Union shutters UPR president’s office in protest

The Central Administration building at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus, where the president’s office is located.

By The Star Staff

Leaders of the University of Puerto Rico’s Non-Teaching Exempt Employees Brotherhood (HEEND by its acronym Spanish) announced the closure of the university president’s office on Thursday in response to grievances regarding the non-implementation of the collective bargaining agreement.

The union explained its actions in a written statement.

“This administration has systematically ignored, disrespected, and blocked our demands,” the HEEND statement said. “We could no longer remain silent. Today, we closed the president’s office because his administrative incompetence is a symbol of the lack of commitment to university workers and to the country.”

The HEEND cited the following reasons for the peaceful protest, which include the immediate implementation of the ratified collective bargaining agreement, which it said the administration refuses to acknowledge.

The union also demands wage justice through the implementation of the agreed-upon Classification and Compensation Plan and the restoration of the 9.6% budget allocation to the University of Puerto Rico, as required by law.

It also demanded protection of the university’s 11 campuses in order to preserve the institution’s integrity.

HEEND President Carlos de León said in a radio report that the administration was not allowing the press to enter the Central Administration building, where the president’s office is located.