The Hotel Dreams Las Mareas has had to suspend its activity because of covid-19. While this means that 640 people are out of work, it is temporary. None of them have been laid off from the luxury hotel.
The business took the opportunity permitted by a new law as of Saturday that allows a percentage of the salaries to be decreased. Congress approved this so that businesses can stay in business and staff can feed their families and then operations can continue as normal after the virus is contained. The management looks forward to seeing its rooms, restaurants and bars full again soon.
The new law, the Authorization Law for Reduction of Workdays, provides an exceptional measure because of the effects that the new coronavirus is having on the economy. Employees will receive 100% of their salary in March. From April 1-April 30th, they will receive 50%, in May, 35%, and in June, 25%.
The shareholders of the hotel decided on keeping labor contracts in place in order to support Costa Rica in mitigating the impact of the emergency as well as continue to provide employment in the area.