Suntracs Prepares for an Indefinite National Strike

The National Union of Workers in the Construction and Similar Industries (Suntracs) has decided to intensify its protests against the proposed amendments to Bill 163, which affects the Organic Law of the Social Security Fund (CSS).   “If the National Assembly ratifies these changes, we will take more drastic measures,” said Saul Mendez, secretary general of Suntracs.  During the union’s General Assembly, a 24-hour national strike was approved as the first step of an indefinite strike that could be triggered at any time.

This decision, which involves more than 400 articles drafted by the labor movement, reflects the workers’ concern about the CSS reform. Testimonies from union members and various social organizations, such as labor, peasant, indigenous and student unions, support this position of firm opposition.  According to Méndez, “the protest is not only against the law, but against the possible undermining of labor rights and social security for millions of Panamanians.”  This strike, which has begun to gain national relevance, promises to generate a great impact if the National Assembly decides to go ahead with the modifications.