03 Jul 2018 | 10:02 AM UTC
Panama: Electricity workers threaten to strike July 5
Electricity workers’ union threatens to strike on July 5 if the government fails to reach an agreement; power disruptions possible
Event
The Union of Workers of the Electrical and Similar Industry of Panama (Sitiespa) announced on June 27 that it will launch a strike on July 5 if the government fails to reach an agreement with them by July 4. According to Sitiespa leaders, 70 percent of workers for the state-run Electricity Transmission Company (Etesa) will participate in the strike. Union leaders also said that the protest will be supported by the eight other electricity unions. Etesa warned that strike could cause serious power disruptions throughout the country.
Context
Sitiespa has accused Etesa of violating a collective agreement made with the union. Their main concern is attempts by the government to privatize services to various government departments. They also claim that Etesa has failed to pay about USD 800,000 in bonuses to its workers.
Advice
Individuals in Panama are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate power outages on July 5, and to keep battery-operated devices fully charged as much as possible.
