The union of pilots has announced that on June 15 they will go on strike if it is not possible to reach an agreement with the airline beforehand.
Friday, May 19, 2017
The conflict pitting commercial pilots against the Panamanian airline could get more complicated from June 15, the day on which the strike would start, if the airline's representatives do not respond to their requests.
Secretary General and Captain of the UNPAC, Luis Yong pointed out to Panamaamerica.com.pa that"..."We have been negotiating since Octoberand yesterday was the end of the conciliation period of 15 working days plus two extensions of 10 days each, that is to say, we have been trying to negotiate for 35 days."
"...The 1,600 pilots are requesting an increase in wages, and recognition for hours of ground service, and are awaiting a proposal from Copa Airlines. This is the first time that the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel) has had to intervene as a mediator between the UNPAC and Copa Airlines for not reaching an agreement."
After weeks of conflict, the parties have ended talks and left resolution of the problem in the hands of the Ministry.
The Trade Union of Construction Workers and Similar (Suntracs) and the Panamanian Chamber of Construction (CAPAC) confirmed that the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel) will have to mediate between the two parties, once the round of negotiations has been suspended.
Copa Airlines passengers will have the option to connect to the island as a new destination from June.
From June 2012, Isla Colon, in the province of Bocas del Toro, Panama, will be part of the tourist destinations to which passengers can reach using the Panamanian airline Copa Airlines.
All the flights of the discount airline Spirit are cancelled, at least until June 17; its pilots demand a 30% wage increase.
Spirit has regular flights linking Fort Lauderdale with several Central American airports: Guatemala City, San Pedro Sula, Managua, San José and Panama.
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