Federico Torres Montalvo, veteran labor leader, dies at 76

By THE STAR STAFF

Federico Torres Montalvo, one of Puerto Rico’s most influential and longstanding labor leaders, died this week, according to an announcement shared by several unions on social media.

Torres Montalvo was the founder of the Unión Independiente de Empleados de la Autoridad de Edificios Públicos (Independent Union of Public Buildings Employees) and served as president and a member of the executive committee of the Central Puertorriqueña de Trabajadores (Puerto Rican Workers’ Central). He also served as secretary general and senior leader of the Coordinadora Unitaria de Trabajadores del Estado (Unified Coordinating Body of State Workers), becoming a central figure in the island’s public-sector labor movement for decades.

In a public message, the State Insurance Fund Corporation Employees’ Union (UECFSE by its initials in Spanish) expressed condolences and praised Torres Montalvo’s legacy:

“We join his family, colleagues, and the entire labor movement in mourning. A man departs, but his history, his struggles, and his example remain. He dedicated much of his life to demanding justice, dignity, and better conditions for the working class. Rest in peace, Warrior. Your fight and your legacy will live on in every worker who continues raising their voice for their rights.”

Throughout his career, Torres Montalvo was known for his steadfast advocacy on behalf of public employees and his role in strengthening labor coalitions across government agencies. His leadership helped shape major labor initiatives and negotiations, earning him recognition as a historic figure within Puerto Rico’s union movement.

Union leaders and public‑sector workers continued to share tributes throughout the day, underscoring the impact of Torres Montalvo’s decades-long commitment to defending workers’ rights.