Appealing for an understanding between employers and workers, the Ministry of Labor will seek to serve only as a mediator in the talks about an increase to the minimum wage for the 2014 - 2015 time period. (more)

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A resolution from the Ministry of Labor that regulates the processing of work permits for humanitarian reasons to foreigners living in Panama was signed yesterday.

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The World Bank (WB) today announced the granting of a loan of $100 million to the Government of Panama to improve revenue and fiscal management, transparency and efficiency of social programs. (more)

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Panama Pacific has become a source of employment for thousands of Panamanians who have the opportunity to train in different areas and have access to better wages.

About 8,000 jobs have been created by the 200 companies that have been established there, and by 2014 they expect this will surpass 12,000 jobs, more than currently produced by the Panama Canal, according to the general manager of Panama Pacifico, Olmedo Alfaro.

Alfaro said that about 100 companies a year are being recorded in the APP, which is why they will be able to achieve the figures stipulated.

He said they use a platform called "Panama Hires" - which has made it easy for Panamanians or foreigners with work permits to enter their resumes - and they can be reviewed by the companies interested in hiring.

Job seekers can enter their data through www.app.gob.pa or the www.panamaemplea.gob.pa page.

There, they can access information about job offers that are available, well as courses or job training opportunities that might be of interest.

"There is a staff that monitors the monthly movements of the companies who are seeking Panamanian labor, through the data entered by job seekers via the webpage," said Alfaro.

According to the APP, every month the companies study or access about 1,500 resumes of those Panamanians who have registered digitally, for their subsequent recruitment.

Training - In order to support the training of Panamanians, with respect to the requirements of the companies established in the Panama Pacific area, and knowing the limitations on academics, APP created a training center in conjunction with the National Institute of Vocational Training for Human Development (Inadeh), which trains students in English, logistics, warehouse management teams, technology and ethics. In addition, the center has simulated port equipment structures. (Panama America)

Panamanians see the entry of foreigners to work in Panama as a threat. In a recent survey 80% of Panamanians reject the possibility of bringing new immigrants to Panama to work.

This is one of the results of the CID Gallup poll for "The People Speak", which in this latest installment discusses the opinions and attitudes of Panamanians towards immigrants in the country.

The idea of hiring more foreigners only received the support of 15% of the population.

The idea was rejected in the interior of the country by 83.5%, by 83.2% of women, and 81.1% of young adults. Those who only passed primary school are the most negative.

Interestingly, the same study concluded that 60% of Panamanians think their countrymen (other Panamanians) do not want to work.

And at the same time, only 7% of Panamanians think foreigners are better workers.

More than half of Panamanians, specifically 54%, think that foreign workers are preferred by employers.

Only 25% see their countrymen (other Panamanians) as the favorites of those who hire them. (Siglo)

Editor's Comment: So, the conclusions from this poll are obvious. The Panamanians don't want foreign workers to come, because they know the foreigners are better workers. The Panamanians themselves know they are not the best educated or prepared, and they know the foreigners will take their jobs. And they also know that Panamanians are lazy. Wow. What a poll...

The cumulative gross total paid to government employees in Panama from January through October 2012 came to a total of $1.771 billion dollars, up 10% compared to the same period last year, according to the Comptroller. This amount is comparable to the investment made ​​by the State to build Line One of the new Metro subway system - $1.88 billion. The increase in the cost of operations is caused by several laws which have increased the salaries of government workers. By October 2012, there are approximately 200,000 people on the government payroll.

Editor's Comment: The total number of people on the government payroll has increased by 4.2% compared to last year - up from 190,736 to 198,708 - while the amount of money being spent to pay them increased by 10%. Pay raises account for the difference.

Just as it was done in the Curundú project construction, the Cinta Costera 3 is being build by labor from Chorrillo.

Every day about 20 resumes are being received - from people both inside and outside of Chorrillo - who are interested in being part of the labor force of this project. This was confirmed by the Human Resources staff of the company Norberto Odebrecht Construction.

Alfonso Norton Arosemena, who has been living in this district for 35 years, is part of the group of 25 men who were trained in the program of continuing professional qualification dubbed "Believe" and the National Institute of Vocational Training for Human Development (INADEH).

