Ana Virginia Calzada from the Partido Centro Democrático y Social (PCDS) and David Hernández of the Partido de las Personas Trabajadoras (PPT) questioned Claudia Dobles, candidate for the Coalición Agenda Ciudadana (CAC), regarding her position on the so-called “antihuelgas” law. The exchange took place during the second presidential debate organized by the Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones.
Calzada addressed Dobles about the law, which was supported by the administration of former president Carlos Alvarado, Dobles’ husband. Calzada argued that although the law was presented as necessary to ensure continuity of essential services and stability in Costa Rica, it has led to a weakening of social dialogue and increased conflict among workers who feel they have lost a key tool for defending their rights.
In September 2019, Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly passed Law No. 9808, known as the Law for Providing Legal Security to Strikes and Their Procedures, with 40 votes in favor and 15 against. Nine members of the PAC party voted in favor, while only one opposed it.
During the debate, Calzada asked Dobles whether limiting the right to strike had truly improved life and stability for citizens. Dobles responded: “Laws are approved in the Legislative Assembly and respond ‘to a context, to a moment and to a given historical panorama.’” She added that while she recognized the law limited rights, her group is open to reviewing it.
Calzada countered that President Alvarado could have vetoed the law but chose not to do so.
David Hernández also criticized decisions made during Alvarado’s administration, including support for public employment reforms and restrictions on constitutional rights such as striking through what he called “the antihuelgas law.”
Dobles replied that her platform intends to work closely with public sector employees, review regulations under the Public Employment Law, and create plans to address wage gaps.
The 2019 legislation aimed to prevent disruptions in essential services caused by strikes without eliminating this fundamental right. It followed prolonged protests in 2018 against fiscal reform that lasted 93 days and disrupted healthcare facilities, schools, universities, fuel distribution networks, court proceedings, and traffic on major national routes.
