WHEREAS, Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport is the main and only airport infrastructure in Puerto Rico; and

WHEREAS,the privatization of this airport, by a so-called public-private partnership, would turn it into a private monopoly, in which Puerto Rican citizens will lose  control of the airport; and

WHEREAS, the management and operation of this airport is the main source of income for the port authority; operations which represent profits for that specific government agency; and

WHEREAS, an increase in the passenger and cargo-flow for this airport has been projected, which means more income for Mexican investors with which the current Government is negotiating a public-private partnership contract for 40 years extendable to 75 years.

WHEREAS, in their eagerness to maximize profits, privatizers are going to increase cost for passengers as they have done in Europe and Latin America; and

WHEREAS, this privatization threatens the growth of the tourist industry and will certainly result in higher costs for tourists who want to enjoy the beauty of the island and the hospitality of its people; and

WHEREAS, international privatization of the airport as is contemplated in the draft contract will affect the development of Ponce, Aguadilla, and Mayaguez airports; be it

RESOLVED, that the UFT join with the National Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (NLCLAA) with all its affiliates, allies, and civil society organizations to repudiate all efforts to the privatization of Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport, and the privatization/deregulation of any and all segments of Puerto Rico’s infrastructure, natural resources, and/or economy; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we demand the administration of the outgoing government to suspend all negotiations on this transaction and let the incoming government make the right decision; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we express concern over recent statements attributed to the governor-elect, in which he states his position to allow the airport privatization plan, and we urge him to reconsider this position; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we urge the governor-elect and its administration to stop this act of unnecessary dispossession and damage to the interests of the people of Puerto Rico; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that we support NLCLAA as they reiterate to their fellow workers of the port authority their commitment on this fight to defend this important national treasure.