PRASA says it is willing to talk to workforce

Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority Executive Director Luis González Delgado

By The Star Staff

Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) Executive Director Luis González Delgado reaffirmed on Tuesday PRASA’s commitment to engage in meaningful dialogue with its workforce, following the guidelines established by the Financial Oversight and Management Board.

The dialogue aims to clarify any questions regarding the process related to the development of the Classification and Compensation Plan (PCR by its initials in Spanish).

González emphasized that PRASA is open to responsible communication and that meetings with labor representatives will focus solely on the process of the plan, not its content, as requested by the oversight board.

“Our commitment to engage in dialogue remains strong and continuous, always in compliance with the rules governing this process,” the official said.

On Tuesday morning at 8:16 a.m., PRASA received an official meeting request from the Authentic Independent Union (UIA). In response, PRASA has scheduled a meeting for next Tuesday, June 3, to guide labor representatives through the steps taken and to address any questions about the PCR process.

On Oct. 7, 2024, the oversight board conditionally approved the allocation of $5 million from the current budget to provide a one-time incentive of $1,000 to active PRASA employees. The incentive is contingent upon PRASA submitting its PCR for evaluation before any negotiations can begin. The board’s communication clearly stated that negotiations on the content or implementation of the plan cannot start until it has received official approval.

In compliance with this directive, PRASA submitted the draft PCR on Nov. 15, 2024. As of early Tuesday, the oversight board had not responded to the submission, according to the public corporation.

On Dec. 5, 2024, an agreement was signed between PRASA and the UIA, which included the delivery of a physical copy of the draft plan to the union under confidentiality conditions. In the agreement, the UIA acknowledged that negotiations could not commence and that details of the draft could not be disclosed until the oversight board provides its approval. The UIA also agreed to refrain from making public statements until then.

PRASA said it will continue to follow all mandated steps rigorously.