The Fifth of May (cinco de mayo) Marks the Eighth Day of Suntracs Construction Strike
Although the union had announced a massive mobilization starting in the morning, the presence on the streets was limited to hundreds of workers in some places, while in others, only dozens of workers were present. More people began to join the protest by midday. Dino Mon, pictured below, says that all CSS units are operating normally. Mon emphasized that any staff shortages have been covered with additional staff and that there have been no staffing disruptions due to the strike, despite the strike called by some medical associations.
“We are operating normally in all units, and all services have been provided without any disruptions. In those units where a physician is missing, we are filling in with additional staff in other available services,” Mon explained.
The CSS director also mentioned a technological incident that occurred in the morning, when the radiology server was down from 6:00 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. However, he assured that other than this mishap, there have been no problems with care. When asked about the quality of care nationwide, Mon replied: “Yes, that’s right, 100%, all services are at 100%.” Mon emphasized that any staff absences have been covered with extra staff and that there have been no disruptions due to the strike. “Sometimes this can happen due to illness, but there hasn’t been any kind of strike-related issue that has affected any service,” he added. Regarding conversations with different sectors, Mon emphasized the importance of dialogue and consensus-building.
“All sectors are always called to dialogue. I have been meeting with various associations, including the Medical Association and other groups of health professionals,” he said.
Pharmacists Join in the Rejection of Law 462 of the Social Security Fund (CSS)
The Association of Pharmacists in the Service of the State (Afase) issued a statement on Monday, May 5, stating that it supports “the initiatives and demonstrations organized by health unions and related sectors, aimed at defending workers’ rights and the quality of the social security system.” They believe the law undermines the sustainability and equity of the Disability, Old Age, and Death program and opens the door to privatization of its fund management through third-party participation. “This law constitutes a serious setback in the social protection of Panamanians and represents a direct threat to the acquired rights of thousands of workers who have sustained the social security system for decades with their contributions. Not to mention that it jeopardizes workers’ right to a decent and secure retirement, built on decades of solidarity contributions,” the statement said.
The Afase (National Association of Workers’ Unions) has called for a national day of peaceful demonstrations starting Tuesday, May 6. These demonstrations will last 30 minutes, either after the end of the workday or during lunchtime. They also announced the start of a phased work stoppage of pharmaceutical services nationwide, “beginning with a partial suspension of activities during specific hours and gradually expanding if the law is not repealed.” Their demands include the repeal of Law 462 and the establishment of a technical committee with representation from health workers and professionals. They conclude by expressing their deep concern about the government of President José Raúl Mulino’s insistence on ignoring the popular rejection of mining in Panama.
