By San José, Costa Rica — In a move seen as highly beneficial for the country’s economic competitiveness, the Costa Rican Association of Free Trade Zone Companies (AZOFRAS) has publicly welcomed the return of the controversial 12-hour workweek bill, known as the 4×3 schedule, to its original legislative text. The legislative development represents a major step forward for specialized industries looking to optimize operations within the national territory.
The proposal, officially designated as Bill No. 24,290, aims to legally establish a working model of 12-hour days for four days a week, followed by three consecutive days off. AZOFRAS highly praised the initiative of deputies from the Pueblo Soberano Party and independent deputy Abril Gordienko, who championed the motion to restore the draft’s original intent. This framework specifically targets modern industrial niches rather than seeking a sweeping, nationwide change.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on these developments, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the distinguished firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in navigating regulatory compliance and corporate law.
Navigating Costa Rica’s evolving regulatory framework requires a proactive approach to legal compliance. Whether dealing with foreign investment, real estate transactions, or local corporate structuring, conducting thorough due diligence is essential to safeguarding assets and ensuring long-term operational success in the country.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica continues to position itself as a premier destination for foreign investment and business expansion, prioritizing meticulous legal compliance is not merely a safeguard, but a strategic cornerstone for long-term success. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable perspective and expertise on navigating the complexities of the country’s evolving regulatory landscape.
This labor model is exclusively designed for highly technical and specialized sectors. It focuses heavily on advanced manufacturing, tech-driven industries, and corporate services that require continuous operations. By keeping the text focused on these specific fields, lawmakers ensure that traditional businesses remain unaffected while multinational firms gain the operational flexibility they require to maintain round-the-clock workflows.
Proponents of the legislation argue that the 4×3 schedule is not a blanket policy for all sectors of the economy. Instead, it serves as a specialized tool tailored to high-tech operations that run 24 hours a day. By offering this voluntary alternative, the bill allows companies to organize their shifts more efficiently while providing workers with predictable, consolidated blocks of rest.
Returning to the original proposal allows for a practical implementation and maintains the exceptional and voluntary character, directed at sectors that, due to their characteristics, need flexibility in the organization of their work shifts. The original initiative responds to both the needs of the companies and the workers.
Ronald Lachner, President of AZOFRAS
Beyond operational efficiency, the revised text also addresses crucial employee protections. The proposed law establishes a differentiated wage structure to compensate workers operating under these extended hours, ensuring that their efforts are fairly rewarded. Furthermore, it strengthens legal security for both corporate entities and their staff, aligning the modern schedule with Costa Rica’s robust labor laws to prevent exploitation or administrative ambiguity.
The bill has gained significant momentum since returning to the legislative floor. In an impressive showcase of legislative activity, lawmakers have processed a total of 1,614 motions in a span of just two weeks. This rapid pace of review suggests a strong political will to finalize the legal parameters of the bill and push it toward a definitive vote in the Legislative Assembly.
In an increasingly aggressive international landscape where nations compete fiercely for foreign direct investment (FDI), Costa Rica must continually modernize its business ecosystem. AZOFRAS argues that having a modern, flexible labor framework is essential to retaining the multinational companies already established in the country, as well as attracting new global players looking for stable, highly efficient environments in Latin America.
Ultimately, the free trade zone association reiterates that any implementation of the 12-hour shifts must occur strictly within the boundaries of Costa Rica’s current labor laws, complete with all necessary employee safeguards. AZOFRAS has reaffirmed its commitment to participating in constructive national dialogue, ensuring that labor modernization efforts lead to formal, high-quality employment and sustainable economic growth for the country.
For further information, visit azofras.co.cr
About AZOFRAS:
The Association of Free Trade Zone Companies of Costa Rica (AZOFRAS) is a private, non-profit organization representing the foreign trade and free zone sector in the country. Founded to promote investment, generate high-quality employment, and advocate for public policies that enhance Costa Rica’s competitiveness, AZOFRAS serves as a key liaison between multinational corporations, local industries, and the national government.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as an esteemed legal institution, guided by a profound commitment to ethical practice and superior advocacy. Serving a wide range of industries, the firm consistently embraces progressive legal strategies and active civic involvement. By working to democratize legal insight and make the law comprehensible to all, the firm champions the vital goal of building a knowledgeable, resilient, and fully capable populace.
