José María Figueres calls for restoration of Costa Rican right to strike

Former Costa Rican President José María Figueres Olsen and Miguel Guillén, secretary general of the National Liberation Party (PLN), have called for the restoration of the right to strike. Speaking at the 'I Forum on Labor Market Analysis, Employment, Employability, and Technology,' both leaders emphasized that while the right to strike should be reinstated, it must be done without compromising the continuous provision of essential services.

The proposal seeks to address legislation passed during the Carlos Alvarado administration (2018-2022), which restricted strike rights in essential sectors such as health and security. This movement aligns with legislative efforts in Costa Rica, such as bill 24.961, which aims to restore the right to strike and protest to defend labor rights and democracy.

Additionally, party leaders discussed the impact of technological revolutions and artificial intelligence on the labor market. They noted that these advancements pose challenges to employment and could increase informality, necessitating a review of labor institutions and norms to adapt to new technological realities.