Workers from the public sector attend a vigil at Plaza de la Democracia during a strike called by the unions to protest against a tax reform project in San Jose, Costa Rica on November 7, 2018.
President Carlos Alvarado urged the Catholic Church and university presidents to serve as mediators in talks with the unions that have been protesting a tax-reform bill since Monday.
Costa Rica's President Luis Guillermo Solís on Wednesday denied that he or anyone else from his administration had previously reached an agreement with public unions over a national strike held last Monday.
The call for a nationwide strike by public workers’ unions on Monday had only moderate support. But it did lead to the cancellation of at least 86 surgeries at three hospitals.
If you're driving in Costa Rica's capital Monday morning, there's a good chance you'll need a little patience. Several public services unions united in a group called Patria Justa – a "Just Homeland" – are mounting a general strike starting at 6 a.m. that could snare traffic at several points in the capital and beyond.
Transporters offering services at Costa Rica's docks say they are being exploited by multinational companies that make them work excessive hours and pay unfair rates.
Classes will be suspended at 95 public schools across the country and public hospitals only will attend emergencies and lab tests. Porteadores, or private chauffeurs, will also protest starting at 8 a.m.
