UIA says it is exhausting all dialogue channels before deciding next steps after strike vote

The Independent Authentic Union of Employees of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority confirmed it will meet with authority officials this Thursday to address pending matters tied to the long‑delayed Classification and Compensation Plan and press for concrete commitments from the public corporation.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Independent Authentic Union of Employees of the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (UIA‑PRASA) said Tuesday it is using every administrative and institutional mechanism available to push forward the long‑delayed Classification and Compensation Plan (PCR by its initials in Spanish), as it weighs the next steps following the strike vote approved by its membership last month.

The union confirmed it will meet with PRASA officials this Thursday to address pending matters tied to the PCR and press for concrete commitments from the public corporation.

UIA leaders said the union has spent recent days following up with PRASA’s Human Resources division to obtain the status of the agency’s evaluation of the PCR document previously submitted. They are also seeking a formal determination from the PRASA presidency and its governing board.

With no definitive response yet, the union said it has expanded its efforts by requesting intervention from the Department of Labor and Human Resources, and is preparing communications to La Fortaleza, PRASA’s executive leadership, and its board. The goal, the UIA said, is to ensure the matter receives the urgency it believes workers deserve.

“We are exhausting every resource and every available channel for dialogue because our priority continues to be achieving a responsible solution for our workers without having to reach scenarios no one wants,” UIA‑PRASA President José E. Cajigas Romero said. “But there is also a clear mandate from our membership that cannot be ignored indefinitely.”

Cajigas emphasized that the union has acted with prudence throughout the process, seeking additional opportunities for dialogue before considering other measures. He noted that workers have waited “far too long” for clarity on the PCR and deserve a firm response from the administration.

The union said Thursday’s meeting represents a critical opportunity for PRASA leadership to present concrete answers and move the process forward.

“We want to avoid reaching the point of having to consider activating the alternatives authorized by our membership,” Cajigas added. “That is precisely why we are exhausting every responsible mechanism. Now it is up to PRASA and the relevant government entities to demonstrate the same willingness to resolve this matter.”

The UIA noted that the strike vote approved on Aug. 22 reflects the level of frustration among workers over the prolonged delay in implementing the PCR. Still, the union reiterated that its immediate priority remains achieving a negotiated solution that fairly recognizes the duties, experience, responsibilities and contributions of the employees who keep Puerto Rico’s water and sewer systems running daily.

“The UIA is doing its part. We are dialoguing, presenting alternatives, requesting meetings, and turning to government institutions,” Cajigas said. “We are exhausting every responsible path before determining our next step. We expect PRASA to do the same.”