Arbitration call in Copa-Airlines dispute

A STRIKE  by Copa Airlines ground staff set for Thursday, November 23 was suspended by the Ministry of Labor and Development which called for an arbitration process between Copa and the union SIELAS.

Workers demonstrated in the morning calling for a  negotiation of 35 points remaining after the 108 already agreed to a contract for four years. Negotiators had been meeting for 18 hours to avoid a strike. The majority of sticking points relate to 12% wage adjustments for all ground staff.

In a statement, Copa Airlines said that the willingness to reach an agreement on salary increases and benefits for the staff, in the two months that the negotiation lasted, was maintained at all times.

Tocumen Airport authorities do not anticipate any delays but advises travelers to call ahead to confirm flights on all airlines.