US banana giant Chiquita fires thousands over Panama strike

[Omaha Steve]

Source: Aljazeera

President Jose Raul Mulino, whose changes to social security laws prompted the protest, called the strike ‘illegal’ and said the company has ‘just cause’ for the layoffs.

23 May 2025

Banana producer Chiquita has announced mass layoffs in Panama amid an ongoing strike.

The United States-owned banana giant said on Friday it was letting “all” daily labourers go for the “unjustified abandonment of work at our plantations”.

Workers have been on strike for more than a month, as part of nation-wide industrial action protesting new social security laws lowering pensions. The government has branded the strikes “illegal” and said the sackings are the result of workers’ “intransigence”.

Chiquita said in a statement that the strike had caused “irreversible damage ..[and] at least $75 million in losses”, adding that those affected by the layoffs are required to collect severance payments.


Chiquita Panama has reportedly sacked close to 5,000 workers out of a total of 6,500, over strike action prompted by government changes to social security [File: Enea Lebrun/Reuters]

Read more: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/5/23/us-banana-giant-chiquita-fires-thousands-over-panama-strike

[moniss]

1. Chiquita is one of the worst abuser/corporate terrorists

and their history is one of death squads and brutal repression.

[Dogberry57]

2. Boycott!

I don't know where I will get my bananas, but I will survive and possibly help others to survive as well.

[pecosbob]

3. Let Mulino pick the effing bananas for the exploiters

[DJ Synikus Makisimus]

4. Back in the 'good old days" the US military would intervene

to protect the interests of the United Fruit Company. 'Ya know, the old "protecting U.S. interests abroad" line. I wonder, is the current administration is thinking of it, or if they've only got eyes for Gaza beachfront properties?