President of Panama demanded the end of the strike, which he described as illegal
Bananas producer Chiquita Panama has announced that it will dismiss strike workers since April 28 in the coastal province Bocas del Toro, after days of dialogue between the government and the union.
“After the unjustified abandonment of work in our agricultural explorations and operations centers since April 28, which remains until this date, we have dismissed all our daily workers,” the company said.
The company’s statement, released on Thursday, did not disclose the number of employees that will be dismissed.
A source who asked not to be identified, said the EFE news agency that nearly 5,000 workers will be affected.
“To date, our explorations have been completely abandoned for 24 days, resulting in losses over at least $ 75 million [66,4 milhões de euros] and irreversible damage to production, “lamented Chiquita Panama.
On Thursday, the president of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, had demanded the end of the strike, which he described as illegal until noon (18:00 Thursday in Lisbon).
These unions joined a strike, led by construction workers and teachers against a series of government initiatives, especially a social security reform, which they find harmful to their pensions.
More than ten days ago a government delegation, led by the Ministers of Labor and Commerce, had negotiated with the Banana Workers Union.
Saúl Méndez, leader of the Civil Construction Union, Suntracs-considered the most powerful in the country-sought refuge on Wednesday at the Bolivia embassy, alleging political persecution, the accusation that the government denies.
The Andean country has granted it “temporary protection” while pondering an asylum request.
Hours later, the Public Prosecution Service ordered the arrest of “Panamian citizens in the context of a criminal investigation dating back to 2022” after a “complaint presented by former construction project workers (…) that were affiliated with Suntracs.”
Local press indicates that among these citizens are 11 Suntrac leaders, including Saúl Méndez.
Genaro López, who led the Suntracs for 20 years and was a candidate for the presidency of Panama, was arrested on Thursday, accused of fraud, money laundering and criminal conspiracy.
“I have nothing to hide, I’m innocent and victim of political persecution,” said the 70 -year -old unionist after being handcuffed.
