Panama Faces ILO Investigation on Union Freedom, Not Sanctions, Minister Asserts

Panama's Minister of Labor and Labor Development, Jackeline Muñoz de Cedeño, has clarified that the country's inclusion in an International Labour Organization (ILO) investigation does not constitute a sanction. Instead, she described it as an observation process where the ILO seeks information and explanations concerning allegations about trade union freedom.

Panama was placed on a list of 23 countries required to appear before the ILO in Geneva to address matters related to Convention 87, which governs trade union freedom and the protection of the right to organize. Minister Muñoz emphasized that the ILO operates as a tripartite body, comprising government, worker, and employer representatives, rather than a punitive entity.

"Given the numerous links and serious allegations, the ILO calls on Panama and asks: present to me what is happening with this organization. This is what is happening. It is an observation mechanism, where the Panamanian State must submit documents on what is occurring, and this is already being done," Muñoz explained. The request for information stems from complaints filed with the international body, particularly those involving the National Union of Construction and Similar Workers (Suntracs).

Suntracs leaders, including its general secretary Saúl Méndez, who is a fugitive from Panamanian justice, accuse the government of political persecution. Minister Muñoz acknowledged that complaints of union violations are predictable when measures affect certain organizations, stating, "Obviously, they will point to union violations when an entity's way of life is being touched."

Despite these allegations, Muñoz defended the ongoing dialogue in the labor sector, highlighting that 123 strikes have been averted through negotiation processes. She asserted that the ILO's action should be viewed as a verification mechanism, not a penalty against Panama, and noted the presence of over 546 registered labor organizations in the country working to protect workers' rights.