The message came through to me loud and clear last year when I interviewed the minister of commerce. He said, "we have many issues we will tackle, but the Panama labor code is not one of them!" Like most businessmen in Panama, both he and I realize that the labor code in Panama is what really holds it back from making true advances in the skills of its work force, which is truly the future of the country. An article in La Prensa on Saturday was about Panama business leaders bringing up the matter to the minister of labor and getting a similar response as I did. You can't really blame the administration for not wanting to touch this hot potato. Labor unions would revolt and there would be violent demonstrations against any changes that would allow Panama to become more competitive in the world market place. After all, to allow foreigners to fill the many lacking skills may force Panamanians to improve their own skill level, and we can't have that. Best to keep things as they are and not rock the boat!
From La Presna;
MINERVA BETHANCOUTH
[email protected]
Authorities from the Ministry of Labor and the Immigration Service have held meetings with business demand to increase the standing of foreign workforce.
The Union of Industrialists of Panama days ago raised the need to ease immigration rules because they need manpower in certain disciplines.
However, the director of the Ministry of Labor Employment, Samuel Vargas, warned that changing the rules on hiring foreign staff would change the Labor Code, a fact which is not covered now.
He said that the issues raised in meetings with the private sector are related solely to expediting the time to get permits to work in the country.
The director of the National Immigration Service, Maria Cristina Gonzalez, said to be respected Panamanian labor and enforce the rules that stipulate the hiring of foreign staff.
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