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PC 343

Para añadir un nuevo inciso (c) a la Regla 44.3 de las de Procedimiento Civil, a los fines de establecer que, en los casos sobre despido injustificado, al amparo de la Ley Núm. 80 del 30 de mayo de 1976, según enmendada, cuando se dicte sentencia a favor del obrero y que el patrono venga obligado a pagar la mesada, los intereses a ser devengados se impondrán desde la fecha en que ocurrió el despido; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill requires wrongful dismissal judgments to accrue interest from dismissal date, increasing employer compensation liability to workers in employment disputes.

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Bill Summary · PC 343

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 343 proposes amending Puerto Rico's Civil Procedure Rules to establish that in wrongful dismissal cases under Law 80 (1976), when a court awards severance pay to a worker, accrued interest shall be calculated from the date of dismissal rather than from a later date. This clarifies the interest calculation methodology in employment dispute settlements.

Why is this important

Wrongful dismissal cases often involve disputes over severance payments that accumulate over months or years. By establishing a clear rule that interest accrues from the dismissal date, the bill protects workers' financial recovery by ensuring they receive full compensation for lost wages throughout the entire dispute period, not just from judgment forward. This addresses a practical gap in how courts currently calculate damages in employment termination cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Employer cost impact: Extending interest calculations backward to the dismissal date significantly increases employer liability, potentially affecting small businesses and creating incentives to settle quickly rather than litigate
  • Retroactive application uncertainty: The bill doesn't clarify whether this rule applies to pending cases or only new filings, creating potential litigation over procedural timing
  • Interest rate specification: The amendment doesn't specify which interest rate applies (statutory rate, judgment rate, or other), leaving courts with discretion that could create inconsistent outcomes

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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