Rochellie Martínez Vivas, rector of the University of Puerto Rico in Cayey, defended the legitimacy of employee layoffs in response to claims made by the University of Puerto Rico Workers' Union. The contracts in question correspond to special appointments funded with non-recurring funds related to the COVID-19 pandemic response.
These appointments were granted with a defined term of validity, known to all parties since their issuance, and expired on June 30, 2026. The university is currently conducting an administrative and budgetary analysis to determine operational needs and necessary resources.
As part of this process, the number of special appointments needed for the UPR Cayey to continue its academic and service mission will be determined. The union's president, David Muñoz, accused the rector of laying off 16 workers after the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals issued a ruling on May 8, 2026, confirming a previous decision.