Gustavo Herrera, leader of the National Council of Organized Workers (Conato), provided details on the adjustments to the minimum wage approved yesterday by the National Minimum Wage Commission.
He added that only 27% of workers fall under the minimum wage category, while the rest benefit from contractual or conventional wages that far exceed these rates.
In the domestic sector, the increase amounts to $10, while in the port sector, it rose by $9.50. However, Herrera clarified that 80% of these workers are covered by collective commissions, meaning their wages are tiered.
He also mentioned that in the communications sector, wages increased to $12 in some cases.
According to Herrera, it was easy for workers to say "no agreement" and allow the government to continue the "same vicious and political cycle," which he claimed was prevailing at the negotiation table.
Furthermore, he stated that companies with fewer than 10 workers do not increase wages, as this affects workers in diners, restaurants, and sellers of technology, mobile phones, and other goods.
The leader recalled that the minimum wage represents the floor, yet many people see it as the ceiling of their salary.
Regarding security agents, he noted that there is a commitment to review their salary conditions again in June when a permanent table is established.
Herrera also detailed that there are two zones: Zone 1 includes the most economically impactful districts, such as Panama City, Penonomé, Aguadulce, Changuinola, and Chitré, and Zone 2 comprises adjacent districts within the same provinces.
Herrera explained that in the mining sector, an adjustment of up to $54 per month was reached.
In turn, he indicated that a table will remain active starting from June 2026, functioning not only during review periods, as has been the case in recent years.
