Labor Minister Muñoz: “There is no Organization More Anti-Union than Suntracs.”
“I’ve been asked many times if I’m afraid of them… Of course, you have no idea how they came… they knock down doors and attack.” Minister of Labor and Workforce Development Jackeline Muñoz reaffirmed this Friday morning that, in her opinion, Suntracs should be dissolved because its way of operating deviates from the unionist spirit and genuine support for workers. The head of the Ministry of Trade and Industry reiterated that Suntracs does not defend workers: “Defending workers? There is no organization more anti-union than this union group,” she said.
Demand
It should be recalled that on Thursday July 17 Minister Jackeline Muñoz filed a lawsuit seeking the dissolution of the National Union of Construction and Related Industry Workers (Suntracs), citing as a reason for its dissolution that it “constantly deviates from the purposes for which it was created.” She cited irregularities such as the unjustified suspension of public works projects like the Children’s Hospital, threats to dissident workers, illegal charges to members, and the use of the union structure for political and personal ends. She even accused the union leadership of operating with “mafia-like vices.”
“I’m Afraid of Suntracs”
This Friday, in an interview, Minister Jackeline Muñoz admitted to being afraid of the violent behavior of some members of Suntracs. “I’ve been asked many times if I’m afraid of them… Of course, you have no idea how they got to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters.” And she revealed that they “broke down doors” and that they have beaten officials. “I have one of the security guards, and the leader who jumped the fence hit him and knocked him out,” the minister revealed. She also recalled that members of Suntracs “have used intimidation and violence to gain entry to projects… developers and construction companies ask us to send inspectors, because in the end, they arrive and attack them,” she said.
Support
Muñoz is receiving support from the government. For example, today, the Minister of the Ministry of Finance, Felipe Chapman, described the Minister of Labor’s decision on his Instagram account as “a brave decision.” The minister emphasized that Muñoz’s position sets an important precedent for the protection of labor rights and respect for the legal system.
What’s Next?
After the lawsuit is filed, the next step is to forward the case to Suntracs, notify them, and give them a deadline to respond. A hearing will then be scheduled, where the judge will make a decision. However, either party can request a second hearing. Finally, the case could go to the extraordinary cassation phase before the Supreme Court of Justice.
Judge Sent Genaro López Behind Bars While Defense Appeals
After several hours of hearings, Magistrate Judge Francisco Carpintero validated Genaro López’s arrest and filed charges of aggravated fraud, criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and other offenses. He also ordered preventive detention, which the defense challenged. The proceedings are moving forward as the Prosecutor’s Office provides additional information in the investigation, which affects more than 40 employees and disputed labor agreements. The union leader faces charges of fraud, money laundering, and violation of public trust. This case dates back to August 2006, when Suntracs workers working on the Red Frog Beach 1 project on Bastimento Island, Bocas del Toro, went on strike.
They demanded unpaid overtime wages and alleged failure to comply with safety measures, among other demands. The workers and the company responsible for the project, Pillar Construction SA, reached an agreement, and the strike ended. However, violations of workers’ rights continued and overtime wages were not paid, so another strike was called in 2007, which lasted until 2008. Last Thursday, Genaro López went to the Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime in Pueblo Nuevo to inquire about the legal proceedings he faces. However, he was taken under guard to the facilities of the Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ) in Ancón. Upon arriving, his hands handcuffed, he stated: ” I have nothing to hide, I am innocent; this is a political witch hunt.”
The National Union of Construction and Related Industry Workers (Suntracs) responded to the decision announced by the Minister of Labor and Workforce Development, Jackeline Muñoz, to file a formal request for the union’s dissolution. “The minister’s statements are full of falsehood and demonstrate her hatred toward Suntracs,” said one of its spokespersons. “This union has dedicated its 52 years, and is now approaching 53, to improving the working conditions of workers and their families.”
“This farce is going to fall apart,” said one of the leaders of the National Union of Construction and Related Industry Workers (Suntracs), referring to the lawsuit filed by the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel) to dissolve the organization. “Social protest is legitimate,” said one of the lawyers. For now, they noted that Suntracs has already filed complaints against the government with the Committee on Freedom of Association, and this new action adds to them. They also announced that they will take the case to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR).
The Minister of Labor and Workforce Development, Jackeline Muñoz, announced that she has filed a lawsuit seeking the dissolution of the National Union of Construction and Related Workers (Suntracs).
