Public workers unions

President Carlos Alvarado has said Costa Rica must tighten its belts and reduce costs in order to preserve the country’s economic stability. 

President Luis Guillermo Solís said that he knows the whole country is outraged about the Judicial workers' strike.

The strike in public hospitals provoked the suspension of 1,030 medical appointments, 229 specialized procedures and 114 surgeries.

Vehicle passage along a stretch of San José's Second Avenue will be closed from 2 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday for the opening ceremony of the International Arts Festival.

Health Minister Fernando Llorca Castro will replace Sáenz starting Thursday and Vice Minister María Esther Anchía will temporarily work as Health Minister.

Union leaders demanded that President Luis Guillermo Solís ensure the immediate dismissal of Caja Executive President María del Rocío Sáenz Madrigal.

Caja Pension Manager Jaime Barrantes said they will evaluate the unions' petition along with others that they have received from other groups in recent days.

Union leaders hope to block vehicle traffic along the capital’s Second Avenue, in front of the Caja’s main building, to get the institution's attention.

Delays on the approval of fiscal reforms prompted Fitch Ratings to downgrade Costa Rica's Long-Term currency bonds earlier this month and ratings for six banks, including four state-owned banks.

May Day in Costa Rica brought together protesters from public workers unions and a wide variety of other groups, including students, sex workers and indigenous people.