Teachers Call 72 Hour Strike in Panama

Yesterday, July 18th 2016 marked the beginning of what will be a 72-hour strike by sixteen teachers unions in Panama. The announcement was made at 11:00 a.m. on Monday following a general assembly that took place in the local school.

At The Republic of Venezuela School assembly meeting teachers rejected a proposal for a wage increase put forth by the government which would increase their salary by $150 a month each year for the next two years. In response teachers demanded an immediate increase of $300 effective immediately. Union leader Diogenes Sanchez, explained that the strike would force the government to devote more resources to the education system.

A meeting took place at 3:00 p.m. Monday afternoon after educators marched to the National Assembly with their list of demands. However the strike continues, today Tuesday July 19th educators and administration  announced that they will demonstrate tat the Republic of Venezuela School.

President Juan Carlos Varela has pleaded with teachers to return to classrooms, saying that a strike is unnecessary and that the government is willing to negotiate in good faith with the unions.