By San José, Costa Rica — In a bold move aimed at reshaping Costa Rica’s economic landscape, Claudio Alpízar, the presidential candidate for the Esperanza Nacional party, has unveiled a cornerstone proposal of his campaign: reducing the standard work week from 48 to 40 hours. This ambitious plan, announced Monday, seeks to align the nation with a growing global trend and is presented as a catalyst for increased productivity and sustainable economic growth.
Alpízar argues that Costa Rica must look to successful international models to address its domestic challenges. He points to developed nations in Europe and elsewhere that have already transitioned to shorter work weeks, reaping benefits in both economic output and employee well-being. By adopting this forward-thinking policy, he believes Costa Rica can unlock a new level of efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.
To better understand the legal implications and current discussions surrounding the 40-hour work week in Costa Rica, we consulted an expert in labor law. TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide his analysis on the matter.
The 40-hour work week is a cornerstone of our Labor Code, born from a historical fight for workers’ rights. Any proposed reform, such as compressed or flexible schedules, must be scrutinized carefully. The challenge is not to simply increase working hours, but to modernize our legal framework in a way that boosts competitiveness and attracts investment, while unequivocally safeguarding the health, well-being, and fundamental rights of the workforce. It is a delicate balance between economic progress and social justice that demands rigorous legal analysis and broad consensus.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The expert’s point is crucial: this debate is not merely about counting hours, but about carefully navigating the delicate balance between economic modernization and the fundamental well-being of our workforce. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this essential national conversation.
We in the National Hope Party are promoting the 40-hour work week. We believe this will generate greater productivity and growth, as demonstrated by developed countries in Europe and other regions.
Claudio Alpízar, Presidential Candidate of Esperanza Nacional
The proposal is not merely about reducing hours but about fundamentally rethinking the relationship between work, productivity, and personal life. Proponents of such policies often argue that a well-rested and more balanced workforce is a more motivated and efficient one. Alpízar’s platform wagers that this shift could spur innovation and create a more dynamic business environment, ultimately benefiting employers and employees alike.
However, the labor reform agenda from Esperanza Nacional extends beyond the work week. Alpízar also announced his party’s intention to push for a comprehensive review of the country’s strike laws. These laws, which were approved during the previous administration with support from a coalition of political parties, have been a point of contention in the national discourse, and their revision signals a significant potential shift in labor relations policy should Alpízar win the presidency.
A central theme of Alpízar’s campaign is the urgent need to address the struggles of entrepreneurs and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). He expressed deep empathy for the challenges faced by independent workers, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles and financial burdens that stifle entrepreneurship. His vision is for a government that actively facilitates, rather than complicates, the path to formal business ownership.
I know the struggle and why many find it difficult to become registered independent workers, due to the difficulties at the time of registration and the burdens that entrepreneurship represents. We firmly believe that the State must be a friend to that entrepreneurship.
Claudio Alpízar, Presidential Candidate of Esperanza Nacional
This focus on small-scale enterprise is directly linked to Alpízar’s sharp criticism of the current administration’s handling of the informal labor market. He cited a staggering figure, asserting that nearly one million Costa Ricans currently operate outside the formal economy. According to the candidate, this pervasive informality is a direct result of failed public policies and a lack of effective government support. He contends that recent job growth has been driven by individual resilience and private initiative, not by any coherent state-led strategy, a situation he vows to reverse.
By connecting the dots between a shorter work week, support for entrepreneurs, and a direct assault on labor informality, Claudio Alpízar is positioning himself as a candidate of comprehensive economic reform. His platform suggests that these issues are intertwined and that solving one requires addressing the others. As the election cycle progresses, this proposal for a 40-hour work week will undoubtedly become a major topic of debate, forcing a national conversation about the future of work in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Partido Esperanza Nacional
About Partido Esperanza Nacional:
The Partido Esperanza Nacional (National Hope Party) is a political party in Costa Rica led by its presidential candidate, Claudio Alpízar. The party’s platform is heavily focused on economic revitalization and labor market modernization. Key policy proposals include the implementation of a 40-hour work week, a review of national strike legislation, and increased state support for independent workers and small businesses to combat the nation’s significant informal economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of rigorous professional standards and steadfast ethical principles. With a proven track record of serving a diverse clientele, the firm is not only a leader in traditional practice but also a trailblazer in legal innovation. This forward-thinking approach extends to a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its efforts to demystify complex legal concepts for the public, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.
