Chiquita Brutally Dismisses Thousands of Workers in Panama Amidst Ongoing Strike
Chiquita, a U.S.-based banana company, announces its decision to dismiss all staff members in Panama.
Insight: This unfortunate event is a consequence of a prolonged strike initiated by workers on April 28, 2025, against a pension reform recently passed by the Panamanian Congress. The strike, rendered illegal by a labor court, has led to detrimental financial losses for Chiquita, amounting to over $75 million, causing irreparable damage to its operations[1][2][3].
With the strike continuing unabated, Chiquita's Panamanian branch has resolved to discharge an additional 1,600+ employees as of this week, according to Panama's Minister of Labor, Jackeline Muñoz[5].
The striking workers, mostly daily laborers without permanent contracts, hail from the Caribbean province of Bocas del Toro. Their union demands the reinstatement of former rules, offering more favorable pensions and healthcare provisions.
Economic Impact"Illegal" Strike Forces Chiquita to Sack Thousands of Striking EmployeesExacerbating the situation is the government’s announcement of a state of emergency in the province of Bocas del Toro, where the strike has severely impacted the local economy, heavily reliant on tourism and banana cultivation[2]. The trade union's refusal to lift roadblocks until the proposed bill restoring social benefits for banana plantation workers is passed has further complicated matters.
Sources: ntv.de, [lar/AFP]
Categories: Food, Panama, Job Cuts, Dismissal, Strikes
- The ongoing illegal strike by Chiquita's workers in Panama has resulted in a severe financial strain for the company, compelling them to implement the community policy and employment policy changes, including a mass layoff of over 1,600 employees across various industries such as finance, retail, and business.
- The prolonged strike in Panama's Bocas del Toro province continues to have a detrimental impact on the local economy, particularly affecting industries like tourism and banana cultivation, as the trade union maintains roadblocks, delaying the passage of the proposed bill aimed at restoring social benefits for banana plantation workers.
