About 300 public officials began a work stoppage action as of December 23 in the province of Colón. With shouts and banners, officials from the National Aqueducts and Sewers Institute (Idaan) carried out the peaceful protest at the corner of 13th Street and Central Avenue in the city of Colón. National Police agents arrived at the protest site. José González, one of the spokesmen for the officials, stated that they decided to start the work stoppage because they are paid a productivity bonus every year. He indicated that every year they work and make the effort so that the citizenry has drinking water. González added that other government entities have been paid, but not them. The spokesman said that the work stoppage will last until they receive a response, while informing that they have had an approach with the general directorate. However, he pointed out that it appears that the Comptroller's Office and the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) have that payment paralyzed.
