Leaders of five unions that bring together workers of the Panama Canal denounced today what they call the start of the privatization of the waterway facilities, owned by the state since 1999. At a press conference, union leaders claimed that on July 29th, the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) signed the privatization of ambulance services provided by the state agency in the Atlantic sector, located in the city of Colon.
Leaders of five unions that bring together workers of the Panama Canal denounced today what they call the start of the privatization of the waterway facilities, owned by the state since 1999. At a press conference, union leaders claimed that on July 29th, the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) signed the privatization of ambulance services provided by the state agency in the Atlantic sector, located in the city of Colon.
When announcing on Thursday a demonstration of workers in front of the administrative building of the PCA, the institution reported that the contract with Serviambulancias SA was canceled, and it reactivated the trade that usually provides such functions.
Walt Oneill, president of the Union of Firefighters of Panama, said that this happened "without warning or proper notification to the exclusive representative of the negotating unit of the firefighters."
The action violates the Constitution, the Panamanian law, and the collective agreement of the workers and the administration of the area, said a statement signed by five unions of the Canal.
The firefighters of the inter-oceanic route have specialized training in maritime and structural fires, rescue at heights and in confined spaces, and hazardous materials, said the text.
It also has the appropriate qualifications to provide the services by technicians of medical emergencies, certified by international standards, therefore the privatization reduces the quality of the service, said the unionists.
The trade unions of Marine Engineers, Pilots, and Captains and Deck Officers, along with the Fire Brigades Union and Panama Metal Trade, issued the message, delivered to the press, in which they warned that this step could reduce the quality and safety in emergency care.
Meanwhile, Gustavo Ayarza, chairman of the coalition of the Panama Area Metal Trades Council, said the unions tried to approach and dialogue with the Presidency of the Republic and the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development, to expose the case, but they did not show interest.
We need the Executive to cooperate, said Ayarza, who called on the President Juan Carlos Varela to see them.
In the document, the unions warn that this action 'marks the beginning of privatization process of the Panama Canal' and directly accuse PCA administrator, Jorge Quijano, of leading the trend.
Source: Pl
'The generational struggle that resulted in the recovery of what is today is the most important asset of all Panamanians, does not deserve becoming the vehicle that will allow a few to keep the national heritage through privatizations,' the text concluded.