Health workers end strike because of Panama crisis

After five days of work stoppage, nurses  in Panama decided on Friday  October 26 to end their  strike “because of the "critical situation the country is going through”.

While protestors against the law allowing the sale of land in the Colon Free Zone blocked streets and marched on the National Assembly, members of the National Association of Practitioners, Nursing Assistants and Technicians (Anpate), also faced a line of police."

After reaching an agreement with the, Ministry of Health and Social Security Fund (CSS) to not initiate administrative proceedings against participants, Anpate stayed the indefinite strike. Carlos Peralta, association spokesman told La Prensa that  the health authorities have pledged to cancel disciplinary processes or any kind such as  reprisals and wage deductions.

A subcommittee  has been created to engage in dialogue with health authorities and assess the key points that led to the cessation of work.

The CSS has  appointed deputy director Marlon De Sousa for the dialogue the Ministry of Health will be represented by general secretary, Felix Bonilla.

Peralta said the two officials will come to the meeting with an "endowment of power of decision", so there is hope that an early solution to the demands of wage adjustment will be met.

Anpate members are demanding payment for the reclassification of the basic salary, of $500 for technical category 1 and $ 550 for category 2. The current salary is $405.