{"id":17953,"date":"2026-10-14T11:45:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-14T16:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=17953"},"modified":"2026-10-13T16:37:03","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T21:37:03","slug":"panamanian-ministry-of-labor-seizes-serviestiba-accounts-as-port-shutdown-threatens-1386-jobs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/business-economy\/panamanian-ministry-of-labor-seizes-serviestiba-accounts-as-port-shutdown-threatens-1386-jobs\/","title":{"rendered":"Panamanian Ministry of Labor Seizes Serviestiba Accounts as Port Shutdown Threatens 1,386 Jobs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel) has ordered the seizure of accounts receivable belonging to Serviestiba, S.A., a move aimed at protecting Panama port workers<\/strong> facing sudden unemployment<\/a>. The company will cease operations at the Balboa and Crist\u00f3bal<\/a> port terminals<\/a> this Friday, leaving 1,386 employees without clarity on severance pay<\/a> or future employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labor Minister Jackeline Mu\u00f1oz confirmed the sequestration was executed directly by Mitradel, not at the request of unions. The ministry learned of the closure through a communication from the Panama Maritime Authority (AMP), but Serviestiba itself has not formally notified workers about their status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Panamanian
The minister emphasized that the action was institutional, taken independently of union pressure. Panamanian goverment on Balboa Port.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Government Action Protects Panama Port Workers’ Severance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Mu\u00f1oz stated that Mitradel received no direct communication from Serviestiba regarding how workers would be affected. The seizure of accounts receivable provides a financial margin to guarantee employee benefits and acquired rights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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“We have not received from Serviestiba a communication about how the workers’ situation will be handled. A seizure has been executed on the accounts receivable that allows us a margin to guarantee workers their benefits and acquired rights” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The minister emphasized that the action was institutional, taken independently of union pressure. This distinction matters because it signals the government’s willingness to intervene preemptively in labor disputes affecting strategic port infrastructure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Puerto
Serviestiba’s departure from Balboa and Crist\u00f3bal terminals creates immediate operational uncertainty for Panama’s logistics sector<\/a>. Balboa port by By Isa\u00edas Montilla – Own work.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Port Terminal Operations Face Immediate Disruption<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Serviestiba’s departure from Balboa and Crist\u00f3bal terminals creates immediate operational uncertainty for Panama’s logistics sector<\/a>. Both facilities handle significant container traffic connecting Atlantic and Pacific trade routes. The sudden service interruption could ripple through supply chains already strained by regional shipping volatility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The AMP’s role in notifying Mitradel suggests the maritime authority was aware of the impending closure before workers or the labor ministry received formal notice. That information gap has fueled anxiety among employees who remain unsure whether they will receive final paychecks, accrued vacation, or seniority bonuses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Una publicaci\u00f3n compartida por La Estrella de Panam\u00e1 (@laestrellaonline)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n