The first five weeks of the strike called by the unions left economic losses for 76% of the businesses, according to data obtained by the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica. This study was carried out in order to measure the real impact in the sector, as a result of this national movement.
From the beginning, the Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica believed this was an unnecessary strike and that, although it is a right, encouraging chaos and the paralysis of essential services is a crime.
Unfortunately, the blockades and paralysis of essential services did have a real impact. On average, there was a decrease in sales in 25%,”
said Yolanda Fernandez, president of the Chamber of Commerce.
In the framework of the strike, 18% of businesses had to lay off staff, which affects the income of a significant number of workers.
Some of the measures that were adopted to minimize losses were delivery of goods at dawn, change routes and extra days, apply teleworking, and increase inventories,”
said Fernández.
90% of businesses believe this strike affected sales during the fiscal closing season. Despite the fact that 33% of the stores said they had made special offers and promotions for this date, there were no significant increases in sales.
The Chamber of Commerce of Costa Rica has repudiated all acts of violence and vandalism that occurred in recent days with the strike of the unions. These facts went beyond good intentions and directly affected 80% of the working population in the national private sector.