"Once again, the BWI has forwarded a strong protest message to the president of Panama protesting at the government's anti-union repression of SUNTRACS leaders - Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Construcción y Similares -, members of our International," said Carlos Salguero, regional representative of the BWI Latin America and Carribbean office. The police arrested SUNTRACS leadership and members on 10 July 2010 while the trade union held a meeting in a hotel in the city of Panama. Among the union's demands, wages, working conditions at the Panama canal site and the adoption of check off system for trade union fees.

According to information received by the BWI, the striking workers were also protesting against the decision by the Government of Panama to impose Law 30, which undermines fundamental rights, such as the right to strike and freedom of association. Law 30 also penalises workers who take their protests to the streets, an offence which can result in up to two years in prison.

According to the latest news, the government has called a cabinet meeting, which is expected to adopt further repressive measures, such as arrest warrants against specific trade union leaders. The suspension of fundamental rights is also a possibility.

In letters to the authorities of Panama, the BWI firmly condemned the violent repression of the strike movement and urged the President of Panama to take concrete measures to order an investigation into the deaths to find out how they happened as quickly as possible, identify those responsible and apply the relevant penal and administrative measures.

In its campaign, the BWI also demands the immediate repeal of the controversial Law 30, which creates a climate of violence that led to the events of 10 July and the persecution of construction workers. Please ACT NOW and sign our online campaign hereunder.

Details about... (12/07/2010 - 30/08/2010) Panama ACT NOW! Detention of trade unions leaders in Panama   Union SUNTRACS   Source SUNTRACS   BWI Action Señor Presidente, Respaldamos los miembros del SUNTRACS y exigimos el cese de la persecución y la represión que el gobierno lleva a cabo contra los dirigentes del movimiento sindical panameño, más precisamente Genaro López y Saúl Méndez y a los directivo del SUNTRACS. Solicitamos la inmediata liberación de JAIME CABALLERO, Sub- Secretario General de SUNTRACS y miembro de la Dirección Nacional de FRENADESO, que fue allanada su residencia en Chiriquí y secuestrado el 10 de julio de 2010, por la Policía Nacional. El compañero dirigente ha sido llevado a diferentes cuarteles en la ciudad de Panamá, y que estos momentos lo han trasladado a la D. I. J de Ancón. Además exigimos que se libere a los compañeros detenidos en la provincia de Bocas del Toro y Colón, en la medida que es inaceptable, que se pretenda satanizar la protesta social, se denigre el accionar de los gremios y se persiga a los dirigentes sindicales y gremiales por el solo hecho de luchar por el derecho a la vida que tenemos los panameños. Que se investigue, juzgue y encarcele a los responsables de los asesinatos de los dirigentes de la provincia de Bocas del Toro. La rebaja y congelamiento de precios de todos los bienes y servicios de primera necesidad, a fin de que el pueblo pueda satisfacer sus necesidades materiales de vida. Atentamente,