This stakeholder group is preparing to be charged with the installation of the reinforcing rods used in the construction of the project. (Siglo)

The Director General of Employment, of the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (Mitradel), Samuel Vargas, said that 39% of Panama's population is engaged in informal employment, while the rest of the population with some form of training is devoted to employment formal.

"Although there are many open jobs, the lack of preparation is one of the problems that exist in the country, and therefore they find it difficult to get a job," he said.

He said the unemployment rate is at 4.5%, which represents about 60 thousand people, yet in the capital city there are 70,000 vacancies to be filled.

He said many more employees are required, and the businesses are finding it difficult because people don't want to work, or they are not trained to do the work that's required. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: And, there you have it. Unemployment in Panama is 4.5% - so that means 60,000 people are unemployed. Simultaneously, there are now 70,000 open positions going unfilled. Hence - unemployment = 0% (or less - manpower deficit). Those who can't get jobs either don't want to work (lazy) or they are not properly trained. Of course there's still poverty and unemployment in the remote areas of the interior, mostly because those people live far away from the jobs. If they moved, they could easily find work if they wanted to. Anyone with an ounce of intelligence, motivation, education, and training is gainfully employed.

With the implementation of the Executive Decree No. 416, of June 13th 2012, the government of Panama created a new subcategory allowing for the issuance of permanent residency permits to nationals from 24 countries that maintain a friendly relationship with Panama. As a consequence, the Panama Ministry of Labor created a new work permit for those who apply for and who are approved through this new subcategory. In contrast with common Work Permits which require annual extensions, these new work permits are being granted as "indefinite" with no expiration date.

The Ministry of Labor is charging $500 for these permits. The law firm of Almanza & Almanza can help you obtain this new work permit. The costs and government fees (including the Work Permit fee and others) is $600, and our professional fees are $400.

For more information you can contact us via email at galmanza@aa-panama.com or info@aa-panama.com, telephone in Panama (507) 264-5502, (507) 264-6381, fax (507) 264-8751, or visit our website www.aa-panama.com.

Since it became known that the Authority of Urban and Household Cleanliness (AAUD) needed drivers, more than 300 people have come to the institution to apply for the positions, said Enrique Ho Fernandez, manager of the entity. Of these 15 have been hired and another 85 are in the process for appointment, to put the full fleet of garbage trucks into service, and to optimize the collection service in the capital city, he said. Among the requirements requested: be under 55 years of age, have a Type F driver's licence, with experience in heavy equipment, be responsible, and have no negative history in the Transit Authority. The salary is $700 per month, with salary adjustments that will be made from $50 to $225. (Mi Diario)

Editor's Comment: Good. The AAUD has recently purchased dozens of new garbage trucks, and they were having trouble getting drivers for them. They raised the salary, let it be known in the press, and now they've got warm bodies. Which, of course, that now some other company who was paying them less will have to increase what they are paying in order to do the work. It's a vicious cycle of dudes getting paid more money. That's what happens in a booming economy.

Over 27,000 vacancies are being offered today, Saturday, at the job fair organized by the Ministry of Labor and Social Development which takes place at the Arena Roberto Duran.

The Show hours will be from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, and about 130 companies from around the country will participate and provide labor positions in different areas.

Those interested in the vacancies should submit their resume, a photocopy of their identity card, previous job references, food handler card, and a copy of their driver's license if they have one.

At the fair there will also be an exhibition of food products for people to buy at affordable prices.

On 29 September Mitradel will organize another job fair at the José Guardia Vega school in Colon, and the José Daniel Crespo school in the city of Chitre, Herrera province. (Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: So, if 130 companies are trying to fill 27,000 vacancies, that's an average of 207 jobs per company. The underlying fundamental manpower shortage continues in Panama. There are more jobs available than people to fill them. Sooner or later, something has to give. I have come to the conclusion that the government of Panama wants to keep this shortage in effect. The increasingly intense competition for skilled employees creates an upward pressure on wages, as employees are forced to cannibalize employees from their competitors, in order to obtain the labor force they need to get the work done. This means employees will make more money across the board. However it's a dangerous strategy because it's flirting with inflation, which can be crippling in the long term.

