labor

Safety changes planned

The government plans to adopt regulations that will govern construction worksites in 2-3 months.

Worker safety is one of the primary issues that has prompted this week’s protests by Suntracs.

Jorge Fernández/la prensa

Edwin Salamín984432

Ministro de Trabajo Edwin Salamín promised that there will be changes to the rules governing construction sites in the next 60 to 90 days.

The announcement was made yesterday after senior government officials met with representatives of the Sindicato Único de Trabajadores de la Construcción y Similares (Suntracs).

The union had been protesting about wages and working conditions in Colón Tuesday when a clash between workers and police turned violent. One Suntracs member was killed by police and two others were injured.

The death sparked violent protests in Colón, Panama City and other places on Wednesday. Thursday, union members marched outside the president's office while union leaders and government officials met inside.

Suntracs leader Gregorio Guerrel said that worker safety is a major concern, and that the union wants Panama to adopt international regulations regarding construction sites.

The union has been negotiating this issue with the Cámara Panameña de la Construcción (Capac) and the Ministerio de Trabajo (Mitradel) for months.

Salamín said after yesterday's meetings that new rules will be put in place that will be based on those suggested by the International Labor Organization.

The union has also been calling for increased medical benefits, but that issue will have to be addressed by the Ministerio de Salud.