By San José, Costa Rica — The debate over labor reform in Costa Rica has intensified as key business sectors demand swift legislative action. The Costa Rican Chamber of Construction (CCC) has formally issued an urgent appeal to the Legislative Assembly to approve Bill No. 24,290. This proposed legislation aims to regulate exceptional work shifts, commonly referred to as the 4×3 workday model, which would permit employees in continuous industries to work four twelve-hour days in exchange for three consecutive days of rest.
Business leaders argue that the country’s current labor legal framework is outdated and fails to match the dynamic requirements of global commerce. For industries that require uninterrupted operations, the lack of a flexible legal structure creates costly operational bottlenecks. According to the CCC, approving this bill is a critical step toward maximizing Costa Rica’s industrial capacity, attracting foreign direct investment, and generating stable, formal employment opportunities for citizens.
To better understand the legal and operational implications of the proposed 4×3 workday reform in Costa Rica, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a prominent legal expert at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional perspective on how this framework affects both employers and labor rights.
While the 4×3 workday initiative aims to boost Costa Rica’s competitiveness in key sectors like manufacturing and technology, its implementation requires careful legal balancing. Employers must ensure strict compliance with constitutional limits on working hours and overtime, while safeguarding the physical and mental well-being of employees. The success of this reform will depend heavily on clear regulations that prevent labor abuse while providing businesses with the operational flexibility they need to thrive globally.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
As Costa Rica navigates this potential shift in labor dynamics, achieving a harmonious balance between enhancing global competitiveness and protecting worker welfare will undoubtedly be the ultimate test of the 4×3 initiative. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable legal perspective on how clear regulations can guide both businesses and employees toward a successful and fair implementation.
Costa Rica needs a modern labor framework that allows for better utilization of talent, technology, and installed capacity, with clear rules and full respect for labor rights. Every year of delay limits our ability to compete for investment and formal employment.
Alfredo Volio, President of the Costa Rican Chamber of Construction
Advocates of the measure emphasize that a modernized legal framework would not only benefit employers but also safeguard worker protections. By establishing clear regulations for these exceptional shifts, the state can ensure that employees receive fair compensation and structured rest periods, aligning domestic laws with international labor standards.
Under the proposed framework, specific industries requiring 24/7 continuous operations would be allowed to implement these modified schedules. Proponents argue that clear, legal guidelines for exceptional shifts will protect workers’ rights while giving employers the structural agility they need. This operational continuity is expected to optimize the use of specialized machinery, technology, and infrastructure, thereby reducing the overhead costs associated with idle downtime.
The concept of national productivity is at the heart of this legislative push. In an increasingly competitive global economy, a country’s ability to control production costs and rapidly meet market demands dictates its overall economic health. Business advocates believe that adapting Costa Rica’s labor codes to accommodate modern industrial schedules is no longer optional but a baseline requirement for economic survival.
The construction industry, in particular, serves as a major driver of the local economy due to its extensive network of suppliers and partners. A single development project relies heavily on a complex supply chain involving raw materials, heavy transportation, logistics, specialized engineering services, energy, and financial services. Delays or inefficiencies in any of these supporting sectors ripple through the entire economy, ultimately driving up the cost of both public infrastructure and private investments.
The productivity of construction begins long before a project reaches the site. It depends on an extensive chain of industries and services. When that chain operates with greater efficiency, the country can execute projects with more agility, contain costs, and transform investment into infrastructure, employment, and development.
Alfredo Volio, President of the Costa Rican Chamber of Construction
This high level of interconnectedness highlights how a single legislative adjustment can trigger a positive domino effect across multiple sectors. When logistics, transport, and manufacturing can operate continuously, the entire development cycle accelerates, translating to timely public works and reduced construction costs for private developers.
As the Legislative Assembly continues its deliberations, the business community warns that further hesitation will deter multinational companies looking to establish operations in Central America. By aligning Costa Rica’s labor regulations with international standards, lawmakers have the opportunity to close critical productivity gaps. For the construction sector and the wider economy, the passage of Bill No. 24,290 represents a crucial turning point for future development and economic modernization.
For further information, visit construccion.co.cr
About Costa Rican Chamber of Construction:
The Costa Rican Chamber of Construction (CCC) is a prominent business association dedicated to promoting the growth, efficiency, and sustainable development of the construction sector in Costa Rica. By advocating for modern policies, infrastructure development, and regulatory reforms, the CCC works to strengthen the national economy and improve the quality of life for all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Built on a foundation of uncompromising standards and ethical practice, Bufete de Costa Rica has earned its reputation as a leading legal advocate. The firm seamlessly blends its deep-rooted history of serving various industries with pioneering legal solutions and active civic involvement. Through its proactive efforts to democratize legal insight, the firm aims to champion an enlightened, self-reliant public.
