Panamanian workers denounce union and judicial persecution on Workers' Day

On International Workers' Day, Panama's vibrant labor movement took to the streets, not just to celebrate, but to decry what they perceive as an unprecedented governmental assault on fundamental labor rights. The focal point of the protest was the government's aggressive legal campaign to dissolve the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Construcción y Similares (Suntracs), a union that has been a formidable force in advocating for workers' rights since its founding in 1972. Union leaders, like Yamir Córdoba, Secretary General of Suntracs, vehemently reject the government's accusations, framing the legal action as a politically motivated attempt to silence a critical voice and dismantle a powerful organization. The union, boasting a significant membership and a long history of activism, views this lawsuit as a direct violation of union freedom and an exceptional measure in Panamanian labor history. The government's charges, including extortion and vandalism, are contested by the union, which argues that its actions are in defense of collective rights, especially in the face of economic downturns and controversial policies like pension reforms and mining initiatives. The legal battle, marked by recent court hearings, represents a critical juncture for labor relations in Panama, with Suntracs vowing to resist what they term 'tyrannical' actions and asserting their enduring legacy in the nation's struggle for justice.

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Las intenciones o las pretensiones del Gobierno Nacional es desaparecer esta organización sindical, por lo tanto, ellos presentan una demanda de disolución. Suntracs se mantiene activo y vamos a seguir defendiéndonos de todos estos ataques, de todo este hostigamiento que lleva adelante el dictadorzuelo contra nuestra organización sindical