PANAMA BUS DRIVERS CALL INDEFINITE STRIKE

Bus drivers in Panama have declared an indefinite strike, calling for the modernisation of the transportation sector. The government deployed an additional fleet of buses to offer free transportation, giving special priority to students and public workers. It also suspended tolls for travellers along the Northern and Southern Corridors, major thoroughfares in Panama City. Most bus drivers in the interior of the country, such as the provinces of Colon, Coclé, Chiriquí, Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas, did not join in the strike action. Police forces have been deployed at certain locations in the capital to prevent striking bus drivers from clashing with those who have not joined the strike.