Panama Teacher Strike: Thousands Face Pay Suspension

Panama: Over 15,000 Teachers Face Pay Suspension Amidst Strike Panama City, Panama – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the Panamanian education system, Comptroller General Anel Flores announced on Tuesday that more than 15,000 teachers will not receive their next bi-weekly salary payment. The decision stems from an ongoing teacher's strike, with audits revealing widespread absences and insufficient work by striking educators. "We have corroborated through audits that many teachers are not attending work, or if they are, they are not fulfilling their duties," Flores stated during a press conference. "They arrive, clock in, and leave, with the complicity of some school directors." The Comptroller emphasized that this is not a salary deduction but rather a non-payment for services not rendered. He cited specific instances of teachers failing to meet their teaching obligations, resulting in significant disruptions to the educational process. The total amount of withheld payments is expected to exceed 15,000 balboas. Flores also highlighted the existence of a database containing 17,000 qualified teachers on a waiting list, ready to replace those currently on strike. He appealed to striking teachers to consider the impact on students and the availability of qualified replacements. The situation remains tense, with potential for further legal action.