In Panama Pacifico, despite being protected by laws that safeguard families of people with disabilities, several employees were recently dismissed. Among them is Felicidad Góndola, a worker with epilepsy, high blood pressure, diabetes, and anxiety disorders. Over the years, she held various positions in the agency; however, she has been let go from her job without access to public social security or private medical care due to high costs.
Another case is that of Cristina Díaz, mother of a child with a mental disability. Despite submitting all the documentation regarding her daughter's condition, such as medical appointments and diagnoses, to the Human Resources department, she was fired on the grounds of being untrustworthy. Despite filing a complaint with the Ombudsman, she has not received a response, which has affected both her economic stability and her emotional health.
Dayra González, a financial analyst with chronic hypertension, was also dismissed from her position at Panama Pacifico despite being protected by the law that supports employees with chronic illnesses. Even though she presented medical certifications to Human Resources, her dismissal did not take her health conditions into account, impacting her job and emotional stability.
These cases highlight the difficulties vulnerable employees face in asserting their labor rights. Despite having legal protections, many workers are dismissed without consideration of their personal and medical circumstances. The struggle of these women to regain their jobs continues as they seek support from entities like the Ombudsman and hope for justice. So far in the government, according to the National Federation of Public Servants (Fenasep), more than 20,000 dismissals of officials have occurred.
