Allegations of Unfair Dismissals in Panama

Alfredo Berrocal, advisor to Fenasep, alleges that more than 20,000 public officials have been dismissed without due process, affecting their labor rights.


Alfredo Berrocal, legal advisor to the National Federation of Public Servants (Fenasep), has made public a concerning report on the labor situation in the public sector in Panama. According to his statements, more than 20,000 public employees were terminated from their positions during the current administration, many of whom were protected by special laws.

Berrocal pointed out that the ministries of Security and Education, along with the Panama Pacific Agency, are primarily responsible for these mass layoffs without respecting labor rights or following established processes. The legal advisor expressed his concern over the lack of attention from entities such as the Ombudsman in protecting workers' rights.

In this regard, Berrocal called on public sector employees to know their rights and not hesitate to file their claims with the relevant authorities. He highlighted the importance of asserting what is rightfully theirs and not remaining silent in the face of this issue. Fenasep, for its part, has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the need to protect labor rights in the public sector.

Among the unjustified layoffs, there have been cases of workers covered by the law, such as pregnant women, people with disabilities, or chronic illnesses, who have not received their due labor benefits. Berrocal deemed this situation unacceptable and contrary to current legislation, and he denounced the discrimination and harm suffered by the affected employees.

In summary, the report of dismissals of officials protected by special laws in the public sector in Panama has generated a call to action from Fenasep and its legal advisor Alfredo Berrocal, urging workers to assert their rights and confront this issue that affects those who need it the most.