December 1st: holiday commemorating the abolition of the army in Costa Rica

Next Monday, December 1st, marks the day on which the army was abolished as a permanent institution in Costa Rica, a historic event that reaffirms the country's commitment to peace. In the year 2025, that day will fall on a Monday, so the vast majority of workers will be able to enjoy a "long" weekend.

According to Daniel Valverde, an expert in labour law, article 148 of the Labour Code states that this date is considered a non-mandatory paid holiday, which implies:

• Workers with a monthly or fortnightly salary: The payment for the day is already included in their salary. If they work on the holiday, they must be paid an additional single day, thus complying with the double payment required by the regulations.
• Weekly, daily, hourly, hourly or time-paid workers: If they do not work, they are not paid for the holiday. If they do work, they must be paid double.

"Since it is Monday, some workers may request holidays or leave to extend the weekend, and employers have the power to approve or reject these requests according to their operational needs," Valverde said.