Pierluisi explains plan for Puerto Rico to be a state 2:28
(CNN Spanish) -
The workers' union Frente Amplio de Camioneros de Puerto Rico began an indefinite work stoppage this Wednesday after the Fiscal Oversight Board - the federal entity in charge of managing the island's finances - reported that it will not give way to the regulations of the Transportation Bureau in which the new rates that will govern haulage on the island were approved.
The strike caused the unloading and transportation work to be stopped at some docks in Puerto Rico.
The Fiscal Oversight Board reported Tuesday through a letter that it is willing to work with the Transportation Bureau and other public services to create a regulation that complies with the government's fiscal plan.
"Public transport rates have not been reviewed since 2005," said Carlos Rodríguez, coordinator of the Broad Front of Truckers.
"The Fiscal Oversight Board wrote a letter to the Transportation Bureau in which it reiterates its intention to prohibit the new rates from taking effect and threatens to take the matter to court," he added.
The Frente Amplio reported that they made arrangements with the police and some transporters so that the strike would not affect the supply of merchandise destined for health and security services on the island.
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The strike 'is significantly affecting' Puerto Rico, says the governor
The governor of Puerto Rico, Pedro Pierluisi, urged truckers in a statement "to desist from the strike, as it is significantly affecting our citizens and our economy."
Pierluisi explained that "there are legal controversies that are being elucidated in both local and federal judicial forums and we are in the best position to work with the parties to resolve them for the benefit of all, and in particular the people of Puerto Rico. However, we reiterate that, as far as this is clarified, the current rates and regulations are maintained until we have a final regulation, so the Bureau will continue to monitor compliance with them. "
For its part, the Puerto Rico Food Marketing, Industry and Distribution Chamber (MIDA) has ruled against the regulations of the Transportation Bureau.
In February, MIDA filed a legal action in Federal Court to halt the enforcement of the new rates in order to protect existing contractual agreements for food transportation and avoid an increase in costs.
The lawsuit seeks that the regulation and circular letter of the negotiated, that institutes the new rates, be declared null and unenforceable.
The action also requires the declaration of a permanent injunction that prevents the government from issuing sanctions for alleged non-compliance.
MIDA reported that the rates included in the new regulations of the Transportation Bureau did not consider the operation of the food distribution industry.