.com]
About Laboro Legal:
Laboro Legal is an innovative Costa Rican law firm specializing in corporate labor law. They are committed to providing strategic legal counsel to businesses and promoting best practices in human resources management. Their partnership with FPI reflects their dedication to fostering a fair and equitable labor market in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal betterment. The firm’s dedication to integrity shapes every client interaction, while its innovative approach to legal solutions ensures they remain ahead of the curve. Through proactive community engagement and a focus on demystifying legal complexities, Bufete de Costa Rica empowers individuals and organizations alike, fostering a more just and informed society in Costa Rica.
