Francisco Smith, leader of Sitraibana, faces charges for orchestrating roadblocks in Bocas del Toro
Panamanian authorities have arrested the leader of Sitraibana, one of the banana workers’ union behind a six-week strike which paralysed Chiquita’s operations in Changuinola, prompting it to lay off 6,500 workers.
Francisco Smith faces charges of crimes against public safety, damaging transportation infrastructure, and disrupting public order for orchestrating the roadblocks which cost the multinational more than US$75mn in losses.
The strike ended on 11 June after unions and the National Assembly agreed to restore workers’ pension and labour benefits.
As reported in the Tico Times, tensions persist in Bocas del Toro, a region that relies heavily on bananas and tourism. Last week saw repeated clashes between riot police and protesters.
The strikes have left the future of the province’s banana production in limbo. President José Raúl Mulino, who called the strike illegal, has ruled out compensating Chiquita or rehiring workers, complicating efforts to stabilise the region. According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, bananas account for 17.5 per cent of Panama’s exports.
