A Panamanian arm of Chiquita Brands announced a mass layoff following a prolonged strike halting production. Chiquita Panama stated its decision to terminate "all" daily laborers due to an "unjustified" abandonment of duties. These laborers are not under permanent contracts, serving the company only during harvest periods.
The number of affected employees remains unspecified by Chiquita, yet Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino had forewarned that 4,900 of the 7,000 positions could be at risk if the strike persisted. The workforce at the Bocas del Toro facility initiated the strike on April 28, objecting to pension reforms recently passed by Congress. This action led to transportation blockages, educational disruptions, and fuel deficits in the region.
Mulino, expressing frustration, stated, "We don't know how to explain to them (the unions) the enormous damage their intransigence is causing," during a press conference.
The labor stoppage, which also included construction sector workers, arose over dissatisfaction with new pension policies. Chiquita Panama emphasized the strike's severe impact, citing "at least $75 million" in losses and "irreversible damage" from what it termed a "total abandonment" by the workforce.
A labor court has adjudged the strike illegal. Government representatives are engaging in dialogue with labor unions, which seek the reinstatement of more favorable pension and healthcare terms.
Source: Le Monde
