The arbitration strike at PSA was illegal, says Sitrasecapot

He Higher Labor Court declared unconstitutional the arbitration it imposed Regional Labor Administration of Western Panama which on June 2, 2023 affected the right to strike of port workers in the company Panama International Terminal, PSAin it Rodman’s Port, he pointed out Industrial trade union of port and land cargo service workers, SITRASECAPOT.

According to the court’s verdict, which was made public by the Trade Union, explains that the cargo transportation service managed by PSA is not a public service, because the category of public service refers only to land, air and sea transportation of people (not cargo), in accordance with Executive Decree no. 132 from 2010.

Failure It also states what was determined by the Committee for Freedom of Association of the International Labor Organization (ILO), which stated in its announcements that port activity does not represent a public service, he commented. Convergence of the union.

The court verdict of September 26 clearly shows that SITRASECAPOT acted in accordance with the entire process of the Labor Law, completed conciliation and exercised the human and labor right to strike.

“This right was violated by the action of the Ministry of Labor against the spirit and text of the national law (Articles No. 32 and 69 of the Constitution) and international conventions signed by Panama,” indicated by the union.

Last June tworkers in Company PSA Panama International Terminal Puerto de Rodman They declared an indefinite strike due to the shortage agreement within the document for violations of the Collective Agreement.

However, il Higher Labor Court of the First Judicial District also declared the strike illegal in the port of Panama International Terminal SA (PSA), a heavy blow for trade unionists in the port sector, as they were warned of the serious consequences of paralyzing a terminal that serves global trade, classifying it as a “public service”.

This court issued a confirmatory judgment supporting the decision of the First Labor Court, decision no. 48 of August 23, 2023, which already declared the strike they called Industrial Union of Port and Land Cargo Service Workers (Sitrasecapot) against PSA Panama International Terminal SA

The court decision found that the strike, which was wrongly confirmed by the Ministry of Labor, does not meet the conditions to be considered legal. This decision is based on a detailed analysis of the arguments of both sides, supported by the applicable labor regulations.

Labor rights
He SITRASECAPOT He also condemns the alleged abuse of power by the Ministry of Labour, calling the PSA spokesman’s statement and the manipulations of his law office false.

The port workers’ union insisted that there was an intention to ignore workers’ rights.

Like him SITRASECAPOT as a convergence of the union They called on PSA workers to continue mobilizing in defense of all their rights and just demands. as well as the solidarity of the port working class.