American banana giant Chiquita calls thousands at Panama Strike | Agriculture news

President Jose Raul Mulino, whose changes to social security laws, have described the protest, the strike “illegal” and said that the company is “just a reason” for the demobilization of workers.

The banana producer Chiquita announced the demobilization of collective workers in Panama amid a continuous blow.

The US -owned banana giant said on Friday that it allows daily workers to go to “unjustified abandonment to work on our farms.”

The workers have been in a strike for more than a month, as part of the country’s industrial work protesting the new social security laws that reduce pensions. The government described the strikes “illegal” and said that the bags are the result of the “stubbornness” of the workers.

Cikita said in a statement that the strike had caused “irreversible damages … (and) at least of the losses of $ 75 million,” adding that those affected by the demobilization of workers are required to collect separation payments.

The company did not clarify the number of people affected by the decision. However, Reuters news agency reported that about 5,000 workers out of 6,500 have lost their jobs, referring to an unveiled source.

“Actually” or “unlimited” blow

Panager President Jose Raul Mulino defended Cikita’s actions at a press conference on Thursday.

He said: “The company will have to act accordingly, and refuse those necessary to save its work in Boukas (the Caribbean boycott in Panama). Believe me, it hurts me, but this is my stubbornness is not good.”

“The strike is illegal,” Molino added. “The next step according to the Labor Law is to dismiss with only reason because this is a reality strike, not a legitimate blow.”

However, Francisco Smith, Secretary -General of the Banana Industry Federation (Citraba), told Telemetro Banamet TV channel on Thursday that the strike was legal because “the deputies who agreed to the draft law 462 harms the banana sector.”

It was passed in March, and the draft law provided 462 changes to the Social Security Fund, which may lead to a possible decrease in pensions.

The introduction of the law led to great anger, with the joining of unions, including banana workers, led to a national strike on April 23.

The government and Sitraibana held a preliminary meeting on Thursday to discuss amendments to the bill, which will include protection for banana farmers.

However, Smith said: “The strike continues, we continue to fight in the streets … the strike is not specified.”

The banana industry in Panama is an important part of the country’s economy.

According to the Economic Summary Observatory, in 2023, Panama exported banana with a value of $ 273 million, making it the thirteenth source in the world.