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ITF condemns approval of repressive law in Panama
23 July 2010
The ITF has denounced the imposition of anti-democratic legislation in Panama and the tactics used to quash protests against it, which have seen at least six people killed.
In a letter dated 15 July, ITF general secretary David Cockroft wrote to president of the Republic of Panama Ricardo Martinelli Berrocal, demanding that the “anti-democratic and immoral” law be derogated. He also condemned the attacks against citizens, including workers and trade union leaders “who peacefully expressed their opposition and who are fighting to defend democracy”. Apart from leaving six dead, it is believed that hundreds were injured and some 300 arrested during protests.
Cockroft demanded that repression and murder of Panamanian citizens end immediately and that detained trade union leaders and activists be released. He also called for “a proper bargaining table with the trade unions in order to restore the democratic legal framework in the country.”
The legislation, which was brought into force on 1 July, is reported to undermine trade union rights by introducing measures such as the right of companies to suspend the employment contracts of striking workers and to employ replacements.
The ITF-affiliated union Sindicato Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria de la Aviacion Civil y Similares de la Republica de Panama organised rallies on 16 and 17 June and on 1 July, joining other activists in expressing their opposition to the law. The union believes the new legislation may enable the government to curb social protest and license impunity.
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