More companies complying with minimum wage laws, but still long way to go

November 9^th, 2012 (InsideCostaRica.com) The Ministry of Labor estimates that approximately 26.5% of privately owned companies do not comply with the country’s minimum wage laws, despite the fact that the number of such companies has been decreasing since 2009 as a result of enforcement efforts.

In 2011, 27,275 companies were audited because of noncompliance reports. The audits showed that 4 out of every 10 companies that were reported were not complying with the law.

The most affected are workers between 15 and 24 and those above 55 years of age.

Sandra Piszk, Minister of Labor, explained that the results are positive, as compliance has increased.

79% of the companies that required a 2^nd audit complied with what had been stipulated, while administrative and judicial processes were carried out against the rest.