Businesses ask for clarity in reopening plans
The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP) stated on Sunday May 24 that it is concerned about the “lack of clarity” of the reopening schedule of the following blocks of economic activities without definite dates.
The business union has indicated that it is in favor of the gradual reopening of economic sectors that allows it to maintain and generate jobs, however, it fears a social crisis due to the affectation of the pandemic.
With each passing day, CCIAP warned, the possibility of sustaining hundreds of jobs is affected due to the closure of businesses.
He also denounced the lack of an articulated plan that coordinates the needs of the various sectors impacted.
"We understand the reasons for caution to proceed to an opening that protects this new normal, and we are in favor of it being done in a responsible way. However, we must also take care that, from the health and economic emergency, it does not fall into a social crisis due to the growing impact that the pandemic has caused," said CCIAP.
In addition, the union asked the authorities to avoid bureaucratic procedures that may generate more restrictions and costs for business.
Panamanian Association of Business Executives (Apede), demanded clear procedures from the National Government for a gradual reopening.
According to this union, the protocols established by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel) are complicated and do not guarantee what they are looking for, since they allow for some considerations that are not related to the mitigation of COVID-19 contagion.
"We must work on adaptable and generic sanitary guides, since only companies and their workers understand the reality of their environment, as the Ministry of Health has stated. On these guides, companies will be responsible for establishing protocols that comply with these guidelines. It is illogical that criteria of social interaction or percentages are established, without considering the spaces of the companies, the level of risk by type of activity, the minimum number of collaborators required to operate safely and effectively or clearly understand the processes. productive and operational", indicated Apede.
The Apede also said that they are concerned that companies with more than 51 workers are forced to hire an occupational safety professional to evaluate the hygiene protocol, since there are not enough qualified professionals in this field and with the fall of demand, companies are not able to hire staff, he argued.
Panama began last May 13 its gradual reactivation of economic activities with the reopening of electronic commerce, mechanical workshops and spare parts, technical services such as plumbers, electricians, air conditioning maintenance, elevators, pool maintenance, artisanal fishing and aquaculture. industrial.
With each passing day, CCIAP warned, the possibility of sustaining hundreds of jobs is affected due to the closure of businesses.
He also denounced the lack of an articulated plan that coordinates the needs of the various sectors impacted.
"We understand the reasons for caution to proceed to an opening that protects this new normal, and we are in favor of it being done in a responsible way. However, we must also take care that, from the health and economic emergency, it does not fall into a social crisis due to the growing impact that the pandemic has caused," said CCIAP.
In addition, the union asked the authorities to avoid bureaucratic procedures that may generate more restrictions and costs for business.
Panamanian Association of Business Executives (Apede), demanded clear procedures from the National Government for a gradual reopening.
According to this union, the protocols established by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel) are complicated and do not guarantee what they are looking for, since they allow for some considerations that are not related to the mitigation of COVID-19 contagion.
"We must work on adaptable and generic sanitary guides, since only companies and their workers understand the reality of their environment, as the Ministry of Health has stated. On these guides, companies will be responsible for establishing protocols that comply with these guidelines. It is illogical that criteria of social interaction or percentages are established, without considering the spaces of the companies, the level of risk by type of activity, the minimum number of collaborators required to operate safely and effectively or clearly understand the processes. productive and operational", indicated Apede.
The Apede also said that they are concerned that companies with more than 51 workers are forced to hire an occupational safety professional to evaluate the hygiene protocol, since there are not enough qualified professionals in this field and with the fall of demand, companies are not able to hire staff, he argued.
Panama began last May 13 its gradual reactivation of economic activities with the reopening of electronic commerce, mechanical workshops and spare parts, technical services such as plumbers, electricians, air conditioning maintenance, elevators, pool maintenance, artisanal fishing and aquaculture. industrial.