Government backs down in Bocas. General strike still planned

The strike in Bocas del Toro over the controversial Law 30 which has left two people dead, and scores injured including some who have lost one or both eyes is over.
Hours after the President had said on Sunday that the law would not be changed, the government has backed down and agreed to introduce another law, to suspend three articles which regulate labor issues.

The agreement provides that the suspension will continue for 90 days, during which there will be a national dialogue to help reach a final agreement.

The Government is also committed to "address the problems of victims of the conflict, whether throughsocial assistance or compensation and / or pensions, and funeral expenses and help for families of dead people."
It was reported that at least 18 workers have lost one or both eyes as a result of the use of lead shot by the police during the clashes.

The release of prisoners in Bocas del Toro was also agreed, with the promise that they would not be prosecuted or punished.

The pact also includes conducting a dialogue on the Charter of the region Ngöbe Bugle, establish a national banana policy, and addressing the high cost of living in Bocas.

The agreement came after tensions began to build with strikers returning to the streets after president, Ricardo Martinelli, had stated that Act 30 would not be repealed.

The Minister of the Presidency, Demetrio Papadimitriu and  and vice-president, Juan Carlos Varela, along with other senior government officials, including President of the Assembly, José Muñoz returned to the table to meet with union leaders and overturned the president’s comments.
Gabriel Castillo, Coordinator of the Trade Union Unity group said the strike called for next Tuesday, and the march today would go ahead, "since the agreement reached only covers certain aspects of employment.”

Castillo said that the movement seeks the repeal of Bill 30, as well as modifications to the Penal Code, which punishes the closure of streets.

The Chamber of Commerce, of Panama, meanwhile, issued a statement categorically rejecting the call to strike and calling for dialogue between conflicting parties.