Puerto Rico paralizes after island-wide strike

[HURAKAN]

Puerto Rico to lay off 16,000 workers, cut deficit

By LAURA N. PEREZ SANCHEZ (AP) – 1 hour ago

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico's government announced Friday that it will lay off more than 16,000 public workers in the U.S. Caribbean territory, adding to an unemployment rate higher than that of any U.S state.

The government hopes the layoffs will help close a $3.2 billion deficit as the island struggles through its third year of recession and a 15 percent unemployment rate.

Union leaders announced an island-wide strike in protest on Oct. 15.

The layoffs of 16,970 employees are needed to prevent the government from shutting down and sinking the island's credit, said Carlos Garcia, president of the Government Development Bank of Puerto Rico.

"Today is an extremely difficult day for all Puerto Ricans," he said.

Most workers will be laid off Nov. 6 in a move expected to save $386 million, he said.

However, 500 of those workers will be contracted by the Treasury Department to help collect $3.6 billion in outstanding debts owed by residents, private corporations and other entities.

It is unclear whether the contracts will just be temporary.

Jose Rodriguez Baez, president of a union that represents about a third of the island's 200,000 public employees, said that other protests beyond the strike also are planned.

Rey Rosario, a 34-year-old teacher, argued the layoffs will only worsen the economic crisis.

"This will have a domino effect on the economy because with less income there is less consumption," he said. "This is an insensitive act, and layoffs should always be the last alternative."

Eight thousand workers were fired in May.

(This version CORRECTS that debts total $3.6 billion instead of $3.6 million.)

[Lurker]

You know this is really sad but a sure sign of the times. In the meantime Goldman Sachs average compensation hit the highest level ever at over $700,000 per employee. The average bank CEO that was rescued is over 14 million. Too big to fail has created giant leaches sucking the life out everyone. They make huge gambles and if they win they get richer. If they lose they pass the burden to the tax payer.

[cycloneye]

A general strike has been announced by the unions to start on October 15.

[cycloneye]

Here are some images of what occured outside and inside the place where the layoffs were announced.

http://www.elnuevodia.com/fotogaleria/619456/

[Stephanie]

It is a sign of the times unfortunately. I'm sure that tourism is down which probably is a large factor for Puerto Rico's economy.

[cycloneye]

Things are heating up here as the date of October 15 nears when a general strike will be held in Puerto Rico.Tourism for sure will be low in the comming months if this continues.

Today,a riot broke between high school students that were protesting the layoffs and the specialized riot police squadron.9 students were arrested,various policeman were injured,police cars were destroyed were the result from this riot.







http://www.elnuevodia.com/detienena9est ... 24672.html

[somethingfunny]

What happens when the riot police get laid off? Do they riot as well?

[cycloneye]

Tommorow the 15th is the day the unions and people in general will stop work.I will post here any big event that may occur with the strike.

http://todopuertorico.org/

Google News of strike

[cycloneye]

Tens of thousands are concentrated in San Juan in the strike.Puerto Rico is paralized today.Here are some photos of the people gathered in front of Hiram Birthon Stadium and Plaza las Americas.

http://www.elnuevodia.com/fotogaleria/626755/

[cycloneye]

Here is a shot from a helicopter of the concentration.

[HURAKAN]

Lets hope that everything goes peacefully.

[cycloneye]

Lets hope that everything goes peacefully.

So far all has been without incidents of violence.Lets see if it continues the rest of today.This is a one day general strike.

Here is a closer photo.Between 150-200,000 people haved participated in the concentration but all around the island the strike was in full force with the offices,supermarkets,no transportation etc.

[Gustywind]

Lets hope that everything goes peacefully.

So far all has been without incidents of violence.Lets see if it continues the rest of today.This is a one day general strike.

Here is a closer photo.Between 150-200,000 people haved participated in the concentration but all around the island the strike was in full force with the offices,supermarkets,no transportation etc.

Hey that's amazing! Tkanks for keep us informed Luis, i appreciate . This reminded me the strike we have experienced there's 7 months ago in Guadeloupe. That was history, the island was in strike during 44 days .
Be safe Cycloneye

[cycloneye]

Gustywind,(You know Spanish ) puedes ver todo lo que esta pasando aqui.

Sandy,you can see at link all of what is occuring.

http://www.primerahora.com/home

[cycloneye]

The strike is over without any incidents.

[Gustywind]

Gustywind,(You know Spanish ) puedes ver todo lo que esta pasando aqui.

Sandy,you can see at link all of what is occuring.

http://www.primerahora.com/home

Si senor (Conozco espanol ) , gracias mi amigo, disfruto Voy a ver lo que esta pasando aqui.
Como olvidar Puerto Rico...Isla del encanto, me encantas como bailas...