Puerto Rico’s firefighters union, the Sindicato de Bomberos Unidos de Puerto Rico (SBUPR), announced it will join other labor organizations in a march to La Fortaleza, the governor’s mansion, to demand that the government honor its commitments to public servants. The march is set for Thursday, November 5, leaving at 10:00 AM from Plaza Colón in Old San Juan.
Union president José Tirado urged all firefighters and their families to join. He said that, days before the legislative session ends, the bill that would address the demand for a dignified retirement for firefighters has still not been filed. According to the union, firefighters face pensions of only $400 to $500 a month.
The union also says the Department of Public Safety (DSP) and the Firefighters Bureau have stalled collective bargaining talks. The negotiation would address a $100 employer contribution to the health plan, salary increases and reclassification of employees. Tirado also criticized what he called an unjustified use of public funds at the DSP, saying $3.5 million goes to the payroll of just 20 special aides and people close to the secretary while employees’ needs go unmet.
He said the DSP was created on the argument of generating savings and efficiencies. The union said the march reflects the urgency of moving from promises to action.