Sitraibana and Sitrapbi to lift roadblocks immediately as agreement is reached over social security reforms
Panamanian banana workers unions Sitraibana and Sitrapbi have pledged to lift the roadblocks in the province of Bocas del Toro, ending a month-long strike that has crippled operations at the country’s biggest banana exporter, Chiquita Panama.
The walkout was initiated in response to concerns about proposed social security reforms, particularly Law 45, which regulates retirement benefits for agricultural workers. It has already cost Chiquita an estimated US$75mn and inflicted what the company describes as “irreversible damage” to banana production.
After two days of dialogue, Sitraibana and Sitrapbi announced that they had reached an understanding with Panama’s legislative organ, the National Assembly. They pledged to permanently life road closures and guarantee free traffic throughout the province.
Francisco Smith, manager of Sitraibana, said the road in Changuinola is now open and that the union hopes that a law favourable to the workers will be approved on Friday or Saturday.
It is understood that the unions will commence talks with Chiquita Panama to discuss the current situation and projections for its workers.
