MANPOWER AND LABOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (AIFLD)

Evaluation covers the period 4/79-3/80 and is based on a review of AIFLD/Panama records. The American Institute for Free Labor Development (AIFLD) worked with the Confederation of Workers of the Republic of Panama (CTRP) to: (1) strengthen democratic trade union organizations; (2) improve the CTRP Labor Education Institute; (3) develop social service programs; and (4) expand the role of women. The goal to increase CTRP membership by 7,000 was exceeded when a 6,000-member banana union (SITRACHILCO) and 2,000 AFSCME workers joined the CTRP as affiliates. According to Ministry of Labor records, 244 collectve contracts (49% of them by CTRP) were negotiated between 1/79 and 7/80. Average increases (excluding fringe benefits) ranged from $.05 to $.09 per hour. However, budget limitations caused shortfalls in some areas -- a second education coordinator could not be hired, and instructor training, social services, and women"s programs were cut back. External events had considerable impact on the project. The affiliation of SITRACHILCO provoked a struggle with deposed communist leaders, forcing the CTRP to concentrate much of its time and resources on the problem. In addition, the renewal of collective bargaining after a 2-yr suspension caused the CTRP to focus most of its attention on this core activity. A provison in the 1972 Constitution reserving labor education exclusively to the Government and to Panama labor organizations limited AIFLD"s activities. Nevertheless, CTRP was able to provide 16 weeks of classroom training to 368 participants. The CTRP Savings and Loan Cooperative was understaffed and loosely managed. Loan repayments were seriously delinquent. Furthermore, an exhaustive study of the S&L indicated that educational and promotional activities must be increased if effective participation by CTRP affiliates is to be achieved. The condition of the S&L suggests that the infusion of large amounts of "seed capital" is no guarantee of success. Some of the goal targets in the logical framework are not realistic and should be revised.