The Balboa and Cristóbal Port Workers' Union (SITEVOP-BALCRI) came forward this Thursday following the Supreme Court's ruling that declared the concession contract between the state and Panama Ports Company unconstitutional. The union urged that legal disputes should not paralyze port operations and affect workers. They reminded that on January 29, 2026, the court struck down Law 5 of 1997, its amendments, and the extension that supported the port concession. After this decision, the company warned of possible international legal actions, which — according to SITEVOP-BALCRI — has created legal uncertainty that should not be transferred to the workforce. In response, the union demanded that the National Government guarantee labor immobility and all acquired rights of the workers of Balboa and Cristóbal. They clarified that conflicts between the state and the company cannot put the livelihood of more than 5,000 families at risk, who depend directly or indirectly on port activities. SITEVOP-BALCRI also demanded mandatory participation in any negotiations or transition that arises after the ruling, stating that it is the guarantor of the current Collective Convention. According to the union, the Minister of Labor, Jackeline Muñoz, committed that no port worker would be fired during this transition period. Meanwhile, the union assured that it will maintain active port operations as long as labor rights are respected. They warned that only official information from the union should be taken into account and that they will not allow uncertainty to be used to violate labor rights.
