University of Puerto Rico (UPR) President Zayira Jordán Conde stated on Thursday that the implementation of the Classification and Compensation Plan and the collective agreement demanded by the Hermandad de Empleados Exentos No Docentes (HEEND) remain under consideration by the Oversight Board. Both matters were signed by the UPR Governing Board over two years ago and are still pending.
Jordán Conde expressed her understanding and identification with the HEEND’s claims and offered to work together, which was rejected. The HEEND had closed vehicle access to the 11 UPR campuses on Wednesday after approving a strike vote on September 25, 2026. Jordán Conde acknowledged that the strike interrupted operations and affected students, professors, and employees.
The university administration had previously convened a meeting with the union for Friday and will continue seeking alternatives within the institution’s legal and fiscal limitations. Jordán Conde sent a letter to Oversight Board Executive Director Mujica requesting information on the next steps regarding the collective agreement and is working to finalize the classification and compensation plan for non-teaching and trust employees, which is already under consideration.