Thousands of people, including teachers and firefighters, marched through the streets of Puerto Rico’s capital, San Juan, demanding a raise in pay and an honorable pension. Protesters marched to the Governor’s Office in response to Governor Pedro Pierluisi’s statements.

Ricky Martin has backed civil servants’ demands for pay equity. The artist, who advised Pierluisi not to ignore these demands, released a video in which he supported the demonstrations and stated, “Salary justice for teachers, firefighters, police officers, and public servants in Puerto Rico is a human right. Take these demands seriously, Governor. We’ve all seen how far a humiliated and oppressed nation can go.”

“No one here is forced to be a cop or firefighter,” Pierluisi said on Monday. “But those who decide to do so will have to take on this great responsibility. If they make an inquiry about whether they will work because of any salary or working condition, they do not have to continue their profession” he added.

Current base salaries in Puerto Rico are less than $2,000 for teachers and firefighters, well below the cost of living on the island. This week, Pierluisi announced a temporary salary increase of $1,000 a month for teachers from July.