RIU “Palace” Hotel in Costa Rica delays inauguration

MATAPALO – September 27^th, 2012 – The second phase of the “Palace” RIU Hotel, in Matapalo of Sardinal, Guanacaste, was to be inaugurated during the first week of November.  However, the company now says this will not be possible, due to damage suffered as a result of the September 5^th earthquake.

The second phase of the hotel was built on a landfill of a mangrove swamp, and on the Huesera Stream protected area.

According to workers involved with its construction, five floors of the new building suffered serious damage from the earthquake.

Workers say those in charge of the construction are extremely demanding of them, asking more of them than what they are capable of performing.  They also say they are required to work without their rightfully earned day off.

Recently, a case was reported in which one worker was found eating a cookie, and was fired.

The ex-employee, who wishes to remain anonymous, also reported that many laborers and employees have been fired without receiving a severance payment, to which they have a legal right.