Government and Union Members Agree to Partial Reopening of Changuinola

Changuinola, Bocas del Toro: The Minister of Labor, Jackeline Muñoz, and the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Julio Moltó, arrived in Changuinola this Friday, May 16, where they are expected to resume talks with the banana union leaders.  For several weeks, the union has maintained closures in Bocas del Toro in rejection of Law 462, which reforms the Social Security Fund.  Recently, the leaders announced they are demanding the law’s repeal. This Friday, the minister made it clear that it will not be repealed, as President José Raúl Mulino has reiterated on several occasions. 

The minister recalled that they were in the province on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, while they took a break for union members to consult with the rank and file. At the time, the director of the CSS was in Changuinola to explain that Law 462 did not affect the banana sector.  The minister said this Friday that they have continued to hold talks throughout, and the committee has not been suspended, especially to understand the situation, the status of the work, the company, and the impact on society. 

“We want to reach an understanding; we, as the Executive Branch, are here to show our appreciation and humility, and to understand that they are fighting a genuine battle, but we must preserve jobs, we must preserve investment, and we must preserve the peace of the province,” Muñoz emphasized