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October 15, 2009

Puerto Ricans to Hold National Strike Against Public Sector Layoffs
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In Puerto Rico, tens of thousands of people are expected to take part in
an island-wide strike today against massive public layoffs. Puerto Rico
Governor Luis Fortuno is proceeding with plans to fire some 17,000
workers next month, including schoolteachers, social workers and
healthcare workers. The job cuts would bring total government layoffs in
Puerto Rico this year to nearly 25,000. Union leaders say some 100,000
people will converge on the Plaza las Americas in the largest of several
planned rallies. In addition to cutting jobs, Governor Fortuno has drawn
criticism for threatening to charge protesters with “terrorism” if they
interfere with the flow of goods at Puerto Rican ports.



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