Left-Wing Union Groups Call For An Unnecessary Strike Moltó

(MENAFN- Newsroom Panama) Economy and Finance Minister Julio Moltó believes that leftist groups have taken over the unions and are“pushing” them into an unnecessary strike. His statements follow a call for a strike by teachers' unions and trade union movements, rejecting the approval of Bill 163, which reforms the Social Security Fund (CSS). According to Moltó, those called to strike are not teachers or workers, but rather some left-wing unions. He stated that there is no reason for this strike, since the retirement age will not be increased, but rather a six-year annual evaluation system was proposed. The professionals will analyze this issue. The minister stated that no one will be paid less, so he considers this call for a strike to be politically motivated. Just so that you are aware, their plan is to shut down the country starting Friday, March 21. They would hope that most services will be discontinued, including construction, schools, medical services, some security-related jobs, ports, and port services.

Julio Moltó maintained that in the five months that Bill 163 was in the National Assembly, they had not protested or blocked streets, but now a small group is going to call for a demonstration. He mentioned that none of the conditions they were alleging at the time exist in the law. “The law was passed during a democracy. The government proposed a law that was sustainable over time and that guarantees pensions for all workers,” he explained to news reporters. Moltó acknowledged that this law isn't perfect, but it will alleviate and guarantee pensions. Therefore, the government considers it the best law that could have been passed at the time and place. According to Moltó, every day the country's streets are closed; Panama loses $90 million, not including the logistics sector and ports. “The population cannot be affected by the interests of a few,” said the minister.

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