18 May 2021 | 09:07 PM UTC
Puerto Rico: Unionized workers plan protest during governor's budget address outside Capitol building in Old San Juan 17:00 May 18
Puerto Rican unionized workers to stage protest outside Capitol in Old San Juan 17:00 May 18; avoid the area.
Event
Union members associated with the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority (PREPA) and sympathizers are staging a protest on the south side of the Capitol building in Old San Juan beginning 17:00 May 18. The protest follows demonstrations that took place earlier in the day over the proposed privatization of PREPA. The event outside the Capitol is expected to coincide with Governor Pedro Pierluisi's first annual budget address.
Transport disruptions, particularly on Avenida de la Constitucion, are likely; traffic flows into and out of Old San Juan as a whole may be affected.
Context
The proposed privatization of PREPA, long plagued by grid inefficiencies and budgetary concerns, is highly controversial for unionized employees, many of whom fear they will be adversely impacted by the move. A federal judicial decision on whether the privatization can move forward is expected in the near future, as the privatization itself is currently slated for June 1. Until such time, there is likely to be continued demonstrations over the issue, particularly in San Juan.
Advice
Avoid travel to Old San Juan through the evening hours; although the protest is scheduled to end at 20:00, the demonstration and associated disruptions could continue beyond such time.
