Published.: August 15th, 2024
 

On August 15th, Costa Rica celebrates Mother's Day, a special occasion dedicated to honoring and appreciating mothers for their love, dedication, and sacrifice. It is a national holiday where families come together to pay tribute to mothers with gestures of affection, gifts, and family gatherings. This day is a time to recognize the vital role mothers play in society and the home, and to express gratitude for everything they do.

Labor Legislation:

  • Official Date:

    Thursday, August 15, 2024.

  • Day Observed:

    Thursday, August 15, 2024.

  • Holiday Type:

    Mandatory payment.

  • Law:

    Law No. 2 of November 15, 1932

Regulations:

"The regulations state that all workers have the right to enjoy the holiday; therefore, they cannot be forced to work, unless they voluntarily agree to do so."

"If a person refuses to work, they cannot be sanctioned for this reason. The only exceptions are established in Articles 150 and 151 of the Labor Code."

"Regarding salary recognition, the law establishes that workplaces with weekly payment schemes (in non-commercial activities), which only pay for the time actually worked during the week, must pay the days worked that week plus one additional day for the mandatory paid holiday. If the employee works on the holiday, an additional day’s salary must be added, resulting in double pay."

"Companies with monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly payment schemes in commercial activities must pay the full salary for the week, half-month, or month, even if the holiday is not worked. If the holiday is worked, they must pay one additional day’s salary on top of the regular salary for the holiday worked."

"If overtime is worked on this holiday, it must be paid at double and a half time, meaning that the value of the hour worked is triple."

"It is important to remember that, regardless of whether the company is national, multinational, or international, this holiday must be granted."

Source: Website of the Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) www.mtss.go.cr