Chiquita Brands Workers in Panama Begin Negotiations Amid Ongoing Protests
Workers seek resolution to over a month-long strike affecting the banana production in Bocas del Toro.
In Panama City, workers from the Panamanian subsidiary of the American banana company Chiquita Brands initiated negotiations with Panamanian lawmakers on Tuesday as part of efforts to resolve over a month of labor conflict.
This dispute has resulted in thousands of layoffs and significant financial losses for the company.
The Chiquita workforce, based in Bocas del Toro province—a region bordering Costa Rica—began their strike on April 28, blocking roads in response to a pension reform passed by the Panamanian Congress.
Chiquita acknowledged dismissing 5,000 employees, citing what it deemed unjustified absences from work, while the government led by President José Raúl Mulino reported that an additional 1,600 workers had also been terminated.
The company claims that the strike has led to losses amounting to $75 million and has inflicted irreversible damage on banana production.
A union delegation commenced meetings with the board of directors of the National Assembly of Panama and heads of legislative blocs to advocate for a law that would restore their benefits.
Francisco Smith, the leader of the banana workers, stated to reporters, "The conversation is (about the change of) the law."
Sources connected to the negotiations indicated that union representatives are also seeking agreements with the company and the Panamanian government regarding the reinstatement of dismissed workers.
"We want to talk to them because we want to see what the Assembly can do to pacify this country," commented officialist deputy Alaín Cedeño to journalists.
The strike, which has been declared illegal by a labor court, has disrupted all activities in Bocas del Toro, a significant tourist area in Panama.
Before the meeting with lawmakers, union leaders received a letter from President Mulino, delivered by Panama's Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa and Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik.
In this letter, Mulino promised to present a draft law aimed at restoring lost benefits if road blockades are removed.
The president assured that the project would have expeditious proceedings within the Assembly to provide a comprehensive and peaceful solution to the ongoing issues in Bocas del Toro.
Recently, Labour Minister Jackeline Muñoz stated that due to the strike, "there is not a single worker left on the payroll" of Chiquita.
Currently, Chiquita has suspended all operations in Panama.
This dispute has resulted in thousands of layoffs and significant financial losses for the company.
The Chiquita workforce, based in Bocas del Toro province—a region bordering Costa Rica—began their strike on April 28, blocking roads in response to a pension reform passed by the Panamanian Congress.
Chiquita acknowledged dismissing 5,000 employees, citing what it deemed unjustified absences from work, while the government led by President José Raúl Mulino reported that an additional 1,600 workers had also been terminated.
The company claims that the strike has led to losses amounting to $75 million and has inflicted irreversible damage on banana production.
A union delegation commenced meetings with the board of directors of the National Assembly of Panama and heads of legislative blocs to advocate for a law that would restore their benefits.
Francisco Smith, the leader of the banana workers, stated to reporters, "The conversation is (about the change of) the law."
Sources connected to the negotiations indicated that union representatives are also seeking agreements with the company and the Panamanian government regarding the reinstatement of dismissed workers.
"We want to talk to them because we want to see what the Assembly can do to pacify this country," commented officialist deputy Alaín Cedeño to journalists.
The strike, which has been declared illegal by a labor court, has disrupted all activities in Bocas del Toro, a significant tourist area in Panama.
Before the meeting with lawmakers, union leaders received a letter from President Mulino, delivered by Panama's Archbishop José Domingo Ulloa and Rabbi Gustavo Kraselnik.
In this letter, Mulino promised to present a draft law aimed at restoring lost benefits if road blockades are removed.
The president assured that the project would have expeditious proceedings within the Assembly to provide a comprehensive and peaceful solution to the ongoing issues in Bocas del Toro.
Recently, Labour Minister Jackeline Muñoz stated that due to the strike, "there is not a single worker left on the payroll" of Chiquita.
Currently, Chiquita has suspended all operations in Panama.
