Construction workers mount “warning” strike

Members of the Single Union of Construction and Similar Workers (Suntracs) held what they called a “warning strike” causing traffic congestion at locations across the country on Friday morning, April 1.

The Suntracs leadership has reiterated that it was unanimously and definitively approved to start the indefinite national strike on April 4. This, if there is no agreement with the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (Capac) regarding the salary for the 2022-2025 collective agreement.

Pickets were carried out on the Inter-American highway, at the height of the 7 de Septiembre neighborhood in Arraiján, and on the Centenario highway in front of Health City.

Similar demonstrations have been reported in Paitilla, San Francisco, and in the provinces of Colón and Chiriquí.

“Since September of last year, we have been negotiating the collective agreement. Employers have to make serious proposals,” said union leader Saúl Méndez.

For Capac, salary levels in construction, even without the proposed increase, are among the highest in the productive sector.

“Capac has presented sustainable wage offers, with the objective goal of maintaining current jobs and promoting new employment opportunities for the unemployed,” said the organization.