Teachers in San Juan, Puerto Rico took to the streets in a march to demand more money on Friday (February 4) towards the Capitol building on the United States territory.

In essence, the teachers are demanding a salary increase that raises their base salary from $1,750 to $2,700.

The Fiscal Oversight Board, however, has only granted them a salary increase between next July and July 2023, which would increase the base salary to $2,220.

Likewise, educators ask for a dignified retirement. This is because with the approval of the Debt Adjustment Plan, their retirement benefits were cut from 75% of their salary for life to .95 of 1.8% of their salary.

Given this scenario, teachers have been absent since last Monday, reaching 25% yesterday. Meanwhile, since last Wednesday pickets have been held in front of schools.

Today, the teachers will make a pilgrimage from the Capitol to La Fortaleza to bring their claim.

In addition, in Mayagüez, a demonstration of teachers was reported in front of the statue of Eugenio María de Hostos.

“As indicated, around 30 people demonstrate in favor of a better salary and decent retirement for teachers. No incidents have been reported so far," police said.

The teachers, who are protesting for better salary and retirement conditions, began early this morning to congregate on Constitución Avenue, specifically in the south area of the Capitol, from where they will march to La Fortaleza to bring their claim.

The protest has begun to limit traffic in the area, where one lane has been left available for drivers.

The Police Bureau, in fact, sent a notification in which "drivers are advised to exercise caution and as an alternate route they can use Fernández Juncos Avenue."

The incidents of the day occur after yesterday, Thursday, the president of the Federation of Teachers, Mercedes Martínez, anticipated a “massive” absenteeism this Friday, as part of the demonstration that they have called the “teacher flu”.

In essence, the teachers are demanding a salary increase that raises their base salary from $1,750 to $2,700.

The Fiscal Oversight Board, however, has only granted them a salary increase between next July and July 2023, which would increase the base salary to $2,220.

Likewise, educators ask for a dignified retirement. This is because with the approval of the Debt Adjustment Plan, their retirement benefits were cut from 75% of their salary for life to .95 of 1.8% of their salary.

Given this scenario, teachers have been absent since last Monday, reaching 25% yesterday. Meanwhile, since last Wednesday pickets have been held in front of schools.

Today, the teachers will make a pilgrimage from the Capitol to La Fortaleza to bring their claim.

In addition, in Mayagüez a demonstration of teachers was reported in front of the statue of Eugenio María de Hostos.

“As indicated, around 30 people demonstrate in favor of a better salary and decent retirement for teachers. No incidents have been reported so far," police said.