March in defense of “La Caja” on Thursday

November 8^th, 2012 (InsideCostaRica.com) Various associations and citizens say they will march to the Costa Rican Social Security System’s (CCSS, also known as the “Caja”) main offices at 9:00 a.m. this morning.  Organizers say they want to defend the institution and citizens’ rights to social security.

The march will begin in downtown San Jose, at the La Merced Park, and will continue towards the CCSS’s main offices.

The groups say their purpose is to “rescue” the CCSS, and, “put pressure on the high officials of the institution, so that they understand that they must act in benefit of the population.”

Roberto Mora, a 60 year-old, unemployed man who has spent the last 11 years investigating thousands of employers who are in debt with La Caja, will be participating in the march. Mora earned the nickname “ The collector of La Caja” for his work in finding employers who do not pay their debts to the institution. Although he has never worked for La Caja, he states that his purpose is to help the institution collect 169 billion colons that are owed, and in doing so, ensure the well being of those who rely on the system.

“Patriotic committees, associations and people in general will be joining the march. All those who feel assaulted by the actions of the officials in La Caja and would like to show their discontent are welcome to join. We ask all those who attend, to wear a white shirt,” Mora said.

Mora expects the government to demonstrate “a bit of political responsibility.”

Organizers say they plan to surround the CCSS main offices in order to demonstrate that the institution belongs to all citizens.

Mora criticized the institution for rejecting recommendations from a recent special committee of the Legislative Assembly, and hopes that the government’s executive branch will use its right to dismiss several officials at the CCSS.