Panama is witnessing a rapidly expanding national strike as workers, students, and Indigenous groups mobilize against controversial reforms, foreign military agreements, and state repression under the administration of President José Raúl Mulino.
The strike, now in its second week, initially led by key labor unions such as SUNTRACS (construction workers), ASOPROF (professors), and SITRAIBANA (banana workers), has grown to include doctors, teachers, nurses, students, parents, and Indigenous communities across the country.
At the center of the unrest is Law 462, passed on March 18, 2025, which unions argue paves the way for the privatization of Panama’s social security system, raises the retirement age, and drastically cuts future pension benefits. Protesters also strongly oppose a 2025 government plan to grant US military access to Panamanian territory and facilitate free transit for US warships through the Panama Canal—moves critics say threaten national sovereignty.
On May 6, thousands of students, faculty, and staff from the University of Panama marched in Panama City under the slogan “For university autonomy and national sovereignty.” In comments reported by La Estrella de Panamá, one student said: “We’re tired of being labeled terrorists. It’s unfair to work a lifetime for a pension that doesn’t support us.”
Professor Gilberto Marulanda emphasized the university’s historical role in civic resistance: “All governments applaud the university when they’re in opposition and repress it when they’re in power.”
Crackdown Intensifies
The government’s response has been marked by escalating repression. According to journalist Andrés Lobo, police have forcibly dismantled road blockades, arrested at least 30 SUNTRACS members, and detained 11 Metro Line 3 workers. Notably, confrontations in Chiriquí province involved the use of tear gas and rubber bullets.
The National Coordination of Indigenous Peoples condemned the arrest of Indigenous leaders and reported ongoing human rights violations by security forces, particularly in the Ngäbe-Buglé region.
In addition to police force, the Mulino administration has issued threats of wage suspensions and mass firings. Chiquita Panama has warned that 6,000 workers could lose their jobs if the strike continues.
Workers Stand Firm
Despite mounting pressure, workers remain defiant. On X (formerly Twitter), SUNTRACS declared:
“The simultaneous repression of teachers, students, parents, and workers only strengthens the people’s resolve… The Panama Police and José Raúl Mulino are responsible.”
Organizers have vowed to continue the strike until the government reverses its neoliberal reforms and foreign military concessions, and agrees to engage in meaningful, non-repressive dialogue with the population.
📚 References:
- Peoples Dispatch, May 2025 — Pablo Meriguet
- La Estrella de Panamá, May 2025
- SUNTRACS public statement via X (formerly Twitter), @suntracs1
- National Coordination of Indigenous Peoples statement, May 2025
