Authorities in Panama have detained Francisco Smith, head of the banana workers' union SITRAIBANA, following allegations of orchestrating road blockades during a labor strike against Chiquita Brands. Occurring shortly after a resolution in the strike, the arrest incites increased tension in the Bocas del Toro region, near the Costa Rican border.
Smith is charged with various offenses, including public safety violations and infrastructure damage, following a complaint from a private attorney. Security Minister Frank Abrego indicates that the Attorney General's Office issued the arrest order. Beginning April 28, the road blockades protested Law 462's pension reforms, reportedly affecting worker benefits. Chiquita Brands cited operational disruptions in Changuinola, over 6,500 layoffs, and losses surpassing $75 million.
Strike resolution on June 11 through agreements with union representatives and the National Assembly reinstated labor benefits. National Assembly President Dana Castañeda announced the agreement, with Smith promising road clearance for "peace in Changuinola." Despite the resolution, Smith's arrest, four days later, invites allegations of retaliatory actions. "This feels like a targeted move to silence us," stated union member Luis Gómez.
Persisting unrest in Bocas del Toro affects an economy reliant on bananas and tourism. June 14 witnessed confrontations between riot police and protesting groups, using tear gas and rocks, with 28 reported arrests. Despite the government's state of emergency, tensions remain unresolved.
The economic impact continues, with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reporting bananas as 17.5% of Panama's exports. President José Raúl Mulino, labeling the strike illegal, has excluded considerations for compensating Chiquita or rehiring dismissed workers, affecting regional stability efforts. The union leader's arrest poses broader questions on labor rights and governmental approaches amid ongoing protests. Environmental concerns also arise, with reports on plantation neglect leading to potential soil degradation, as noted by La Prensa.
Source: Tico Times