On 22 September 2012, the Ministry of Labor and Social Development (MITRADEL) will hold a job fair, with more than 100 participating companies. The fair will be at the Roberto Duran Arena from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. MITRADEL invited those who are interested to bring their resumes, and there will be vacancies available in different career fields. Engineering, banks and finance, call centers, and general assistant are some of the areas where vacancies will be announced.

Omar Peralta, head of Employment at the Mitradel announced that next week they will also be holding job fairs at the José Guardia Vega school in Colon, and at the José Guardia Vega in the town of Chitré, province of Herrera, with more than 1,000 vacancies being announced by approximately 150 companies. (Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: I've seen the announcements for these job fairs, but I never seen any feedback as to results or the success of the efforts. It seems to me that the companies in Panama have gone beyond scraping the bottom of the barrel. They are already actively committing acts of economic cannibalism, stealing good employees from one company to another with promises of better pay, benefits, and working conditions. I wonder how long the Panamanian economy can continue to grow with insufficient workforce.

On Saturday 22 September 2012, more than 2,500 vacancies will be offered in various economic activities, through the Great Mega Fair at the Roberto Duran Gym, located in the district of Juan Diaz. The event, organized by the MITRADEL, will have a schedule from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm with the participation of 100 companies who will offer vacancies. Those attending the fair should bring copies of their resume, photocopies of their ID card, copies of school diplomas (if they have them) and police records. (Telemetro)

Editor's Comment: The employment situation in Panama is not getting any better, from the point of view of the companies who are trying to fill these positions. The people who are showing up to these "Fairs" and other promotions are almost all already working. Practically none of them are either new graduates or unemployed. So, they are mostly just looking for better positions with more pay, benefits, improved working conditions, closer to home, etc. Panama needs more warm bodies to meet the demand for labor, and it's not getting them. Unemployment is now practically zero - and anyone who wants to work, can. Of course there are pockets of unemployment and poverty, mostly in the remote areas in the mountains, because those people choose to live in areas where there are no jobs.

by Ron Buchanan - With the $5.2bn expansion of the Panama Canal, a new metro and airports under construction, along with a raft of luxury hotels, Panama’s 3.5m population can hardly satisfy demands on the nation’s workforce. And now it’s official. Panama is the number one hotspot for jobs in the Americas. The most recent survey by Manpower shows that Panama has a 26 per cent net trend towards job creation – the percentage of companies that aim to hire people in the fourth quarter subtracted by those who aim to lay off personnel. (Click Here to read the full article.)

Editor's Comment: This survey by Manpower confirms what I already knew. Panama is creating more jobs than any other economy in Latin America.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

Yesterday the fourth "Job Mega Fair" made more than 10,000 job openings in private companies available to Panamanians, said President Ricardo Martinelli, who toured this event held in the parking lots of the bus station in San Miguelito. The president said the companies are taking advantage of the country's economic growth, so therefore then need to recruit human resources, and the Panamanian people have to take advantage of the opportunities. 138 private companies participated in the fair where they presented offers for various vacancies in work areas. The event was attended by 2,334 people. The government of Panama has placed more than 25,000 employees in different jobs at these kinds of fairs in the past three years. (Critica)

Editor's Comment: This is actually a "bad news" article. There are 10,000 openings available just at this job fair. Only 2,334 people showed up, and most of them are already working somewhere else. They just wanted to see what was available, to see if they could jump from one company to another to improve their position, pay, benefits, or what have you. So, there are still many more jobs available than there are people to fill them. This is not good for a hot and growing economy. It's nice that there's now practically zero unemployment (or full employment) in Panama, however if there there no more people, then the economy cannot continue to expand. Need more warm bodies, quickly... I've been saying it for years, something's gotta give. Thanks for reading this article. Now, do NOT send me your damn resume...

