#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_Article: U.S. Ruling on the Validity of Non-Compete Agreements Could Affect Their Enforcement in Costa Rica
Since 2003, the legality of post-employment non-compete agreements has been under scrutiny in Costa...
On Wednesday, August 20, the Legislative Assembly approved Convention No. 190 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in its second debate. This is the first international treaty to recognize every individual’s right to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
The Convention protects all individuals in the world of work — including salaried employees, interns, volunteers, job seekers, and even employers. It particularly emphasizes violence and harassment based on gender, reinforcing equality and decent work as pillars of the workplace. It is important to note that this Convention holds a higher regulatory value than an ordinary law.
This ratification represents a historic step forward for Costa Rica in labor matters. Pursuant to the Convention, the State is required to design public policies and implement legal reforms to prevent, address, and penalize this conduct across all sectors —public and private, formal and informal. This is particularly relevant given the lack of a specific law on workplace harassment in the country.
Following its approval in the second debate, the Convention will enter into force in Costa Rica once it is published in the Official Gazette.
To assess the scope and practical implications of this Convention for companies and to address any questions regarding this legal instrument aimed at eradicating workplace violence and harassment, our firm will host a new webinar on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
If you would like to participate in this event, you can register by clicking here.
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