SUNTRACS (National Union of Workers of Construction and Similar Industries; ) is one of the leading
trade union forces in
Panama, with 40,000 members and a
militant
The English word ''militant'' is both an adjective and a noun, and it is generally used to mean vigorously active, combative and/or aggressive, especially in support of a cause, as in "militant reformers". It comes from the 15th century Latin " ...
style of
class war unionism. It is the leader union within
Coordinadora de Unidad Sindical (CONUSI), the most radical of the major
union federations in Panama.
Led by
Genaro López, SUNTRACS has initiated three general strikes in the past few years, and has been the instrumental force within FRENADESO, the national coalition to prevent the
privatization of Panama's social security. It has been closely connected with radical leftist groups and Padre
Conrado Sanjur, an important local figure in
liberation theology.
The union campaigns for the on-the-job safety of its members. There have been many deaths and injuries in the Panamanian construction industry due to unsafe working conditions, and SUNTRACS works to improve conditions and prevent further casualties.
In 2014, SUNTRACS members working on the
Panama Canal expansion project engaged in a two-week strike, gaining an 11% pay increase over their previous per hour wage.
References
External links
*
*
Trade unions in Panama
Building and construction trade unions
{{NorthAm-trade-union-stub