The company Panama Metro has seven hundred (700) jobs for immediate recruitment to build the new mass transit and rail set, together with the company Manpower SA Panama and the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development during the recruitment made ​​on Friday August 10 at the premises of this institution. There are vacancies for workshop mechanics, welders, masons, general helpers, carpenters, managers and management, drivers, technical, and maintenance, among others. Samuel Vargas, Director of Employment (MITRADEL), said: "The company for the implementation of the Panama METRO will be training job seekers for a period of 15 days for immediate recruitment in the month of September." These recruitments of personnel are organized by the Directorate of Employment of the MITRADEL, together with private companies to help reduce unemployment in Panama, and create an opportunity for all Panamanians to aspire to a place of employment. (Telemetro)

The political opposition is claiming the Bill introduced by the President of the National Assembly Sergio Galvez - that according to him seeks to provide job security to 192,000 public employees - actually aims to "shield" the more than 35,000 public servants who have been hired during the three years the Cambio Democratico political party has been in office. The Deputy from the opposition Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) Leandro Avila said the proposal being made by the CD is contradictory, because when they came to power in 2009 they ignored the Civil Service Law. Meanwhile the Panameñista Deputy Jose Blandon said the CD's proposal seeks to leave without affect the contests for appointments to public service positions. Alfredo Berrocal, the Secretary General of the Federation of Public Servants (FENASEP), said they are wary of the Bill being presented by Galvez. (Prensa)

Editor's Comment: One of the elements of the political "game" in Panama is that whenever a new political party comes to power, they squeeze out the "old" guys in order to give jobs to "their" people. There have been a total of five democratically elected presidents since the end of the military dictatorship in 1989, and none of the parties in power have been able to "repeat" or stay in office for more than one five-year term. The end result is every five years there's a purge and a lot of public employees are put out of work, and the new guys are hired. This is more true at the higher level and better paying positions. The lower ranking positions such as secretaries and janitors can generally survive these things, for the most part. But there's little consistency, and some Ministries are almost completely cleaned out when the new guy takes over. Now that the CD is in power their gambit is to try to "lock in" all of the people they have hired. And of course they will argue that it's good for the government, stability, ect.

The Minister of Labor and Workforce Development, Alma Cortés said after the protests by the unions of workers in the construction industry, who are opposed to hiring labor from Honduras, that there is no justification to do so. Cortes denied having signed any agreement and admitted on RPC Radio that the rumor arose after a conversation between the President, Ricardo Martinelli, and his Honduran counterpart. "There is no agreement. We are not going to bring workers from Honduras nor from any other country. The domestic labor laws are not being violated. The jobs and money are for Panamanian nationals," said Cortez. She added that the workers do not have to worry because the jobs being created are for them, and if more labor is needed, then people are being trained for that purpose. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: The government flip-flopped on this issue. Martinelli does not want any more fights, and the last thing he wants to do is tangle with the SUNTRACS now. So, they killed his proposal (which they, in fact, had created themselves.)

"Panamanians interested in workers from San Pedro Sula," said the headline on the website of the La Prensa newspaper in Honduras yesterday, and a story saying Panama will import 4,000 laborers from this Central American country to work in the construction sector, especially in the expansion of the Panama Canal. The newspaper - quoting Honduran Labor Minister Felícito Avila - said this job opportunity would be offered from Panama to Honduras and would benefit mainly those from San Pedro Sula. The workers from San Pedro Sula would be hired as the Masters of Projects, carpenters, and plumbers. "Honduras has a high experience with graduates from the Infop (National Vocational Training Institute)" for these position, said Avila in the Honduran newspaper.

An agreement between Avila and Panama's Labor Minister, Alma Cortes, would be the legal framework for the import of 4,000 workers from Honduras. According to the Honduran newspaper La Prensa, that agreement would be signed next August, at a meeting of the Labor Ministers from Central America and the Dominican Republic. Avila has confirmed his participation at the meeting to be held on 7 and 8 August. "We could sign an agreement to establish the parameters of how and under what conditions the Hondurans could leave to that neighboring country," said the Honduran minister.

SUNTRACS On Alert: The Union of Construction Workers and Allied (SUNTRACS) rejected the measure. Genaro Lopez, leader of SUNTRACS said Panama has enough manpower to meet demand in the construction sector. He even said recently the consortium Unidos Por El Canal which is building the Panama Canal expansion project laid off about 300 workers. For the leader, the measure seeks to weaken the union movement in Panama and would present a problem for the country. Foreign workers are not entitled to protest in the case of labor violations, said Lopez. Furthermore, the Government would be importing workers for specific projects and when they conclude, it is likely that these workers will not wish to return to their country, which would generate other problems in Panama, he said.

