Urgent action: Fight escalating arbitrary detentions of union leaders in Panama!
Published on 21 May 2025
Dear Affiliates,
Following our previous communication regarding the alarming situation in Panama, we must inform you that the repression against our brothers and sisters of SUNTRACS and other unions is escalating. The Panamanian authorities continue to engage in arbitrary detentions of union leaders, a clear violation of fundamental labor rights and a blatant attempt to crush legitimate protest.
As you know, the SUNTRACS union has been bravely leading a general strike to protest against the controversial Law 462, which undermines the social security system, and the politically motivated freezing of their bank accounts – a deliberate act of financial strangulation aimed at crippling their ability to function.
In recent days, the situation has worsened dramatically. Following the arrests of Erasmo Cerrud, Irving Pinzón, Facundo Paz, and Jaime Caballero – SUNTRACS International Relations Secretary and member of the BWI Regional Committee for Latin America and Caribbean, we have received further disturbing news of more detentions. Most recently, Yamir Córdoba, SUNTRACS' Secretary of Organization, was arrested while simply monitoring construction projects alongside other union representatives. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a systematic strategy of intimidation designed to break the spirit of the striking workers and dismantle their organizations.
These arbitrary detentions are a direct assault on the right to freedom of association and assembly, principles enshrined in international labor conventions ratified by Panama. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has already expressed its concern and urged the Panamanian government to respect trade union rights and ensure SUNTRACS has full access to its funds. However, the government continues to disregard these calls and intensify its repressive actions.
We cannot stand idly by while our comrades are unjustly detained and their fundamental rights are violated. We must act decisively and make our voices heard!
Therefore, we urgently call on all affiliates to take the following actions immediately:
1. Send Letters of Protest to Panamanian Consulates and Embassies:
Please use the template provided below to send letters demanding the immediate and unconditional release of all detained union leaders, an end to the arbitrary detentions and harassment of trade unionists, the unfreezing of SUNTRACS' bank accounts, and the opening of a genuine dialogue to address the workers' legitimate grievances.
IPlease send copies of your letters to suntracs@suntracs.info and comunicacion@bwint.org so they are aware of the international solidarity actions.
Address book of Panamanian embassies and consulates
Please find attached a list of Panamanian embassies and consulates worldwide. Please utilize this list to send your letters and organize your demonstrations.
We must act now and with urgency. The continued detention of union leaders and the assault on trade union rights in Panama demand a strong and united response from the international labor movement. Let us show our unwavering solidarity with SUNTRACS and the Panamanian workers in their fight for justice and dignity.
In solidarity,
Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI)