Unions to push for rejection of FTA with U.S.

[Judi Lynn]

Panamá, jueves 23 de junio de 2011
Unions to push for rejection of FTA with U.S.

Panamanian unions are seeking a hearing before the U.S. Congress to ask that the pending free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries be rejected.

Labor leader Mariano Mena said that the unions are seeking that action due to abuses committed by the government of Panama against trade unions and associations of employees in the public sector. He said the request is being processed by the AFL-CIO, which performs lobbying actions on behalf of labor organizations.

The FTA, which was drafted in 2007, is currently being debated in the U.S. Congress.

The obstacles to ratification in the U.S. have included allegations of labor violations and political tensions between Washington and the government of President Ricardo Martinelli.

More:
http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2011/06/23/hoy/english/economy_7506.asp