President José Raúl Mulino has pledged his support for a new law aimed at solving ongoing labor disputes in Panama’s banana sector. The announcement followed a high-level meeting with leaders from all parliamentary groups in the National Assembly.
The proposed legislation stems from recent discussions involving the Union of Banana, Agricultural, and Related Industry Workers (Sitraibana), Labor Minister Jackelin Muñoz, and Commerce and Industry Minister Julio Moltó. Their talks lasted ten days and were held in response to unrest among workers in the Bocas del Toro province.
Law Aims to Protect Jobs and Address Workers’ Demands
The upcoming bill, set to be presented during a special session of the National Assembly, will incorporate all points agreed upon during the negotiations. Officials hope the new law will stabilize labor conditions and prevent job losses in the banana-producing region.
#Nacionales El presidente José Raúl Mulino y los jefes de bancada acordaron impulsar una nueva ley para resolver el conflicto laboral en las plantaciones bananeras de Bocas del Toro. La iniciativa, que recoge los acuerdos logrados en 10 días de diálogo entre sindicatos y… pic.twitter.com/BkR9V1lBNk
— Radio Chiriquí (@RadioChiriqui) May 20, 2025
During the meeting, Janine Prado, leader of the Vamos political party, expressed concern over the situation in Changuinola, a town deeply affected by the dispute. Prado noted that more than 4,900 jobs in the region are at risk if swift action is not taken.
She also highlighted the need to examine developments in other provinces, including Veraguas, where similar challenges may emerge.
Prado emphasized the importance of reviewing the complete version of Law 462, which governs the sector, before making any changes. She pointed out that citizens and labor groups should be given the opportunity to propose updates to the existing legislation.
Broad Political Support for the Banana Bill
Lawmakers from across the political spectrum attended the meeting and offered their backing for the special bill. Among those present were Alaín Cedeño from the Realizing Goals party, Jorge Herrera of the Panameñista party, and Javier Sucre representing the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD).
Also in attendance were Eliécer Castrellón from the mixed Democratic bloc, Graciela Hernández of the Another Way Movement, and Dana Castañeda, president of the National Assembly.
With political support secured, the bill is expected to move forward in the legislative process. If approved, it could help calm tensions in Bocas del Toro and set a precedent for handling labor issues in other agricultural regions of the country.
