Trade unions and environmentalist organizations consider that this law limits the right to strike and authorizes companies to hire new employees during strikes.

Frenadeso consulted its members about the best alternative to confront the Executive´s initiative, which has resulted in protests throughout Panama and a strong repression against these protests.

The violent repression caused the death of five people in Bocas del Toro province.

The proposals that have more support among activists are, in this order, a national strike, the calling of a Constituent Assembly, continuing a strike until Law 30 is repealed, demanding the resignation of Martinelli, and lastly, giving up the fight.

A recent report by the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) condemned the repression of the protests and other international delegations have arrived to the country to verify the situation in terms of human rights violations.

A few days ago, union leaders Gerardo Iglesias, from the International Union of Food, Agricultural, Hotel, Catering, Tobacco and Allied Workers (UITA) and Fiona Murie, from the International Union of Construction Workers (ICM) visited Panama, and the authorities refused to meet them, according to Frenadesco and Pulsar news agency.

The delegation, which was also made up by members of the International Labour Organization, denounced the increasing hostility by labour, business and police authorities towards workers and their representatives.

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