With more than 20 days into the strike, the construction workers in Panama are convince: without fighting, there are no victories. The Union of Construction Workers (SUNTRACS) remains strong and defiant.
The strike, which began on 18 April, was ratified by union’s Workers' Assembly and it appears the strike will continue due to the failure of the Chamber of Panamanian Construction (CAPAC) to meet the union’s demands of a decent wage increase. SUNTRACS, initially proposed a 15% increase but after a series of negotiations, lowered their demand to 11% in an attempt to break the impasse. However, CAPAC responded with only a 3% increase.
Speaking in front of 70,000 striking workers at the Workers’ Assembly, BWI General Secretary, Ambet Yuson stated, “I stand in front of you to bring solidarity greetings from the 12 million members of the BWI to SUNTRACS in this important struggle for decent wages. By not giving up or stepping back, you will win. Your struggle and fight is ours.”
Join the campaign to support SUNTRACS by signing the ACT NOW at the following link: https://www.bwint.org/es_ES/cms/actue-ahora-69/panama-construction-workers-on-national-strike-1030