Costa Rica Congress Backs 12-Hour Shifts by 31 Votes

COSTA RICA · POLITICS

Costa Rica moved a step closer to legal 12-hour shifts, a reform long sought by export manufacturers and US-linked business groups.

Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly approved a bill allowing 12-hour shifts in a first vote on Thursday, 8 October. The bill passed by 31 votes to 19 in San José, local outlets CRHoy and Teletica reported.

The change matters to US investors because it targets medical-device plants and service centres serving clients across time zones. The Costa Rican-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham), which speaks for US-linked business in the country, called the vote “a decisive step.”

What the 12-Hour Shifts Bill Allows

The bill is file number 24.290, titled “Establishment of exceptional working hours for exceptional and highly qualified cases.” It creates a voluntary “4×3” model: four 12-hour day shifts, then three days off.

Night workers would work three shifts and rest four days, according to CRHoy’s summary of the approved text.

The scheme is limited to advanced manufacturing, the manufacture of medical implements, support services and corporate services operating across time zones. Lawmakers earlier excluded the public sector from the text.

According to CRHoy, workers would earn a 17% premium for day or mixed shifts and 25.5% at night. They would get 90 minutes a day for meals and rest, counted as paid working time.

The switch must be voluntary and in writing, and employers may not punish staff who refuse. The schedule is banned for heavy, dangerous or unhealthy work, for minors, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Employers must also prevent fatigue, run health checks and provide transport when shifts end outside public transport hours.

How Congress Voted

Votes in favour came from Pueblo Soberano (PPSO), the governing party of President Laura Fernández, which holds a majority. Abril Gordienko of the Social Christian Unity Party (PUSC), a centre-right opposition party, also voted yes.

Against were 11 deputies of National Liberation (PLN), the centrist former ruling party, and seven of the left-wing Broad Front (FA). Claudia Dobles of the Citizen Agenda Coalition (CAC) also voted no.

The bill moved under a fast-track procedure after deputies worked through 5,128 motions, CRHoy reported. AmCham said the idea has been debated for more than two decades.

PPSO leader Nogui Acosta said “Costa Rica cannot keep waiting,” Teletica reported. He said the bill would protect jobs, create opportunities and attract investment.

Why the Opposition Objects

Opponents argue the reform weakens labour rights. Broad Front deputy Sigrid Segura called it “a hundred-year setback in labour rights,” according to CRHoy.

PLN spokesman Álvaro Ramírez said the ruling party had scrapped a worker vote on adopting the scheme, CRHoy reported. PLN had pushed for a binding worker consultation, which the majority rejected, Teletica reported.

Critics also say the text does not provide for overtime pay. Dobles warned that late shifts without adequate transport could put workers at risk, especially women.

What It Means for You

For US investors, the bill matters most for medical-device plants and service centres that run continuous operations. AmCham said final approval would strengthen legal certainty and help attract new investment and expand existing operations.

AmCham president Ed Sanchez said the first-debate support “marks a decisive advance” to modernise labour rules. He said he hoped the bill would bring “more investment, formal employment and opportunities.”

For companies weighing nearshoring to Central America, 12-hour shifts would allow round-the-clock production with fewer handovers. For workers, the gain is longer weekends, but at the cost of much longer days.

What Is Not Known

It is not known whether the Constitutional Chamber will receive a consultation in time to delay the final vote. PLN and FA announced they would file one, which would suspend the second debate until the court rules.

The full approved text was not available from the Legislative Assembly’s own site at the time of writing. How many workers and companies would adopt the scheme is also unknown.

What Comes Next

Assembly president Yara Jiménez scheduled the second and final vote for Tuesday, 13 October, Teletica reported. If it passes, the bill goes to President Fernández for signature and publication.

Thursday’s vote does not make 12-hour shifts legal yet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are 12-hour shifts now legal in Costa Rica?

No. The bill passed only its first vote on 8 October and still needs a second vote, set for 13 October.

Which companies could use 12-hour shifts?

Only advanced manufacturing, medical-device makers, support services and corporate services working across time zones. The public sector is excluded.

Can workers refuse the new schedule?

Yes. The switch must be voluntary and in writing, and employers may not retaliate against staff who say no.

Why do US business groups support the bill?

AmCham says it would give continuous-operation industries clear rules and help attract investment. It says the scheme suits highly specialised sectors with continuous operations.

Could a court block the reform?

The opposition plans to ask the Constitutional Chamber for review. That would pause the final vote until the court rules on the bill’s form and content.

Sources: AmCham Costa Rica, statement of 8 October 2026; CRHoy; Teletica (all accessed 9 October 2026).