Protesting teachers cause Saturday traffic chaos

SCHOOLTEACHERS protesting a lack of response to their pay demands by the Ministry of Education (Meduca), closed Calle 50, one of Panama's busiest thoroughfares. for three hours on Saturday April 26, leading to traffic jams across the city.

Members of the National Union of Panama Educators of called on the Ombudsman seeking a response for a $300 increase, without conditions, before the elections.

For the fourth consecutive day , they did not get the expected response, leading to the major thoroughfare closing.
The group leader , Diogenes Sanchez said that because of the silence of the authorities they had no option left, but to meet with the president, Ricardo Martinelli.
Meanwhile, Meduca , through a press release, urged teachers to use the same forces that staged the street closure on a Saturday for institutional self-assessment and improvement plan to receive the salary adjustment .
Meduca also lamented the behavior of educators who had brushes with some drivers for obstructing the road.
Despite the protesting teachers , other educators have given Meduca reasons to continue the assessment process.
The education authorities invited the teachers to follow the example a thousand schools nationwide who simultaneously performed the process
Meduca reiterated its willingness to dialogue and expects a new call from the Ombudsman , but warned they will not tolerate pressures.