MITRADEL Statement: The Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel), in a statement, reported they have not received the request from the Honduran authorities for a meeting outside the central theme, which will be on child labor. "But regularly in similar activities the ministers have exchanged ideas, and on this occasion that may be the case," the statement said. The agency clarified that in Panama there are no projects which have been stopped or delayed due to manpower shortages, and "we in the universities, technical institutes and the National Institute for Human Development (INADEH) are training hundreds of Panamanians to form part of the required labor pool."

The information that appeared in La Prensa de Honduras emphasized that Panama is asking for the Honduran labor. "Panama is requiring Honduran labor, and San Pedro Sula is a key city to send qualified personnel to work in the construction of shopping centers and the modernization of road infrastructure in this country," said the newspaper, quoting this time Carlos Montes, Honduran Vice Minister of Labour and Social Welfare. "If the agreement is signed, people who are unemployed will join the productive sector abroad who will be paid in dollars. This will help to narrow the gap of unemployed in San Pedro," expanded Montes. (Estrella)

Editor's Comment: The importation of labor in this manner will be a controversial step for the Panamanian government to take. They find themselves perched upon the dual horns of a dilemma. They need the additional manpower to keep building stuff as the economy continues to grow, and it's a simple matter of fact that growth has outpaced demographics. There are simply more jobs than there are people available to do them. The Minister of Labor's statement directly conflicts with statements recently made by the Minister of Public Works, who said the government has more infrastructure projects they would like to build, but the construction companies either can't or won't bid on them, because there are no construction workers available to build them. So while it might be a true statement when they say no projects have been cancelled or delayed due to a lack of manpower, it's also true that there would be more projects being built if there were more people available. Once again, politicians splitting hairs. The recent "melting pot" event added about 5,000 additional employees to the temporary labor pool, but very few of them were probably experienced, trained, and capable construction workers. And (as usual) the SUNTRACS guys are looking out for their own concerns. They will probably give these guys a two year visa and work permit, and see how it turns out.

Panama's Minister of Trade and Industry Ricardo Quijano said the statements made ​​by the Labor Minister Alma Cortez, during which she revealed that the company Varela Hermanos had been fined for failing to pay the minimum wage, were done as a government official and not as a party member of the Democratic Change (CD). "Alma Cortes made a statement as the Minister of Labor and not as a politician, as others would like to say," said Quijano. He said "I think Cortez did not do it with the intention of shutting anyone up, but rather to clarify that everyone has to pay the minimum wage." The Panameñista political party filed a complaint yesterday, Wednesday 3 July, against Minister Cortes for alleged labor violations before the office of the Electoral Prosecutor, claiming the attack was made ​​during working hours in violation of the Election Code. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: The standard response of the guilty is to attack the messenger if you can't attack the message. Yesterday I saw some statements made by Juan Carlos Varela's brother "Popi" who said they supposed had reached some kind of an agreement with the workers to pay them wages as employees in the alcohol production industry, rather than workers in the sugar cane fields. One can assume that of course the sugar cane workers have a higher minimum wage payment than the factory workers in the alcohol production facility, and that's why the company wanted to pay the workers at that rate. According to them, they had an agreement with the union, but agreements between companies and unions don't change the laws of Panama. So apparently some of the guys who were, in fact, working in the sugar cane fields filed a complaint, the Labor Ministry inspected, found the complaint to be true and valid, and then they issued a fine of $102,500 dollars against the company. Of course, the company immediately appealed or asked for a reconsideration which has to be decided by Labor Minister Cortes, so I think the chances are pretty good their request will be denied. But most importantly - the company seems to have been taking advantage of their workers. All of the other shrill complaints about Cortes having made political attacks during working hours is just so much BS. And once again, they're not winning any battles with this strategy.

