For Immediate Release: December 18, 2023

Media Contact: Carliana Harris

Puerto Rican Labor Unions United Against Economic Injustice On the Island

14 Puerto Rican Union Leaders, Advocates and Congress members Rally in Washington, D.C. to Demand an End to the Fiscal Control Board and PROMESA Act, In Hopes of Paving the Way for Puerto Rico’s Economic Renaissance

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A distinguished delegation of 14 union leaders from Puerto Rico convened in the nation’s capital to address the economic hardships caused by the Fiscal Control Board and the PROMESA Act. They assert these policies perpetuate a state of political subjugation and impede economic progress for the people of the island – especially hindering the ability for workers to receive just salaries and a dignified retirement. The press conference followed a long week of action where union leaders met with various Senators, Representatives, and the White House to advocate for an end to the board and repeal of the PROMESA Act that supports it. 

Since the fiscal control board, also known as “La Junta,” arrived in Puerto Rico the island has witnessed incredible social injustices. In the last two years, there were closures of more than 400 schools, leaving a devastating impact on the education system. In particular, rural areas have borne the brunt of these closures, creating significant barriers to students’ access to education – with displacement and overcrowded classrooms, students in the poorest neighborhoods of the island are most impacted. The aftermath has led to an alarming student-teacher ratio exceeding 40:1. These challenges amplify the additional issues with many schools, especially in the southern regions of the island, still awaiting reconstruction five years after the events of Hurricane Maria and subsequent earthquakes.

“The number one issue that we have presented to the members of Congress and the White House has been the urgency to dismantle “La Junta”, the fiscal board in Puerto Rico, and the law that supports it— the law PROMESA. This oversight fiscal board has completely dismantled the laws that protect our rights as workers, to collective bargaining, in addition to protecting healthcare benefits for workers. That’s why we say, ‘Fight yes, surrender no!'” said Union President of Central Puertorriqueña de Trabajadores (CPT), Emilio Nieves Torres, during the press conference. 

Liza Fournier Córdova, President of UNETE , highlighted the additional dire consequences of these developments for educators. “In 2020, our teacher retirement programs were completely decimated, forcing an increase in the retirement age from 55 years old to 63 years old and slashing pension benefits from 75% to 38%. This, in turn, places our dedicated educators on a path to retirement in precarious financial conditions.”

Former Congressman Luis Gutierrez stood in solidarity with union leaders, emphasizing the commitment to addressing pension concerns. He said, “To the Puerto Ricans, we say that we will not rest until they have an established and fair pension.” 

In Puerto Rico, there is a growing focus on issues related to employment, wages and benefits. Employees in both public and private sectors have faced prolonged periods without salary increases, leading to a significant reduction in real wages due to the impact of inflation. Union leaders believe the Fiscal Control Board is at the root of these challenges, alleging that it hinders efforts to raise wages and undermines the negotiating power of workers.

Union leader for Workers of Public Buildings Authority, Javier Lopez Lopez explained, “The Puerto Rican government and the Fiscal Board have collectively been allies to freeze salaries for workers and they only allow us to negotiate things that won’t have economic impact or justice to our people and the island.”

Setbacks have been observed in retirement benefits and funding for public schools. The privatization of essential services has led to long-term debt plans, imposing increased financial burdens on individuals and contributing to a rise in poverty. The coalition of unions plans to continue bringing their advocacy on the island to the halls of Congress. 

“As an ally, I’ve stood with puertorriqueños and puertoriqueñas to call for a dignified system that allows them to thrive in their own communities. We’ve held the line around transparency, representation, and are working to undo the harms of PROMESA. They understand the impact of that law and how it has been applied,” said Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García.

Gustavo Torres, CASA’s Executive Director, also expressed solidarity with the cause. He stated,  “CASA members living in the diaspora stand shoulder to shoulder with  Puerto Ricans, in the island, and in the resounding call for change. The enduring grip of the Fiscal Control Board has hindered the island’s potential for far too long. It is time for Congress to take decisive and bold steps toward forging a brighter, more equitable future for Puerto Rico.”

“As a Puertorriqueño from the diaspora living in the US, I am honored CASA has joined forces with union leaders on the island to raise awareness and continue advocating for dignified retirement and just salaries for workers.”  Said CASA Board President, Carmelo Santos.

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With over 155,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in the working-class: Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. www.wearecasa.org