Labor Unions in Costa Rica are calling once again a general strike for Monday, September 10 to protest the fiscal plan.

According to the union labor leaders, this would be a movement that will begin September 10 at 6 a.m. with the intent of “paralyzing the country” and they do not discard it could extend for several days.

“We will initiate a patriotic battle, in defense of the working class and the quality of life of Costa Ricans”, expressed Marta Rodriguez, leader of Bloque Unitario Sindical y Social (Buscco).

According to Albino Vargas, representative of ANEP, they expect the participation of workers from the Costa Rican Electric Institute (ICE), Municipalities, Social Secuirty Service (CCSS), Schools, among others.

The President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado, called on the labor unions to resume the dialogue with the government this Friday and find a way to avoid worsening of the financial crisis the country is facing. Alvarado highlighted the importance of reaching a “balanced solution” that can preserve the social programs of the country and defend the most vulnerable population “avoiding a crisis that would affect them more than anyone”.

However, the labor unions have expressed they are currently “evaluating the viability” of attending the Government’s request, but for now the “patriotic movement” maintains as scheduled for Monday, September 10.

“The fiscal ‘combo’ does not eliminate the structural causes of the fiscal deficit. It is demonstrated that this tax package and the budget cuts will generate less economic activity, having a negative impact in unemployment, poverty, inequality and exclusion”, states the press release sent by the Labor Unions.

Labor Unions presented the proposal “Fair and Solidary Fiscal Reform for Costa Rica”, which included 39 proposals that “include measures to fight evasion, corruption and fiscal fraud”; they consider the government has taken “unilateral” decisions and have not been open to dialogue.