On 14 March 2025, in Panama City, Panama, members of the Single Union of Construction and Associated Workers demonstrated on Ricardo J. Alfaro Highway against the reforms to the Social Security Fund (CSS), recently approved by the National Assembly.

Supply-chain Risk Briefing

1. Summary

On March 14, 2025, construction unions in Panama City conducted peaceful protests against social security fund (CSS) reforms. Currently assessed as a low-risk, isolated protest occurring on the major transportation route Ricardo J. Alfaro Highway.

2. Supply-chain impact

• Panama Canal connectivity: Temporary traffic delays possible due to protests on major Panama City highways, but direct impact on canal operations is limited
• Construction material transport: Construction union participation may cause short-term disruptions to domestic transportation of construction-related materials (cement, steel, lumber, etc.)
• Port accessibility: Minor delays to container transport schedules if detours around Panama City port access routes become necessary
• Labor availability: Medium to long-term impact on infrastructure projects and logistics facility construction if construction industry labor disputes spread

3. Watch points

• Additional union participation in social security fund reform protests: Need to track potential for solidarity protests spreading to other industry unions
• Traffic conditions around Panama Canal: Monitor impact on canal access routes and port connectivity if protests continue
• Government-union negotiation progress: Whether labor disputes resolve based on negotiation results for CSS reform amendments or withdrawal