PANAMA CITY and BOCAS DEL TORO, Panama – The Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel) has officially registered 1,655 employment contracts following the reactivation of Chiquita’s operations in Bocas del Toro province. Minister Jackeline Muñoz confirmed the figure this week, marking a significant milestone in the company’s return, which promises up to 5,000 direct jobs.
The labor registration is a direct result of a memorandum of understanding signed between the administration of President José Raúl Mulino and the fruit company. This agreement facilitated Chiquita’s return to Panama and established a technical committee to oversee the fulfillment of its commitments, including substantial job creation and investment.
Initial Phase Focuses on Plant Rehabilitation
Minister Muñoz provided detailed context for the new hires, explaining that the current phase is primarily for cleaning and maintenance. “The first stage of the company’s reopening is solely for the cleaning and maintenance of the plant to assess the conditions of the plantations and thus be able to continue with hiring,” Muñoz stated [Translated from Spanish]. Of the 1,655 contracts registered, 600 have been designated as permanent positions, signaling long-term employment prospects for the region.
The government anticipates this initial reactivation phase will create approximately 3,000 jobs. A further expansion is projected for February, with plans to incorporate an additional 2,000 workers. This progressive hiring strategy aligns with Chiquita’s planned $30 million investment to restart production across 5,000 hectares of banana farmland for export.
We are recovering jobs with the return of Chiquita,
a ministry spokesperson affirmed, highlighting the economic revitalization expected in the Bocas del Toro area [Translated from Spanish].
Government Oversight and Next Steps
To ensure the process continues smoothly, Minister Jackeline Muñoz announced plans for a direct inspection and engagement tour. She will travel to Changuinola to hold meetings with banana sector leaders to monitor the hiring process and address any emerging issues.
The establishment of the state-company technical table, as outlined in the memorandum of understanding, is a key component of the government’s strategy to provide ongoing oversight. This committee is tasked with tracking the company’s commitments, ensuring that the projected employment and investment goals are met, and safeguarding the interests of the Panamanian workforce.
The return of Chiquita represents a major economic development for the province, which has historically relied on the banana industry. The full reactivation of the plantations and export operations is expected to have a substantial multiplier effect on the local and national economy.