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ITF, unions and Panama Canal lock horns over working conditions

ITF, unions and Panama Canal lock horns over working conditions
The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and Panamanian labour unions have hit out at the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) over pay and working conditions on the expansion of the canal.

The ITF and representatives from four Panamanian unions met with International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General Guy Ryder at the ITF congress in Sofia, Bulgaria, and submitted an application to the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association (CFA) against the Government of Panama alleging violation of Conventions 87 and 98 on freedom of association and collective bargaining by the ACP, they say it failed to provide decent pay and safe working conditions.

During the congress, held by the ITF in Sofia, one of the first items up for discussion was the safety and pay levels at the Panama Canal. Unions say that the ACP has failed to adequately recognise an appropriate level of respect to labour regulations; the decisions by the National Labour Relations Board; compensatory guarantees considering the uniqueness of the Panama Canal working conditions; good faith collective bargaining; and the ILO freedom of association principles.

“The ITF is very concerned about the lack of proper respect and bargaining on issues surrounding health and safety provision on the job and workers being forced to undertake double shifts and 18-hour workdays. This has an unacceptable impact on safety and there are also concerns around pay, training and freedom of association.”  

The ACP replied in a statement to what it called “unfounded allegations” saying the accusations did not reflect the product of a serious and thorough investigation “since it has not taken into account the Canal Administration’s point of view, and the evidence demonstrating the Canal reputation as the best employer in the country.’

The ACP said that it was “a false statement that workers' rights violations occur” and because the canal operates on a 24/7, and even if work days are of 8 hours, “the duration of the work day may vary depending on the operating conditions and in very few occasions is more than 12 hours.”

“ACP wages are among the most competitive in the country” and above those paid for similar work said the statement in response to ITF complaints that workers were underpaid.  “In fact, the database to apply for employment at the ACP has over 65,000 applications, which shows that the ACP is a company where a significant number of Panamanians aspire to work,” the statement said.

“The ACP recognises that its most valuable resource is its workforce. Negotiations for the new collective conventions are about to begin and all issues should be discussed at the negotiation table between the parties.  We are near the end period of the current labour collective conventions and it is at the negotiation table that we recognise the value of our workers,” said ACP deputy administrator Manuel Benitez.