Striking medical workers march on presidency

Hundreds of uniformed nurses, nursing assistants and technicians (Anpate) marched to the presidential palace on Monday October 29, calling on President Ricardo Martinelli to implement the dialogue with them that he has promised to demonstrators in Colon.

Compared to last week’s confrontations it was a quiet affair as they walked through the heat of the day from the Social Security headquarters on Transistmica to San Felipe, but their rallying cries were strong as they called on health authorities to stop intimidating measures, and sanctions against those who have been on a work stoppage for eight days, and whose protests have been overshadowed by more violent protests over the selling of land in the Colon Free Zone.
Carlos Peralta, president of Anpate told La Prensa that the Guild gave the presidency a petition containing three points, including a prevailing atmosphere of calm to allow dialogue.
Peralta said they called for the cessation of intimidating measures, sanctions and pay stoppages, which were declared on Monday.
The negotiations shall address the compliance of the decree provides that the salary of nursing technicians cannot be less than that of technicians.
Technicians are expecting the president, to mediate in the conflict. maintain. In his speech on Sunday he called called for dialogue and peace in the country," said Peralta.
Asked by La Prensa if the indefinite strike will continue, Peralta said that will depend on the authorities.