Controversial bill caused strike and protest in Panama
A bill signed by President Ricardo Martinelli last month that weakens Unions and gives companies the right to suspend the contracts of striking workers and hire replacements caused protests of banana plantation workers and Panama Canal builders. One man died and several people was injured.
In a separate incident, 48 striking workers on a $5.25 billion project to widen and deepen the Panama Canal were fired and at least six were arrested after refusing to return to work. Canal traffic was not affected by the labor troubles.
To make way for larger ships, Panama is carrying out the first major expansion of the canal since it was opened in 1914. The enlargement is due to completed in 2014, the centenary of the canal’s opening.
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