Pension protests escalate into major job losses in Panama banana industry

Thousands of banana workers in Panama are facing layoffs after a prolonged strike disrupted operations at Chiquita's plantations. On May 22, Chiquita Panama, a subsidiary of U.S.-based Chiquita Brands, announced it would dismiss all striking day laborers, citing "unjustified abandonment" of duties. These workers, hired seasonally during harvest periods, have been on strike since April 28 in protest against pension reforms passed by Panama's Congress.

The strike, centered in Bocas del Toro — a province heavily reliant on tourism and banana production — has led to road blockages, fuel shortages, and school closures. Chiquita claims the disruption has already caused at least $75 million in losses and warns of "irreversible damage" to its operations.

While no exact number of layoffs was disclosed, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino had earlier stated that nearly 5,000 jobs were at risk if the strike persisted. A labor court has declared the strike illegal, but talks between the government and unions are ongoing. Workers are demanding the reinstatement of previous pension and healthcare benefits. The strike joins broader unrest, as construction workers have also walked off the job over the same reforms.

source: apnews.com

photo: panamanowonline.com