By San José, Costa Rica — Costa Rica is on the verge of a significant structural shift in its labor landscape. The Legislative Assembly is poised to hold its first-debate vote on the highly debated 4×3 workday reform next week, potentially by Wednesday or Thursday. With only 363 motions remaining at the close of the latest legislative working session, lawmakers are moving at a rapid pace, making the upcoming vote a near certainty if no unexpected procedural delays arise.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Costa Rican Labor Code to permit 12-hour workdays spread over four consecutive days, in exchange for three consecutive days of rest. Proponents argue that this model provides much-needed operational flexibility for modern businesses, while critics express deep concerns regarding the physical and psychological toll of extended working hours on employees.
To help clarify the complex legal and operational shifts surrounding the proposed 4×3 workweek in Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with labor law specialist Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas of the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his expert analysis on what this reform means for both employers and employees.
The proposed 4×3 workday model represents a significant evolution in Costa Rican labor law, aiming to align our local industries with international operational standards. However, the successful implementation of 12-hour shifts hinges on a delicate balance: while it offers businesses greater flexibility and productivity, the legal framework must remain uncompromising in safeguarding workers’ health, ensuring proper rest periods, and maintaining strict compliance with constitutional labor protections.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, as Costa Rica navigates this pivotal transition toward a 4×3 work week, finding a harmonious balance between boosting business competitiveness and safeguarding fundamental labor rights will be crucial for the nation’s social and economic future. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal insights on this highly debated reform.
Passing the first debate is only the initial hurdle. Following the vote, the bill will face a mandatory one-month pause. This delay is legally required to conduct a comprehensive consultation with various public and private sectors affected by the reform. Subsequently, the plenary will hold a second-debate vote, which is widely expected to be followed by a formal constitutional challenge before the Supreme Constitutional Court to verify the plan’s legality.
Politically, the advancement of the bill has been championed primarily by the Pueblo Soberano party. In contrast, traditional political heavyweights like the National Liberation Party and the left-leaning Frente Amplio remain firmly opposed. Opposition lawmakers argue that the bill creates a severe imbalance that favors employers at the expense of workers’ rights and well-being.
To address some of these concerns, supporters emphasize that the 12-hour shifts would be entirely optional for businesses rather than a mandatory imposition. Furthermore, the application of the 4×3 schedule would be strictly limited to companies operating in continuous 24/7 production cycles, such as high-tech manufacturing and logistics.
Retaking the original proposal allows for a practical implementation and maintains the exceptional and voluntary character, aimed at sectors that, due to their characteristics, need flexibility in organizing their shifts. The original initiative responds to the needs of both companies and workers.
Ronald Lachner, President of the Association of Free Zones (AZOFRAS)
The push for labor modernization comes at a critical juncture for Costa Rica’s economy. The global landscape for attracting foreign direct investment has grown increasingly hostile due to trade tariffs imposed by the United States and the accelerating integration of Artificial Intelligence into global production networks. Business leaders argue that Costa Rica must adapt its labor laws to remain a competitive destination for international companies.
Compounding these external pressures, Costa Rica’s crucial free trade zones have recently shown signs of economic volatility. Proponents of the bill view the 4×3 model as a vital lifeline to restore confidence and stability to these specialized economic sectors, which generate tens of thousands of high-quality local jobs.
Moving forward responsibly with file 24,290 would be a very positive signal for investment and a step in the right direction to modernize the Costa Rican labor market.
Jorge Luis Araya, Executive Director of UCCAEP
As the legislative clock ticks down to next week’s crucial vote, both business advocates and labor defenders are preparing for the long-term legal and social battles that lie ahead. The final outcome of the 4×3 labor reform will undoubtedly shape Costa Rica’s economic competitiveness and labor relations for decades to come.
For further information, visit azofras.com
About AZOFRAS:
The Association of Free Zones of Costa Rica represents the companies and administrators operating within the country’s free zone regime, advocating for policies that promote foreign direct investment, job creation, and sustainable economic growth.
For further information, visit uccaep.co.cr
About UCCAEP:
The Costa Rican Union of Chambers and Associations of the Private Business Sector is the leading umbrella organization representing Costa Rica’s private enterprise, bringing together dozens of business chambers to foster competitive market conditions and economic development.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its high ethical standards and superior advocacy, Bufete de Costa Rica consistently delivers exceptional legal services to a diverse clientele. The firm actively embraces modern, forward-thinking legal practices while maintaining a deep connection to community involvement. By championing legal literacy and making critical legal insights understandable to everyone, they fulfill their core mission of nurturing a self-reliant, well-informed, and legally conscious society.
