In Panama, workers at a Chiquita Brands subsidiary have rejected a demand from President José Raúl Mulino to reopen roads blocked in protest against a recent pension reform. The company, having laid off 5,000 of its 7,000 workers, faces continued roadblocks in Bocas del Toro, a region crucial to banana production. Unions remain firm on maintaining the blockades until a bill to reinstate healthcare and pension benefits is passed. "We remain firm in our struggle," said Francisco Smith, the union leader.
Despite agreeing on a draft bill with unions, the government requires roads to reopen before submitting it to the National Assembly. Mulino has emphasized that the roads must be reopened, stating, "If the roads remain blocked, there will be no law." Minister Juan Carlos Orillac advocates for dialogue, although confusion persists among demonstrators.
The conflict has resulted in product shortages, ATM service disruptions, and school closures. Chiquita Brands has suspended banana activities, recording losses surpassing $75 million. The government has declared a "state of emergency" aimed at economic recovery, but opts against using force to reopen roads.
The persistence of these blockades highlights tensions affecting both agriculture and the broader economic stability in the region. As dialogue continues, observers remain focused on whether legislative action and negotiation can reconcile the needs of the workers and the economic impacts on the community.
Source: Tico Times