In October and November, the Puerto Rican legislature discussed and passed Resolution 114, taking a strong stand against any cuts to the pensions of active and retired public-sector workers in Puerto Rico. Similarly, the Puerto Rican Senate passed Law 160-2019 in early November, which does not guarantee but makes it possible for the government to ensure pension payments to public workers. These two developments pose major setbacks for the federally appointed and undemocratic Fiscal Control Board’s “adjustment plan” that, if approved by the government, would cut pensions and make workers pay for the economic crisis in Puerto Rico.

The joint resolution and legislation were passed as a result of months of campaigning on the part of a broad coalition of forces that came together to defend pensions. The coalition, led in part by the educators’ union, the Federación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (FMPR), mobilized wide-ranging opposition to the board’s intention to turn back the clock on workers’ rights under the banner of fiscal responsibility and debt repayment. While the struggle to stop austerity and privatization is far from over, they have created an important roadblock against the board — or, as it’s known on the island, the junta — and its dictatorial powers.

This shows that it is possible to stand up to the seemingly invincible junta, and win. But if the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and its local affiliate, the Asociación de Maestros de Puerto Rico (AMPR), had their way in June, educator pensions in Puerto Rico would already be sold out.