A mishmash of public employees, teachers, bikers and other citizens are planning a large demonstration on Monday in Costa Rica to voice a mélange of grievances.
Among the fray will be union members, school teachers, health workers and employees of the Costa Rican Electricity Institute, or ICE.
Some are angry at the price hike on vehicle circulation permits, or marchamos, which came in at a rate well above public salary increases announced in recent days. Others plan to challenge a proposed tax reform, or voice discontent at the high cost of basic goods in Costa Rica, as well as the perceived privatization of health services. Still others want a new road to the canton of San Ramón, in Alajuela.
Demonstrations will spring forth from several areas of the capital, starting at 8 a.m., with a convergence of the factions planned for Central Park in downtown San José.
ICE employees will walk from the agency’s facilities in La Sabana Park, west of San José, while teachers will begin marching from La Hispanidad roundabout east of the capital.
Public health workers will march from Hospital Mexico, northwest of San José, and motorcyclists will rumble at the National Insurance Institute in Barrio Amón.
ICE union president Luis Chaves said Thursday morning at a press conference that workers across the country planned to strike.
Teachers unions also said members from all seven of Costa Rica’s provinces would participate, raising the likelihood that classes across the country would be cancelled.
Best to leave the kiddies – and the car – at home on Monday.
