San Jose, September 21 (RHC)-- In Costa Rica, labor unions have said that they will continue an indefinite national strike, after a 13-hour long meeting with representatives of the government failed to yield an agreement.
The unions and the state are in a standoff over a proposed tax reform and an ultimatum by the government, which said unions must suspend all strikes as a pre-condition to continuing negotiations, a demand seen as unacceptable by many union members and workers.
The unions are calling for the complete withdrawal of the government-proposed law, which seeks to introduce a series of taxes and while also limiting salary increases, bonus payments and severance packages in the public sector.
Melida Cedeño, Secretary-General of APSE, a teacher’s association, said the unions had submitted in August an alternative bill, known as the Just and Solidary Tax Reform, which could be used as the basis for negotiations.
The union’s alternative bill focuses on combating tax evasion and fraud; new and increased taxes on companies and banks that generate extraordinary profits; eliminating "luxury" pensions for former presidents; and reducing state financial support for political parties. It would thus avoid hurting middle and working class people and public sector workers, who would lose benefits under the government-pushed law.
Friday marked the 12th day of the national strike, which has garnered growing support as a way to reach a mutually agreeable fiscal reform.
In Costa Rica, national strike continues as government and unions fail to reach agreement
![Public sector workers are leading the national strike against proposed fiscal reforms. Photo: Reuters](https://www.radiohc.cu/articles/520-costa_rica_tax_reform_strike.jpg)
Related Articles
Commentaries
MAKE A COMMENT
All fields required
Now Playing
El Mundo de la Filatelia
Next Program
- La Música en el Cine Latinoamericano
- Boletín Resumen
- Esperanto
More Views
- Palestine highlights Cuba's decision to join the lawsuit against Israel
- Norway’s largest pension fund exits U.S. firm Caterpillar stake over Gaza war risks
- Social CELAC: A space for the defense of regional integration
- BREAKING NEWS! President of Bolivia denounces irregular mobilization of military units
- Venezuela Nuestra campaign command denounces sabotage plans by the extreme right