PRASA employees’ union calls for 24-hour work stoppage

Prior to the start of the stoppage, UIA representatives were scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday with PRASA Executive President Luis González Delgado.

By THE STAR STAFF

Authentic Independent Union (UIA by its initials in Spanish) Executive President José Cajigas Romero announced on Tuesday a 24-hour work stoppage involving the union’s entire membership at the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), running from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 10 p.m. today.

“This afternoon’s meeting is an opportunity for management to demonstrate a willingness to engage in dialogue and find a solution,” the union leader said in a written statement. “The UIA will come to the table prepared to listen, but also to demand concrete results in defense of our workers and the proper functioning of the Authority.”

Prior to the start of the stoppage, UIA representatives were scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. with PRASA Executive President Luis González Delgado.

The union’s executive committee approved the protest due to the lack of response regarding wage and labor-related demands presented over the past few months.

Key demands include new salary scales, implementation of the Classification and Compensation Plan, addressing pay disparities among employees performing the same duties, and improving working conditions in the Customer Service Department.

The UIA also objected to the outsourcing of tasks belonging to its members, called for attention to various disputes regarding injunctive measures, and demanded a response to its economic proposal.

The UIA said it would evaluate the outcome of the meeting before announcing any changes regarding the work stoppage.