University of Puerto Rico (UPR) president Zayira Jordán Conde said Tuesday she does not understand claims of a "disconnect" in her communication with union leaders, stating she holds periodic scheduled meetings with all of the university's unions and is fully willing to talk. She spoke at a press conference following the launch of a new platform for technical-course enrollment.
The comments came after the Hermandad de Empleados Exentos No Docentes (Heend) approved a strike vote, at a time when another union has already objected to her decisions. Jordán Conde said she sent a letter to Robert Mujica, executive director of the Financial Oversight and Management Board (JSF), asking for the status of the Heend collective bargaining agreement, which was submitted to the board in 2024.
She said the agreement and the classification and compensation plan are under the board's consideration, and that she has sought funds through visits to the Legislature and in consultation with Governor Jenniffer González. At an extraordinary assembly last Friday, 700 Heend members approved the strike vote, citing "lack of respect and no results from Central Administration," per the union's bulletin.
Heend president Hilda Torres Guzmán said there is no start date yet, but the board of directors meets Thursday to set a work plan. She said over 2,900 employees are demanding salary justice, and that the administration cut off dialogue on September 11.