Public sector unions plan street demonstrations

Unions leaders representing 18 public sector worker organizations are planning protests on Feb. 21 against proposed government measures to modify public salaries.

Public officials have a meeting set at the Labor Ministry that day to discuss changes to wage incentives and bonuses for public workers. Union leaders, however, insist there be no negotiations on the issue.

Union representatives said they also will file complaints before international organizations “to enforce freedom of association.” They called on administration officials to recognize their right to strike.

Starting this week, unions will hold meetings to organize the protests, which would include employees of the Social Security System, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute, teachers, dock workers and judicial employees.

Times and routes for the protests have not yet been defined.