Social Security Union goes on strike

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Published on Wednesday, October 30, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

The Social Security Workers Union (UNDECA), is set to march on Thursday, Oct. 31, to call the government's attention to a list of petitions, according to the unions, seeking to improve public medical services.

One of the main demands is the dismissal of Marta Esquivel-Rodriguez, president of Social Security.

Early this month, Esquivel and four members of the Social Security Board of Directors were suspended from their duties for six months as part of pre-trial actions related to an investigation into an alleged million-dollar embezzlement.

Other demands from union members include developing a strategy to reduce medical appointment waiting times, urging the government to pay a multimillion-dollar deficit to Social Security and increasing the staff salaries, among others.

Thousands of union members are set to march at San José City Central Park beginning at 6 a.m. Furthermore, strikers will be protesting at all public hospitals and clinics around the country.

Drivers are advised by the police to avoid crossing through San José on Thursday during the scheduled march hours. Officers will be stationed in strategic areas across the city to divert traffic.

Costa Rica passed Law No.21.049 in 2020, titled "Law to provide legal security on the strike and its procedures," which regulates public employee strikes.

The legislation forbids strikes against essential public services such as public health.

The new legislation requires unions to maintain sufficient workers in public clinics and hospitals to avoid halting the services during a strike.

The rule also forbids marches in public places. Following their march, employees must return to work.

The Social Security (CCSS) is the state-owned organization in charge of the country's public health sector.

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What should the government do to reach a deal with the unions? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com