Minister of Labor and Labor Development of Panama, Jackeline Muñoz, stated that all priorities must be set for the benefit of the people, for the benefit of Panamanians. According to the minister, the Single Union of National Workers of the Construction Industry and Similar (Suntracs) stopped putting the worker first from the moment it began to block streets, throw blocks, and act with violence. Currently, Saúl Méndez is missing. Muñoz reported that Suntracs has not been dissolved because Saúl Méndez continues to be its general secretary. A few months ago, the Minister of Labor filed a lawsuit for the dissolution of Suntracs, considering that it has completely distorted its original purpose of defending the interests of Panamanian workers. According to Muñoz, although the union held a National General Assembly and announced the election of a new board of directors, these changes do not meet the requirements, so they cannot be officially recognized. The minister stated that Suntracs is not a union, but a group of people that distorted the reality of an organization that defends the interests of workers. 'The union is the most solid way to support workers and make economic, political agreements.' Initially, Méndez took refuge in the Embassy of Bolivia in Panama, requesting political asylum.
