Social Security leads the way in the demands of Panamanian workers

With its battle banners focused on defense Social Security Fundwage increase due to the high cost of living and against mining, thousands of workers marched to May 5th Square to mark their day this May 1st.

The activity had several starting points, including Parque Porras, La Cresta, as well as the headquarters of some trade union headquarters, and took place in a family and festive atmosphere with several street bands and mobile units.

The working class is crying out for a return to the solidarity system in the CSS pension scheme and is demonstrating against parametric measures such as raising the retirement age and quotas for qualifying for the old age pension.

“We are fighting for social security against the high cost of living, the rise in medicine and food, as well as mortgage interest rates that are suffocating the middle class and professionals,” he said. economist and teacher Maribel Gordón.

Trade unions from various economic activities were present at the parade, including those from metrobus, artists, breweries and teachers’ movements as well as construction workers and other industries.

Educators took the opportunity to demand compliance with the recently passed law that raises state investment in education to 7% Gross domestic product (GDP).

“It can improve living conditions and break the cycle of poverty, but the state must commit itself to improving the conditions in which education is provided,” he said. Fernando Ábrego from the Association of Teachers.

The workers also protested against the newly concluded contract between Minera Panama and the Government because of its economic, social and environmental implications.

Unemployment
Although the unemployment rate decreased by 1.4 percentage points in 2022 compared to October 2021, unemployment in Panama was 9.9%, while the unemployed population was 203,253 people.