Expulsion of Union Leader from Sparks International Response

Following the expulsion of the universally known union leader Marcelo Di Stefano from Panama, who was set to participate in an International Labour Organization (ILO) meeting on strengthening unionism, various worker organizations worldwide have commented on this unprecedented event. The hostile attitude of Panamanian authorities toward this distinguished guest revealed the persecution by the government of President José Raúl Mulino against the union and social movement. Among the statements condemning the affront, the strong voice of union leader Claudia Olivera Sule stands out, who is participating in the ILO meetings in Panama. Olivera Sule filed the complaint during a meeting with leaders of the National Federation of Public Servants (FENASEP) on behalf of the Public Services International (PSI). The union leader conveyed the indignation of her organization over the inconceivable detention of Dr. Marcelo Di Stefano for over ten hours before being deported from the country. Di Stefano is an Argentine university professor, globally recognized as the Secretary for the Strengthening and Organization of Trade Unions of the Americas, which brings together over 55 million members in union centers from Canada to Tierra del Fuego. He was expelled from Panama without receiving any justification, as reported by the Public Services International. Therefore, Olivera Sule described the act as an “anti-democratic measure that affects the PSI and freedom of association in Panama, totally undermining social dialogue”. The ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association has emphasized that states cannot establish direct or indirect measures that hinder the exercise of union activities. Activists from FENASEP acknowledged that Di Stefano's expulsion is not an isolated case, occurring in a context of crisis where human rights are systematically being violated in Panama to the detriment of the working class. The PSI strongly condemned the denial of Di Stefano's entry into the country and demanded explanations from the government of Mulino. In this regard, Olivera Sule emphasized that “freedom of association is not negotiable”.