WHEREAS, the Federacion de Maestros de Puerto Rico has been engaged in contract negotiations over salaries and benefits with the government of Puerto Rico for more than 18 months with no resolution; and

WHEREAS, the government of Puerto Rico has refused to listen to the needs and concerns of teachers; and

WHEREAS, the current pay scales for teachers make it difficult for schools to attract and retain quality teachers; and

WHEREAS, quality education represents the best opportunity for the children of Puerto Rico to reach their full potential:

RESOLVED, that the AFT urge the government of Puerto Rico to recognize the need to improve teachers’ pay and to bargain for a quick, fair and equitable resolution to the current contract negotiations; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT offer the Federacion de Maestros de Puerto Rico the full support of its 1.2 million members in the Federacion’s efforts to achieve a just and fair contract for its members.

(2002)