A massive stoppage of motorized vehicles on the platform OrdersNow today, April 16, paralyzed deliveries in key sectors of the city of Panamaparticularly in 74th street in San Franciscowhere workers demanded better payment conditions and the review of a new tariff scheme.
According to testimonies collected by The Star of Panamathe cessation of operations – which began intermittently days before – became an indefinite strike with a clear objective: to force the company to sit down to negotiate.
“This is a cessation of operations. What we are looking for is for the company to try to mediate with us,” explained one of the group’s spokespersons.
Complaints about rates and payment model
The main point of conflict lies in the implementation of a payment system based on mileage, that motorists consider harmful in the urban context of Panamamarked by constant congestion.
“The traffic issue here is uncontrollable. This model does not adjust to the reality of the country,” they noted.
According to the delivery drivers, the base rate per order would have gone from approximately $2.10 to $1.50which represents a reduction of between 35% and 40% on your income. This change, they say, was made without prior consultation.
Furthermore, they question the nature of their link with the company, considering that they operate under a professional services contract that, in practice, functions as an unrecognized employment relationship.
High adhesion and apologies to users
The strike has almost total participation. Of an estimated 4,000 active motorized vehicles, between 97% and 98% have suspended operationsdirectly affecting more than 3,500 businesses affiliated with the platform.
“It is not an enmity with the restaurants. They are our allies. We also apologize to the customers, but we are fighting for our livelihood,” they stated.
The workers also highlighted that About 40% of the fleet is made up of Panamanianswhich, in his opinion, reflects the local impact of the conflict.
No response from the company or labor recognition
The motorists indicated that they have gone to the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (Mitradel) seeking mediation, but they denounce that The authorities have not intervened under the argument that there is no formal employment relationship.
Until now, OrdersNow has not issued public statements about the strike, despite the contact attempts made by this means.
Context: recurring tensions in the platform model
The conflict adds to a growing wave of complaints against digital platforms in Panamawhere workers have questioned working conditions, payment schemes and the lack of clear regulation.
Previous notes of The Star of Panama have documented similar concerns in the sector, particularly about the sustainability of income and the absence of job guarantees for delivery workers, who operate as independents despite working long hours.
Indefinite strike, but open to dialogue
Although the strike was declared indefinite, the motorists claim to be willing to resume operations if the company agrees to dialogue.
“If they call us right now, we are ready to negotiate,” they concluded.
The outcome of this protest could set a precedent in the relationship between digital platforms and workers in Panamain a key sector for the urban economy.
