[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]
4×3 Workday: What's happening with the bill?
[/vc_column_text][us_separator][vc_column_text]Working four days and resting three is what the bill presented to the plenary session of the Legislative Assembly proposes and is being processed under file number 21,182. What is proposed is nothing more than an exceptional work day that seeks to extend the ordinary work day in favor of companies whose main activities require continuous and uninterrupted processes, or a 24/7 production cycle. The bill stipulates that the daytime workday would be up to twelve hours with a maximum of four consecutive days of work and three consecutive days off per week. Meanwhile, the nighttime workday would be up to twelve hours with a maximum of three consecutive days of work and four consecutive days off per week. The aim of this bill is to make Costa Rica an attractive focus for investment by generating more employment, since it is a regulation that is of interest to foreign companies; Now, why has this bill been so talked about in recent days? After its first debate and receiving a large number of motions, the bill was amended to make it more favorable to workers. Many opponents believe that the 4×3 workweek would harm health due to increased hours worked, would eliminate overtime, and would discourage hiring, for example, for those who study and work simultaneously, increasing labor exclusion. As a result, starting this month, the bill will be discussed in the Legislative Assembly in an abbreviated manner, with sessions twice a day. On May 4, 2023, the bill was submitted to the Legislative Assembly's Finance Committee. However, the Executive Branch canceled the session to bring it to a working group and address it with the deputies. Therefore, it is expected that a consensus will be reached on the observations in the coming weeks. This workday is not only being attempted in our country, as many countries, mostly European, such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Spain, have already launched pilot plans to incorporate this measure in companies operating in their territories. Other Latin American countries, such as Colombia, have also expressed interest, and all agree that this type of workday increases employee productivity. Ultimately, if this bill were to be approved and adopted as a new law of the Republic, it would constitute a major step forward at the national level. Although the workday is exceptional and not designed for all companies, it could contribute to attracting foreign investors to Costa Rica. For any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the following email addresses:anarvaez@lexincorp.comanddmarin@lexincorp.com [/vc_column_text][us_separator][vc_column_text]Written by: Diana Marin [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
