Nearly 40,000 teachers in Puerto Rico vote to join American Federation of Teachers amid financial crisis

Roughly 40,000 teachers in Puerto Rico voted Thursday to join the American Federation of Teachers — a trial affiliation that will last for three years.

The move comes amid a financial crisis in Puerto Rico that could close up to 167 public schools and stripped benefits and retirement security from teachers and other municipal employees.

Puerto Rico’s $70 billion in debt has brought about a near-collapse of many public services.

The Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico, which represents the island’s 40,000 teachers, signed the historic agreement with the 1.6 million-strong AFT to help “fight against austerity and privatization,” according to a release from both unions.

“Teachers are teachers no matter where they work, and we should be treated as professionals and respected by the government and the public as a vital and necessary resource,” AMPR president Aida Diaz said.

“For years we have been left behind and denied Social Security, as other professionals have seen improvements to their working conditions, salaries and benefits,” she added.

The AFT said it was moved to start its outreach to AMPR several years ago as the scope of the island’s economic downfall became apparent.

Teacher salaries in Puerto Rico haven’t increased in nine years, the AFT said.

In 2014 officials passed a law that prohibited salary increases of any kind until the year 2022.

The threatened loss of 167 neighborhood public schools would displace more than 27,000 students in grades K-12 and put more than 2,088 out of work, according to the AFT.

At the same time, public colleges and universities on the island face a 50% funding cut.

Head of the American Federation of Teachers, President Randi Weingarten says, “An attack on teachers anywhere is an attack on teachers everywhere. AMPR has been battling against austerity and privatization in Puerto Rico and the everyday consequences for the island's people."

 (MARK BONIFACIO/NEW YORK DAILY NEWS)

Nearly 46% of Puerto Ricans live in poverty, and for children the poverty rate is 58% — nearly three times higher than in mainland U.S.

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The median annual salary is $19,000 compared to $53,000 on the mainland, the AFT said.

“An attack on teachers anywhere is an attack on teachers everywhere. AMPR has been battling against austerity and privatization in Puerto Rico and the everyday consequences for the island's people. With this affiliation, the 1.6 million members of the AFT join in that fight,” said AFT president Randi Weingarten.

AFT and AMPR worked together for months before inking the trial affiliation to oppose the actions of the board created in 2016 by Congress through the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act.

PROMESA established an oversight board that enacted a process for restructuring debt, and pushing ahead on key changes to help reduce the island’s government debt.

AFT and AMPR both oppose what they said were “attacks” on public education by PROMESA.

AMPR will be chartered as a state federation of the AFT, with AMPR-Local Sindical, the AMPR's collective bargaining agent, chartered as an AFT local.

“The people of Puerto Rico didn't cause this crisis, but they're forced to shoulder most of the burden because of the actions of hedge funders and irresponsible government deals,” Weingarten said.

“Our shared values-a strong and equitable economy, great public schools, good healthcare, a strong and vibrant democracy, and the elimination of hate and bigotry-drove us to form this partnership, and we will harness those values to mobilize our members to win,” the AFT president said.

GINGER ADAMS OTIS

Roughly 40,000 teachers voted in Puerto Rico to join the American Federation of Teachers amid a financial crisis in Puerto Rico that faces up to 167 public schools closed.

 (ANDRE KANG/AP)
Nearly 40,000 teachers in Puerto Rico vote to join American Federation of Teachers amid financial crisis