Death in Panama Call Center Sparks Public Outcry

A worker's death in a Panamanian call center has sparked public outrage. The country's Ministry of Labor is conducting inspections, while deputies demand stricter oversight of working conditions in the industry, where employees constantly report pressure and stress.


The Minister of Labor and Labor Development, Jackeline Muñoz, stated that the company where Rodríguez died has been inspected at least four times this year. In this regard, sources familiar with call center operations have exposed that this would not be the first death, and it is constant for employees to report extreme pressure, workplace harassment, and lack of human support. In line with this, the person who recorded the ambulance at the call center facilities reported that they would have been fired for exposing the situation. According to Muñoz, Alorica has five complaints, and she reiterated that Mitradel will continue with verifications and administrative processes to ensure that these companies respect the established labor conditions. The death of Pedro Pablo Rodríguez, allegedly under irregular circumstances, has motivated citizens and deputies to demand stricter supervision of these work centers. A recent death that occurred in a call center has set off alarms and uncovered precarious working conditions in this profession. They have also exposed that in a call center, a worker cannot make the slightest movement without the supervisor's permission. Deputy Neftalí Zamora emphasized that what happened in the call center must be thoroughly investigated. He also said that the working conditions in these spaces expose many young people to high-stress shifts and unacceptable practices. 'Mitradel watches over the labor rights of workers,' the minister pointed out. This professional activity demands high concentration and attention, causing high levels of stress.