US banana giant Chiquita fires thousands over Panama strike
5 hours ago
- #Panama strike
- #Chiquita
- #labor rights
- Chiquita announces mass layoffs in Panama due to an ongoing strike.
- Strike protests new social security laws lowering pensions, deemed 'illegal' by the government.
- Approximately 5,000 out of 6,500 workers have lost their jobs.
- Chiquita cites $75 million in losses and 'irreversible damage' from the strike.
- Panamanian President defends layoffs, calling the strike 'illegal' and 'intransigence'.
- Banana Industry Workers Union claims the strike is legal, blaming bill 462 for harming the sector.
- Bill 462 changes Social Security Fund, potentially reducing pensions, sparking national strikes.
- Government and unions discuss amendments, but the strike continues indefinitely.
- Panama exported $273m worth of bananas in 2023, ranking 13th globally.