--- title: "#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_LaborAlert: Bill on 4x3 Work Schedule Advances Following First-Reading Approval" description: 4x3 image: https://publicaciones.bdsasesores.com/hubfs/worker-working-times-working-hours-labor-shipping-cargo-logistic-industry.jpg --- [![BDS blanco ingles](https://publicaciones.bdsasesores.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BDS%20blanco%20ingles.png?width=100&height=50&name=BDS%20blanco%20ingles.png "BDS blanco ingles")](https://www.bdsasesores.com) - [Team](https://www.bdsasesores.com/en/team/) - [Services](https://www.bdsasesores.com/en/services/) - Blog - [Labor Law](https://publicaciones.bdsasesores.com/en-us/blog) - [Corporate Law](https://publicaciones.bdsasesores.com/apriori-blog?hsLang=en-us) - [Store](https://www.bdsasesores.com/en/tienda/) - [Contact](https://www.bdsasesores.com/en/contact/) - English - [English](https://publicaciones.bdsasesores.com/blog?hsLang=en-us) - [Español](https://publicaciones.bdsasesores.com/blog?hsLang=es-cr) ![](https://publicaciones.bdsasesores.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Theme-Delight%20BDS%20Asesores/images/logo-BDS-blanco-jul25.png?width=200&name=logo-BDS-blanco-jul25.png) ##### Oct 20, 2026, 5:44:03 PM ##### 1 min. read #CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS\_LaborAlert: Bill on 4x3 Work Schedule Advances Following First-Reading Approval 2:18 # #CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS\_LaborAlert: Bill on 4x3 Work Schedule Advances Following First-Reading Approval On October 8, 2026, the Legislative Assembly **approved in first reading**, with 31 votes in favor, **Bill No. 24,290**, entitled “Establishment of Exceptional Work Schedules for Specific, Highly Exceptional Circumstances”, commonly known as the “4x3 work schedule” bill. The proposed legislation would introduce an exceptional work schedule allowing up to **12 regular working hours** per day, spread over four consecutive workdays followed by three days off for daytime shifts **in certain private-sector industries, subject to compliance with specific requirements.** The bill **would not replace the general framework governing working hours,** but would instead establish an **exceptional arrangement** applicable to certain activities that, by their nature, **require continuous operation**—such as advanced manufacturing, medical device production, support services, and continuous corporate operations—subject to the conditions set forth in the proposal. Key changes include the option to organize daytime or mixed shifts into up to four consecutive workdays followed by three days off. For night shifts, the proposed scheme provides for three consecutive workdays followed by four days off. The proposal keeps the maximum weekly working-hour limit while introducing specific adjustments to compensation and rest periods. Importantly, the proposed legislation retains the requirement that any change in an employee's work schedule **must be voluntary and documented in writing.** Employers would not be permitted to impose such changes unilaterally or retaliate against employees who oppose them. **Current Status and Outlook** Approval in first reading **does not mean that the bill has become law.** It must still pass a second reading and complete all remaining legislative stages before taking effect. We recommend that organizations potentially affected by the proposed legislation monitor its progress through the legislative process and **assess the impact this exceptional arrangement may have on their operational planning and shift scheduling.** Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need assistance regarding this matter or the management of working hours and schedules. 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