The Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) in Costa Rica has launched the “Aguinaldo completo y a tiempo” campaign, aiming to ensure that all workers in the country receive their year-end bonus, known as aguinaldo, fully and on time. The announcement was made by Andrés Romero, Minister of Labor and Social Security.
Romero stated that labor inspectors and advisors from the ministry will work throughout the end-of-year period to oversee timely and complete payment of aguinaldo in the private sector. “The purpose of the campaign is for workplaces to pay workers their aguinaldo completely and on time, provide advice on labor matters and calculation of payment. For those who do not receive aguinaldo as required by law, the Labor Inspection will handle complaints, conduct field visits, and if non-compliance is found, cases will be referred to the appropriate judicial authorities,” said Romero.
He added: “We hope that with this campaign workplaces comply with regulations so that workers can receive their aguinaldo fully and within the legal deadline. Companies that fail to comply with the law may face fines.”
The campaign runs from December 1 through January 9 of next year. From December 1 to December 20, information and advice regarding aguinaldo calculation will be provided to private sector workers.
According to Costa Rican law, any worker who has worked at least one continuous month for the same employer is entitled to aguinaldo. The maximum payment date is December 20 each year.
Starting December 21, MTSS’s Labor Inspection will give priority attention to complaints about unpaid aguinaldo. This service will be available during extended hours through both online channels at www.mtss.go.cr and in-person offices, even during collective vacation periods at year’s end. Nearly 100 staff members have been assigned for this task.
To calculate aguinaldo, all regular and extra wages received between December 1 of last year and November 30 of this year should be summed. The MTSS website offers an online calculator for this purpose. Deductions are only applied for child support obligations.
Employers failing to pay aguinaldo may face fines exceeding ten million colones.
Labor Inspection has set up virtual channels via the MTSS website as well as institutional chat options and physical offices dedicated for these services.
Minister of Public Security Mario Zamora also attended the press conference to present “Operación Nacional Centinela Navideño.” This operation offers guidance on safeguarding aguinaldo payments against fraud or theft as well as tips on protecting vehicles, homes, and public activities during the holiday season.
Last year’s campaign saw over 400 people receive their aguinaldo before year’s end due to labor inspection efforts. There were 199 individual complaints covering 155 workplaces; inspections led 64 employers to fulfill their obligations. Nine cases were referred for judicial proceedings; no convictions have yet been recorded for non-payment of aguinaldo.
