Costa Rica | Amendment Seeks to Strengthen Equal Pay Law

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Lucía Solórzano, Senior Associate – BDS, Member of Littler Global

On March 18, 2019, the Legislative Chamber amended the Law for the Promotion of the Social Equality of Women. This reform adds three new articles to the law, to strengthen the legal requirement for all employers to pay men and women equally when working in equal conditions. Although such obligation already existed in the general anti-discrimination regulations of the Labor Code, this new law creates a commission in charge of studying the issue of unequal pay and making recommendations to eradicate the gender salary gap.

Costa Rica | Deadline to Furnish Lactation Rooms

Upcoming Deadline for Legal Compliance

Author: Marco Arias, Partner – BDS, Member of Littler Global

As of May 5, 2019, all companies employing thirty or more women at their workplaces will be required to have a lactation room that meets specific requirements. This deadline comes from Executive Decree 41080-MTSS-S, which was published in the official government publication on May 4, 2018, and granted companies one year to comply. All lactation rooms must be furnished with a refrigerator, a small table, two chairs, a sink with liquid soap (if not possible, there must be a rest room within 20 meters), a paper-towel dispenser, and ventilation, among other requirements.

Panama | New Protections for Employees Regarding Work-Related Accidents

New Legislation Enacted

Author: Yeris Nielsen, Partner – BDS, Member of Littler Global

On February 14, 2019, Law No. 72 was passed to amend Government Decree No. 68 from 1970, related to workers’ compensation coverage. With this amendment, any employer who fails to register with the Social Security Administration or pay the insurance premiums is liable for all medical treatment costs related to any work-related accidents that its employees might suffer. Employers can appeal the administrative decision that orders them to cover these costs, but will ultimately have five business days to fulfill payment if the appeal is rejected. The law’s effects are retroactive to March 15, 2015.