47 Years were enough for the Refinadora Costarricense de Petróleo (RECOPE) Collective Agreement to become a 25,000,000 colones “bomb” that Costa Ricans are paying for.
Since 1982, political administrations conceded the most controversial benefits because they feared any union negotiation.
State contributions to Fondo de Ahorro y Préstamo rose from 3% to 5% during Luis Alberto Monge’s
administration (1983-1984), they increased 8% in Oscar Arias’ first administration (1987-1988) and reached 10% in Rafael Ángel Calderón’s government (1991-1992).
In Arias’ first term, fund administrative payment contributions rose from 50% to 75%. This cost 3 billion colones in 2012.
They went from acquired rights to excessive privileges,”
said Mauricio Sánchez, a member of ‘No más RECOPE’ group.
Nevertheless, Solís Rivera’s administration negotiated a reduction of 5 billion colones in profits for the next 3 years. Fund subsidy will be gradually eliminated and administrative expense payments will be cut out.
Sánchez approves the measure but he argues that they need to do more, their fight is for an oil monopoly opening.
Other cutbacks were applied on employees’ children’s scholarship, subsidies for medicine and school supplies.