02 Oct 2018 | 03:59 AM UTC
Costa Rica: Nationwide general strike continues /update 5
The nationwide general labor strike continues into its fourth week, as negotiations with the government are postponed; disruptions, including to health services, expected to continue
Event
Costa Rica's nationwide general labor strike enters its fourth week as negotiations between unions and the government on Sunday, September 30, failed. Union and government representatives did not reach a preliminary agreement to pause the strike and postponed further talks on Sunday. Meanwhile, the government declared strikes in the healthcare sector to be illegal. As of Sunday, 90,000 appointments had been canceled and nearly 3000 surgeries were postponed. Residual delays in health services and continued disruptions to healthcare services are likely. Protests and demonstrations are expected to continue through the week, including roadblocks, vehicle caravans, protest marches, and demonstrations. Transportation and government service disruptions are likely.
Context
A general labor strike began on September 10 to protest a proposed tax reform bill that would increase taxes on certain items, including foodstuffs. Costa Rica is experiencing its largest financial crisis in 40 years as deficits are set to rise to 7 percent of its GDP.
Advice
Individuals in Costa Rica, particularly those in San José and in Limón, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate disruptions to transportation and government services, including hospitals, health clinics, and schools, avoid large public gatherings as a precaution, and never cross a roadblock without permission. Expect fuel shortages in areas most acutely affected by the strike and related protests.