The Minister of Labor and Workforce Development, Alma Cortez, denounced Tuesday, July 3, that the company Varela Hermanos was not paying their employees the minimum wage. And Cortes said she was surprised that the Vice President, Juan Carlos Varela, issued in the media a campaign ad on the minimum wage increase, "because Varela Hermanos was not paying the minimum wage." The minister said on Telemetro Reports the company owes a fine of $102,500 dollars for "having violated the payment of minimum wage." According to the official, employees of the Varela Hermanos company, who work in the processing of sugar cane, traveled to Panama City to file complaints. "We had to drop in on them with inspections, after the workers came to denounce it," said Cortez. "We had to practically, through these measures (fines), punish the company and force them to pay the minimum wage," she said. (Prensa)

Editor's Comment: A lot of large business owners in Panama are really pissed off at Martinelli, because for the first time in history the government is making them pay taxes (according to law) and pay their workers minimum wage (according to law). For as long as anyone can remember, the big rich powerful business owners could get away with doing whatever they wanted by paying bribes, kickbacks, or payola to be left alone. But now companies like the Varela's are facing stiff fines, and (on top of the fines) they are being forced to pay their employees minimum wage. Given this news, can Vice President Juan Carlos Varela still be considered a valid presidential candidate for 2014? But here's the kicker, and the reality behind this story. I'm sure there are other companies out there who are "friends" of Martinelli, who are still getting away with murder. Selective enforcement is still the political tool of choice in Panama.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - The Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel) just issued a press release, stating that the Panama Ports Company is trying to fill 680 vacancies for general laborers. The company will be holding a recruiting drive on Friday, 29 June 2012, together with the Mitradel in San Miguelito at the Gran Estacion, in front of the Saray and Saks stores. They are looking for males, between 21 and 35 years of age.

The Panama Ports Company has requested the assistance and support from Mitradel based on their previous experience with these kinds of recruitment drives, because the institution has an extensive database of job seekers at all occupational levels, and they can help companies hold special recruitment drives to fill a large number of vacancies.

Free transportation, food, uniforms and vocational growth as permanent contracts are some of the benefits provided by the company for those job seekers who are selected to join the group of skilled labor. Job seekers should submit their resume, personal identity card, be available to work in rotating shifts and meet the minimum education requirements of having completed the junior year of high school, preferably be able to swim and not suffer from vertigo.

This is just one more example of a company in Panama that has more jobs than there are people available to fill them.

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

According to a press release from the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel), they have requested an audit of the Instituto Panameño de Estudios Laborales (Ipel) (Panamanian Institute of Labor Studies) because that is the entity administering the funds of the education insurance. The minister said that since taking office she has asked the Comptroller General's Office to perform this audit, because the organizations that benefit from the insurance funds could not sustain their expenses. According to the Mitradel, through the "audit a number of varied irregularities were identified that were typified as potential crimes (damage to state property)."

As a result (of the audit), prosecutors brought charges to be investigated against Mariano Mena of the Central General de Trabajadores de Panamá; Alfredo Berrocal of the Federación Nacional de Servidores Públicos; and Víctor Torres of the Convergencia Sindical, among other union leaders, said Mitradel. The minister said they would do the corresponding communications before the International Labor Organization so they will immediately know what is happening to these workers organizations in Panama. (Dia a Dia)

The economic growth has favored the opening of jobs in the country, but the reality of the Panamanian labor market shows that the number of the economically active population is less than the number of jobs being generated. This, according to the human resources service providers who help other companies find and hire employees, who say there are enough people available to fill the positions being created and developed in the country. Ricardo Chaverri, the General Manager of the company Manpower, said while the unemployment rate in Panama is extremely low compared with the rest of the countries in the region - which is good for the country - for companies is not necessarily so good because means most people are already working, and in order for companies to fill their positions they are forced to "steal" employees from other companies, or to bring them in from abroad. "That brings two things. Either they start a war of higher wages and benefits, or they start to incur the additional costs of having to bring in staff from other countries," he said. (Prensa)

Editor's Comment: I saw someone doing an interview on the morning news about this same subject today. They said right now there are only 60,000 people in Panama who are unemployed, and there are 90,000 jobs that need to be filled. So, not only is the Panamanian economy in a state of 100% employment (or, 0% unemployment) in fact there is a manpower deficit. Another headline in La Prensa this morning said Foreign Direct Investment fell 15.3% in the first trimester of 2012. Of course because the headline appeared in La Prensa they found a way to blame Martinelli, and implied the drop off was due to the internal politics in Panama, which is crap. It's much more likely the drop off in FDI is directly related to the manpower shortage. Companies won't make the investment in a country to build (whatever) if they can't hire people to run it.

