Panama's Minimum Wage Debate

A debate over the minimum wage is unfolding in Panama, pitting labor unions against the business sector. Aniano Pinzón Real, president of the National Council of Organized Workers (CONATO), insists on the need for a national wage agreement that goes beyond biennial minimum wage negotiations. He recalled that according to CONATO's calculations, a healthy family food basket costs around $1,800 monthly, meaning that with two working people, the minimum wage should be around $900. Meanwhile, Gabriel Diez, president of the National Council of Private Enterprise (CONEP), calls for caution. He emphasized that many Panamanians don't make it to the end of the month, but many businesses are also struggling. He believes any adjustment must be balanced and sustainable to not push companies to the brink or workers into informal employment. Diez also stressed the need for all parties to listen to each other to build consensus for the common good. The two sides have presented their key demands: CONATO demands a unified national wage region and the consideration of the full cost of the consumer basket, while CONEP advocates for simplifying tariffs and creating a general wage policy.