Chiquita Moves to Lay Off Thousands of Banana Workers in Panama Amid Ongoing Strikes

The multinational banana producer Chiquita has announced plans to terminate the employment of thousands of workers in Panama due to ongoing strikes that have lasted nearly a month. The company cites significant economic losses of at least $75 million (approximately EUR66 million) as a result of the worker stoppages across its farms and operational centers.

Reports indicate that around 4,900 temporary workers will be affected by these layoffs, while the company employs approximately 7,000 workers throughout Panama. The bananas harvested from these regions are also exported to markets in Germany and beyond.

The strikes, which began on April 24, involve various labor unions protesting against a proposed pension reform. Workers are joining forces with teachers, indigenous groups, and construction workers in their demonstrations against a recently signed security agreement between Panama and the United States. This agreement would increase the U.S. military presence in the Panama Canal area.

Earlier this month, Chiquita announced the definitive closure of two plantations in the Bocas del Toro region, attributing this decision to the strikes. The company claimed that the labor actions have resulted in irreparable damage to the plantations and unacceptable crop losses, making it impossible to continue operations in those areas.

In light of these developments, Chiquita has urged workers to return to work, emphasizing that the ongoing strikes threaten not only individual jobs but also the economic stability of the entire region.