Social networks in Panama are alive with conflicting views on the actions of members of the construction workers union (Suntracs) who blocked streets in Panama city from 7.a.m. on Tuesday, April 17 on the eve of a  planned national strike.

The guild that represents construction companies, the Panamanian Construction  Chamber  (Capac), sees the approaching end of a golden era and has offered workers a two cents an hour increase each year of a four-year collective agreement (2018-2021).

Suntracs wants the standard pay of $711 a month to increase  over the four years to $1,137.

Capac claims that "the construction industry is going through a remarkable period of decrease, with a significant reduction in the real estate market, and the number of start projects.

Meanwhile the time spent getting to work for the rest of the workforce, already the highest in the region, increased  From 7:00 a.m. many roads were  blocked including, Avenida Balboa, Octobre 12, Vía España, Vía Centenario, Tumba Muerto, Villa Lucre, Tocumen, Howard and Vía Boquete in front of Federal Mall.

If the strike goes ahead, expect even more of the same tomorrow.