Panama labor inspectors detained during hotel inspection

Labor inspectors discovered five individuals working in a hotel kitchen without contracts or social security affiliation during an inspection. The Ministry of Labor and Social Development (Mitradel) reported that its inspectors were detained for about 20 minutes by hotel staff who claimed to be awaiting authorization to enter the premises.

Once access was granted, officials inspected various areas, including the kitchen, as part of checks on labor, health, safety, and migration regulations. Eighteen workers were interviewed, and the hotel administration was formally asked to provide documentation on its staff, such as payrolls, contracts, payment receipts, and attendance records. This information is due by June 22.

Mitradel stated that these operations are part of its efforts to ensure compliance with labor laws and protect workers' rights. The ministry urged companies to adhere to labor regulations and provided a hotline for reporting violations.