The money will temporarily be sourced from federal funds, which expire in 2026. Until officials find a local source for the permanent increase, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said.
Puerto Rico’s Governor announced Thursday a $500 monthly salary hike for firefighters. This comes just days after thousands of employees joined the protest to demand better pensions and higher wages.
The money will temporarily be sourced from federal funds, which expire in 2026. Until officials find a local source for the permanent increase, Gov. Pedro Pierluisi said.
The U.S. Territory firefighters earn a $1,500 per month base salary but are seeking $2,500 plus a better pension plan.
Pierluisi pointed out that the 500 increase will take effect July 1. Firefighters would also receive an additional $125 raise that was previously approved by the federal control board, which oversees the island’s finances.
Pierluisi announced earlier this week a $1,000 monthly raise for teachers, school principals and regional superintendents. This announcement was made after 70% of public school teachers walked out of their classrooms and demanded higher wages.
Their salary increases are dependent on federal funds running out in 2024.
These announcements are made as the island of 3.2million people attempts to recover from a deep economic crisis. It also tries restructuring a portion of its $70 billion public debt as part of a bankruptcy proceeding.