The number of work contracts registered by employers at the end of February this year at the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel) represented a decrease of 4.67% less than last year, with 55,767 registered in the period indicated. The data, highlighted in a report by the Economic Analysis Division of the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) reveal further that permanent contracts and specific work contracts increased by 712 and 1,170 respectively, while defined contracts decreased by 4,616. This reflects, according to a statement from the MEF, that in the capital companies registered a decrease of 6.57%, mainly those signed for a definite period of time (33.74%), which may have been replaced with contracts for a specific job where there was an increase (20.78%) in Mitradel, as well as permanent contracts (6.63%) signed after the completion of a probation period.

The report prepared by MEF, also stresses that in the interior of the country there were fewer contracts (2.08%), but the difference with those for 2011 was lower than in the capital city. The most notable declines were in the Regional Offices of Chiriqui (40.3%), Panama West (31.0%) and Veraguas (47.3%) due to the completion of construction projects. However, those kinds of contracts caused increases in the provinces of Herrera (57.7%) and Los Santos (106.2%) where roadway infrastructure projects are being developed.

The foreign population in Panama is increasing. Outsiders see the country as a safe route to employment. One example is the 15% increase in approved work permits for workers of other nationalities in the first five months of 2012. This upward trend of migration is displacing Panamanian workers who are concerned this situation increases unemployment and lowers wages.

Labor Supply - The arrival of multinationals with specific technical requirements, and in some cases a lack of a skilled local (Panamanian) workforce have pushed the employment of foreigners in the country. The work related to the project to expand the Panama Canal and the construction of Metro Line One are also allowing for workers from other countries to see Panama as a job offer that is opening up thanks to sustained economic growth.

Market In The Sights - A statistical report from the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel) shows that so far in 2012 a total of 5,123 work permits have been issued to foreigners. Most of the applications are for people who are married to Panamanians. Foreigners staying in the country come from 74 different nations. Mitradel Statistics show that of all labor migration, 36.3% is from Colombia. Then followed by Venezuela (9%), China (6.5%), Dominican Republic (6.1%) and Nicaragua (4.7%).

Concern - Rafael Chavarria, an official of the National Confederation of Organized Workers (CONATO), yesterday expressed concern at the increase of foreigners in the country. He said the authorities should control the entry of foreigners, since due to the development of mega projects being built in the country, they are taking advantage of this situation to put their eyes on the labor market in Panama. Although Chavarria admitted that labor migration is positive in part because of the new experiences and technologies brought to the table by people of other nationalities, he said they are displacing Panamanian workers.

Samuel Vargas, the Director General of Employment at Mitradel does not agree with Chavarria. He said although work permits are kept on the rise, this is not an alarming figure for the country. Vargas said it has been difficult for companies to hire staff for key areas such as general helpers, drivers, sales, and high-profile positions such as electricians, engineers, plumbers and bricklayers.

Strengthen Human Resources - For her part, the director of operations in Mexico, Central America and Dominican Republic for the US firm Manpower, Maria Luisa Rocha, said there is need to strengthen human resources in the English language, to prevent these vacancies from being filled by foreigners. She said "a major challenge" is to place the right people in business who need to "capitalize on the talents of young people." Rocha added that in Panama unemployment is at 4.5%, but among those aged 15 to 24 years of age it's at 12.7%, so "we must focus on helping young people find a job opportunity that is attractive to them, where they can develop their capabilities," she said. (Mi Diario)

The Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel) warned on Wednesday, June 6 that "progressive fines will be imposed in addition to other compulsive and coercive measures in order to make possible the fulfillment of back pay" of the minimum wage, in force in Panama since 2012. Labor Minister Alma Cortez spoke on this subject in a statement "in response to the repeated complaints about the failure to pay minimum wage," she stated in a press release. Mitradel also reiterated that this measure will be strictly enforced, and warned that those who do not comply will be punished according to law. Labor officials said they are "making one last appeal to ensure compliance with this provision, as established by Executive Decree 240 of 28 December 2011 and Executive Decree 241 of 30 December 2011." The Mitradel also warned they would not rule out publishing the list of companies that are found to be not complying with this provision. The average minimum wage to be paid to workers in region 1 is $432.64 per month. (Prensa)

Editor's Comment: Why issue warnings? The government should just issue fines to any company found to not be complying. What's with this "one last appeal" stuff. Like, we really, really, really mean it this time. That's crap. They should just respond to every complaint with an inspector, and issue fines as necessary to enforce - you know - the law. Publishing a list of names of violators is a good idea.

