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Bill to Allow 12-Hour Shifts Advances in Legislative Chamber
Proposed Bill or Initiative
Author: Marco Arias, Partner – BDS, Member of Littler Global
Currently, many employers in Costa Rica arrange 12-hour shifts in industrial labors, manufacturing, etc., but those arrangements are deemed illegal because they entail permanent overtime, which the law does not permit. Bill No. 21.182, which was introduced on August 15, 2023, seeks to allow employers in certain industries to seek authorization from the Ministry of Labor to implement 12-hour shifts. The bill provides that working in those shifts will be voluntary, but unlawful for some employees (such as pregnant employees). Additionally, if enacted, employers will be required to pay premiums over the minimum wage.
The bill passed in a first vote. To become law, it will need to pass in a second vote before it is signed by the President and published.
