Panama: Teachers' unions plan three-day strike with protests nationwide from July 7

Event

A variety of educators' unions, including the Association of Teachers of Panama (Asociacion de Profesores de Panama, Asoprof), have called for a three-day strike and protests across Panama July 7-9. The action will denounce the high cost of living and other policy issues. The unions are calling for work stoppages in this period; the first rallies will begin at 08:00 July 7 at the Iglesia de Carmen in Panama City and at the Regional Directorate of Education in La Chorrera, Panama Oeste Province. Organizers also call for striking workers to join rallies organized by other groups across Panama and may organize further protests.

Demonstrators are also likely to protest along some main routes in the country. In recent days, sporadic protests have caused disruptions to traffic along several sections of the Pan American Highway near the district of Aguadulce, Cocle Province, and the districts of Arraijan and Nuevo Arraijan, Panama Oeste Province. A small protest along the highway was also reported near Tole, Chiriqui Province. Most demonstrations in recent days have not completely blocked traffic along the highway. However, protesters may still attempt to completely block certain sections of the Pan American highway or other key routes during the strike, resulting in significant disruptions for travelers trying to reach the capital. Other unions that have been denouncing the high cost of living may join teachers' protests, such as the National Union of Workers of Construction and Similar Industries (El Sindicato Unico Nacional de Trabajadores de la Industria de la Construccion y Similares, SUNTRACS).

Protests are also likely in front of schools, government buildings, and public squares. Heightened security is likely, as well as traffic disruptions in the area of demonstrations and interruptions to schooling. Protests may gather several hundred people. Police may move to disperse protesters, which could prompt confrontations.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Plan on disruptions to transit across Panama and monitor the status of routes. Comply with directives given by authorities.