![]() In an interesting twist the Costa Rican Industrial Chamber of Commerce (La Cámara de Industrias) announced they believe the strikes are damaging the economy and are blackballing all trucks participating in the roadblocks. If you must drive please check WAZE first. It’s best to stay off the roads from 5:00 a.m until 8:00 p.m. Truckers using rocks and dirt to block a road near San Carlos – see the video on ![]() The truckers are using “ tortuguismo” (turtle-ism, slowdrive tactics) and dumping giant piles of rocks and gravel on roads and bridges to create roadblocks. Tuesday J– After a disaster on the first official day of taxation where roadblocks on major routes and on the minor route detours prevented travel in and out of San José and across much of the country riot police with tear gas, forklifts and tow trucks moved truckers out overnight. Damages to the economy were estimated as high as $US20,000,000.00 per day or over $US100 million for the week of blockades. The strikes and blockades were a public relations debacle with the large majority of Costa Ricans condemning them as an illegal encroachment on the rights of the population and a selfishly motivated publicity stunt and attempt to manipulate the government to benefit a few. Update Wednesday J– Officials for the truckers union and the church released an announcement stating “ Pedimos disculpas al pueblo de Costa Rica y al sector productivo por los daños ocasionados“, “we apologize to the people and businesses of Costa Rica for the damage caused” stating that they would stop the roadblocks and return to the negotiating table. Sporadic blockades will continue this week and leaders announced they will return to major actions July 22 through July 26. Landslides in Braulio Carrillo National Park also closed the Guapiles Highway (route 32) overnight on the 15th and 16th adding to the travel difficulties.Īfter successfully driving out the minister of education the strikers have now set their sights on the minister of finance. The government failed to take action.Īfter a quiet two weeks Monday July 15 saw scattered actions causing travel delays of 1-2 hours. ![]() Update Tuesday J– Yesterday the labor union’s short memory and disregard for the well being of their fellow citizens was on display again as they forgot their “heartfelt” apology for “the damage caused” by the last round of roadblocks and set up new ones. Apparently the Costa Rican law is contrary to international air travel convention, recognized as an error and slated for reversal but the government has failed to act for over a year. Following the rules explicitly could delay each flight by and hour or more. The air traffic controllers have also begun “working to rule” protest of a law accidentally enacted over a year ago forcing them to assume immigration duties. Also, one half of the taxis with concessions to operate at the airport are claiming that the other half of the taxis are operating illegally using expired permits. Update Wednesday J– Unrelated to the ongoing trucker and teacher strikes, taxi drivers announced they will begin blocking the entrance to SJO International Airport for several hours at random times every day in protest of Uber. Traffic appears to be normal slow and go weekend/Guanacaste day holiday crowds to the beach. ![]() Update Saturday J– The threats of major new blockades starting July 26th appear to have fizzled for the moment. Update Thursday Aug– A few small protests have caused some congestion in downtown San José but for the most part the strikes continue to be quiet. Elsewhere the absurdity continued as the executive branch cut funding to the judicial branch because the judges declared the new law capping bonuses would apply to all workers except judges who will continue to receive exponential increases… Update Sunday Aug– Today a group held a protest march in opposition to the protest marches – see news report. Meanwhile the teacher’s union announced that they are on strike and school is out for at least a couple of weeks… Update Wednesday Septem– According to the president’s facebook feed the legislature approved a new package of laws that will reduce the impact of strikes on the public and the economy. In September traffic disruptions have been minimal except in downtown San José. Update Thursday Septem– Both the truckers leadership and taxi union have called for massive blockades and strikes this week but so far none have materialized… Locations | history | explanation | the end? | maps
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