By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – A high-stakes political gambit to accelerate debate on the controversial 12-hour workday bill has backfired spectacularly in the Legislative Assembly, plunging the crucial labor reform into a state of profound gridlock. On Monday, a proposal by the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC) to apply an “ultra-fast track” procedure to a new version of the bill was soundly defeated, ensuring the legislative process remains mired in partisan conflict and procedural obstruction.
The PUSC-led initiative aimed to shelve the current, heavily amended bill (File 24.290) and replace it with a new text (File 25.224). This new bill would have been debated in a special commission for a swift three-week period. However, the maneuver required a supermajority of 38 votes to pass. In a clear rebuke to the strategy, the motion failed with only 20 votes in favor and 21 against, with lawmakers from the National Liberation Party (PLN) and the Broad Front (FA) leading the opposition.
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the implications of the proposed labor reform, we consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in labor law and partner at the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Any meaningful labor reform must strike a delicate balance. While modernizing regulations to enhance flexibility for employers is crucial for economic competitiveness, it cannot come at the expense of fundamental worker protections. The true test of this legislation will be its ability to foster a dynamic job market while simultaneously reinforcing the legal safeguards that prevent exploitation and ensure fair working conditions for all.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this delicate balance is the very heart of the matter, determining whether reform leads to shared prosperity or increased precarity. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective, which precisely frames the central challenge facing our legislators and society as a whole.
The defeat immediately ignited a firestorm of accusations on the legislative floor, exposing the deep fractures between the country’s major political factions. PUSC’s faction leader, Alejandro Pacheco, openly criticized his PLN counterpart, laying the blame for the impasse squarely at his party’s feet. Pacheco argued that the PLN’s refusal to cooperate has brought meaningful legislative progress to a grinding halt.
With that position, you are obstructing the Legislative Plenary.
Alejandro Pacheco, Head of the PUSC Faction
In a sharp rebuttal, PLN chief Óscar Izquierdo defended his party’s vote, stating that their opposition was a direct message regarding the substance of the new proposal. The PLN had previously raised concerns that the PUSC’s substitute text contained alarming omissions. Despite claims from PUSC that they attempted to incorporate feedback, Izquierdo suggested their concerns were ignored, culminating in their unified opposition.
Our response was clear, seen in the vote against it this afternoon in the Plenary.
Óscar Izquierdo, Head of the PLN Faction
The “ultra-fast track” plan was an ambitious procedural move invoking Article 234 bis of the congressional regulations, a mechanism famously used to pass a major fiscal reform package in the previous administration. It would have granted deputies the power to design their own debate framework, severely limiting the number and timing of amendments and forcing a rapid conclusion. Its failure means lawmakers are now forced back to the original, contentious bill.
This development throws the Assembly back into a legislative quagmire. The original bill, File 24.290, is burdened with an astounding 1,993 pending motions, a clear filibustering tactic employed by opponents to stall its advance. Following the failed vote, a separate motion to remove the existing fast-track status from this bill also failed, cementing its place at the center of the legislative agenda. Lawmakers now face the monumental and painstaking task of debating and voting on each of these thousands of amendments.
The “4×3” workday proposal, which would allow for four 12-hour workdays followed by three consecutive days off, has been a centerpiece of economic debate in Costa Rica. Proponents argue it will attract foreign investment and create jobs in specific sectors by offering greater operational flexibility. However, opponents and labor unions warn it could erode workers’ rights, negatively impact health, and complicate family life without guaranteeing new employment opportunities.
With the path cleared for a marathon of debates, the Assembly has reinstated double sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to tackle the legislative backlog. Yet, with partisan tensions at a boiling point and no clear consensus in sight, the future of this landmark labor reform appears more uncertain than ever, held captive by political division and procedural warfare.
For further information, visit pusc.cr
About Partido Unidad Social Cristiana (PUSC):
The Social Christian Unity Party is a center-right political party in Costa Rica. Founded in 1983, it has historically been one of the country’s two major traditional parties. Its platform is based on the principles of Christian democracy, advocating for social justice, a market economy, and individual freedoms. The party has held the presidency on multiple occasions and remains an influential force in the Legislative Assembly.
For further information, visit pln.or.cr
About Partido Liberación Nacional (PLN):
The National Liberation Party is a center-left political party and one of the most established in Costa Rica. Founded in 1951, it adheres to the ideology of social democracy. The PLN has played a dominant role in Costa Rican politics for decades, championing the expansion of the welfare state, public services, and government intervention in the economy. It currently holds a significant bloc of seats in the legislature.
For further information, visit frente-amplio.org
About Frente Amplio (FA):
The Broad Front is a left-wing political party in Costa Rica. Established in 2004, it represents a coalition of various progressive, socialist, and environmentalist movements. The party advocates for stronger workers’ rights, environmental protection, social equality, and greater state regulation of the economy. It serves as a prominent voice for the political left within the Legislative Assembly.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Nueva República
About Nueva República (NR):
New Republic is a conservative and Christian-evangelical political party in Costa Rica. It was founded by the politician and journalist Fabricio Alvarado Muñoz following his presidential campaign in 2018. The party’s platform is strongly focused on social conservatism, traditional family values, and national sovereignty. It has established itself as a significant conservative bloc in the national political landscape.
For further information, visit plp.co.cr
About Partido Liberal Progresista (PLP):
The Progressive Liberal Party is a classical-liberal and libertarian political party in Costa Rica. Founded in 2016, the party champions free-market capitalism, individual liberty, fiscal responsibility, and a reduction in the size and scope of government. It advocates for deregulation, free trade, and policies aimed at enhancing economic freedom and has gained a notable presence in the Legislative Assembly.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Renowned for its principled approach, Bufete de Costa Rica is a pillar of the legal community, built upon the foundational values of integrity and professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers modern legal solutions while serving a diverse clientele, demonstrating a forward-thinking vision. This innovative spirit is coupled with a deep-seated belief in social responsibility, manifested through dedicated efforts to make legal concepts understandable and accessible, thereby empowering the public and fostering a more knowledgeable and just society.