By DON WINNER for Panama-Guide.com - Received today via email: "Where may I find information regarding the companies currently building the new canal. I manage highway construction projects in California and would like to work and be part of the New Panama Canal. I was born in Guatemala City, lived there for 11 yrs and now I am a citizen of the USA. I’ve worked in the marine part of the new Bay Bridge project in San Francisco California. My research for companies doing the work has come up empty. I you have any information or links that is all I need. Thank you for the help. Cheers. Pedro Santos, Project Manager Security Paving Co., Inc."

Editor's Comment: Good luck finding a job to work on the expansion of the Panama Canal, Pedro. However, as I have said many times in the past, I run a news website, not an employment agency. Everyone - please stop asking me to help you find work in Panama. You will have to do your own Google searches of the Internet. I don't keep "lists" of companies that are executing infrastructure improvement projects. Keep reading the website, but I'm not going to do your homework for you. It's for your own good. Think of it as tough love...

Related Articles:

• FAQ: Can I Get A Friggin' Job in Panama? - 4 April 2011

• I Get These Kinds Of Requests All The Time - People Looking For Work (Panama Canal Expansion) - 28 November 2011

• "Let me know how things look for employment down there." - 5 January 2012

• So This New Kid Calls Me, Looking For A Job... - 27 March 2012

Copyright 2012 by Don Winner for Panama-Guide.com. Go ahead and use whatever you like as long as you credit the source. Salud.

The next job fair will be held on Thursday 31 May at the Carlos A. Mendoza School in the area of Belisario Porras, district of San Miguelito, where more than 1,500 vacancies are available for immediate employment in various economic activities, according to the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Mitradel). Among the vacancies announced in a Mitradel press release, there are jobs available in the areas of adjutant general, warehouse assistant, kitchen help, food handlers, customer service, cashiers, wholesalers, butchers, maintenance, security and drivers. Those attending the fair should submit their resumes, photocopy of ID, copy of diplomas, and a police record. Also, anyone who needs one will be able to obtain a food handler's health card for free at the fair, as a joint activity with the Ministry of Health. (Panama America)

Editor's Comment: The economy is so hot in Panama, if you've got a pulse, you've got a job. However having too many jobs and not enough people to fill them can be a bad thing, as companies find they can't grow or prosper due to a lack of manpower. How long can an economy sustain year on year growth averaging at 7.2% when the population growth rate is only 1.4%? That's right, over the past nine years, from 2003 through 2011, Panama's economy has grown by an average of 7.2%, every year. That, my friends, is a truly amazing feat for any national economy. Look at it this way. If you were making $40,000 dollars per year in 2003 and received a 7.2% raise every year for nine years, at the end of 2011 you would be making $74,784 per year. That's exactly what has happened to the Panamanian economy, in less than a decade. Through the magic of compounding, that works out to an astounding 86.9% growth - almost a doubling of the national economy. By comparison, in the United States over the past nine years the average annual GDP growth has been a sluggish 1.74% - which is why you might not have a job if you live there, because the growth in the economy is just barely outpacing the growth in population.

Representatives of employees of the Panama Ports company on Tuesday denounced the dismissal of one hundred workers, some with over 11 years of service in the company. Martin Gonzalez, an attorney for the workers, said the company used deception to dismiss the workers, although it had promised not to retaliate after an earlier strike last month. Some of the workers who were fired are gantry crane operators, and the company announced it needs to hire at least 2,000 workers, said the lawyer. Leonardo Ward, one of the dismissed workers, said the company had offered the advice of their own lawyers to dismiss them. (TVN)