Labor disputes reported at pharmacy chains in Panama and Argentina

Labor disputes are affecting pharmacy chains in Panama and Argentina. In Panama, the Sindicato de Empleados de Farmacias y Similares has denounced Farmacias Arrocha for allegedly conducting unjustified dismissals across the capital and provinces including Coclé, Herrera, Veraguas, and Chiriquí. The union claims the company is using “despidos disfrazados con mutuo acuerdo” (dismissals disguised as mutual agreements) to pressure workers into signing termination papers without proper compensation.

In Argentina, workers at Autofarma are facing uncertainty following the company's decision to close its remaining branches in Patagonia, affecting approximately 190 people. Employees report being owed three months of salary and annual bonuses. The situation is complicated by a reported debt involving the Obra Social del Estado Fueguino (OSEF), which workers claim has impacted the company's ability to meet its financial obligations to staff.