The leading banana manufacturer has released thousands of striking employees

On Thursday, the Panama branch of the Chiquita banana concern announced the dismissal of thousands of employees for “unjustified leaving the workplace”. The strike is part of nationwide protests against the policy of President Jose Raul Mulino.

The company has estimated losses caused by a strike lasting for $ 75 million. President Mulino assessed that the strike is illegal. According to him, about 5,000 participate in it. people.

Banana plantation employees are one of the professional groups that have been organizing strikes, manifestations and road locks in protest against the reform of the social care system for three weeks, which, according to the demonstrators, will reduce their future pensions.

Social dissatisfaction is also caused by other activities of the Mulino government, including the conclusion of the agreement with the United States, giving the American army access to the installation along the Panama Canal. The agreement does not provide for re -creation of American military bases, but is considered a concession to US President Donald Trump, who announced taking control of the Panama Canal.

The presence of American troops is an irritable topic for the Panamans because they remember the American invasion of 1989, as well as the times when the Americans divided their country in half the Panama Canal. (PAP)

wia/ sp/