Panama: Banana worker killed in unrest over union law; gov’t says police fired ‘pellets’
By APSaturday, July 10, 2010
Panama: 2nd banana worker killed in labor protest
PANAMA CITY — Panamanian officials say a second banana plantation worker has been killed in clashes with police.
Cabinet chief Jimmy Papadimitriu confirms the man was shot by police. He says officers fired “pellets,” but without specifying what kind.
Striking banana workers began protesting last week in western Bocas del Toro province against a new law that critics say weakens unions.
At least 100 people have been hurt in clashes that also killed a labor leader on Thursday.
Papadimitriu told Radio RPC on Saturday that it’s still not clear what caused the earlier death.
The Cabinet chief was in the city of Changuinola leading a commission that’s seeking to negotiate with the workers. He said he’s hopeful that talks may be imminent.
