Banana worker killed in Panama labor protest
An unidentified man is aid after being injured during clashes with police in Changuinola, western Panama, Thursday. One man died and dozens were injured as banana union workers clashed with police during a protest to repeal recently tax laws. (July 8, 2010) Credit: AP
PANAMA CITY (AP) — Panamanian authorities say a man was killed and 100 people were hurt during a clash between striking banana workers and police.
A statement from the national emergency agency says 18 of those injured Thursday in western Bocas del Toro province are in critical condition.
A nongovernmental labor umbrella group identified the dead man as banana union leader Antonio Smith.
Striking banana plantation workers began protesting last week against a new law that critics say weakens unions.
News broadcasts showed streets near the town of Changuinola blocked with tree trunks and burning tires. Protesters threw rocks at police, who fired tear gas.
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