AyA Strike Called Illegal By Labour Court
Into day 33 of the strike by the workers of the Acueductos y Alcantarillados (AyA), the Tribunales de Trabajo (labour court) declared the strike illegal, overturning a decision by the Segundo Circuito Segundo Judicial de Goicoechea, two weeks ago, that declared the strike legal.

Ministro de Trabajo, Fernando Trejos, made the announcement yesterday, along with AyA president, Rafael Ángel Villalta.

Trejos and Villalta ordered the workers to end the strike action and return to work by mid day yesterday, in an attempt to normalize the workings at the water and sewer company. However, the workers did not return to work as ordered.

One block from the AyA offices in Pavas, members of Unidad Intervencion Policial (UIP) - the special police unit in riot control - could be seen waiting orders from superiors in the event the situation got of control. The rain may have played a factor in unfolfing of events, as the demonstration was small an uneventful.

Trejos defended the Labour court decision, saying that they are best in interpreting the Political Constitution with respect to illegal strikes of public services. The Minister added that the interrumption of services during the strike is placing the public at risk.

"It is time this ends. Like the government respected the lower court decision, it is not time that the workers respect this decision and return to work", said Minister Trejos.

Following the court decision, both Trjos and Villalta, said there will be no more new negotiations, but the government will continue in talks, once the workers go back to their jobs.

Trejos added that president Pacheco has given him complete authority, along with Villalta, to continue talks with the union leaders, who are demanding pay parity with other government institutions.

The leaders of the three workers' unions said that, legal or illegal, the strike action will continue and with more vigor and support of more workers, as well as workers of other government institutions. Alvadro Espinoza, head of the Astraa, said the workers will be on strike until the government gives in to their demands.

The union leader said that road blocks in all parts of the country could be coming soon as well as cutting water service to government offices who are late in their payments with respect to water services.

Espinoza added that water service will not be cut to customers because their dispute is with the government and not the consumer and will be asking president Pacheco to personally intervene and bring a solution to the conflict.