A Bill was Passed in Panama for Banana Workers, Companies, and Producers, aimed at Bocas del Toro
The health commission approved the 12 articles of a bill on a special banana regime in the first debate.
On Wednesday night, June 11, the National Assembly’s Labor, Health, and Social Development Committee approved, in its first debate, Bill 290, which establishes a special regime for workers at banana companies and independent banana producers. During his weekly conference, President José Raúl Mulino presented a map with blocked points and announced that he gave instructions to the Police and Senafront to open the roads and restore public order. President Mulino ordered the lifting of more than 20 road closures in Bocas del Toro. “What is happening is not going to be tolerated,” Mulino expressed forcefully. In addition, he instructed to protect the facilities of the company Chiquita, after rumors circulated that warn about possible illegal entry attempts. Authorities seek to guarantee the safety of citizens and protect private investment in the region.
The initiative was presented to the legislative plenary session on Wednesday afternoon by Labor Minister Jackeline Muñoz pictured above, following an agreement between the Executive Branch, the Assembly, and banana workers, who were protesting with roadblocks in Changuinola, Bocas del Toro.
The Assembly and Sitraibana reached an agreement to reopen roads; other groups will continue with blockades in Bocas del Toro.
Today: Agreement, but Without Employment and Without Classes
After six weeks of blockade, the union leadership agreed to reopen the roads in Bocas del Toro, but not all groups are in agreeance, and some will continue with blockades. The agreement with representatives is based on the commitment that the Assembly will reinstate the special regime that benefited the banana industry. In fact, the Executive Branch immediately called the Legislature into extraordinary sessions to address this issue. But the underlying question remains: How many of the more than 7,000 laid-off workers will be able to get their jobs back? Closing roads was a desperate measure. Now the challenge is to reactivate farms, guarantee contracts, and prevent this crisis from repeating itself. It is also urgent to lift another blockade: the one maintained by some teachers against the education of the most vulnerable. If social security is truly to be defended, it cannot be done at the expense of public schools. Affecting poor children is not resistance, it is abandonment. Banana growers return with uncertainty; students remain without classes. The reopening must translate into real opportunities. Government, business, and society must act responsibly. Panama cannot afford to leave thousands unemployed or an entire generation without education.
