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PS 1034

Para enmendar la Sección 15 de la Ley Núm. 2 de 17 de octubre de 1961, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Procedimiento Sumario de Reclamaciones Laborales” a fin de proveer para el recobro de las costas del litigio al trabajador(a) prevaleciente y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill allows prevailing workers to recover litigation costs from employers in labor dispute cases, strengthening worker protections and access to justice.

Firmado por el Presidente del Senado
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 1034

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 1034 proposes to amend Section 15 of Puerto Rico's "Ley de Procedimiento Sumario de Reclamaciones Laborales" (Summary Labor Claims Procedure Law) to allow prevailing workers to recover litigation costs. The amendment aims to strengthen protections for workers who successfully win labor disputes by enabling them to recoup legal expenses from their employers.

Why is this important

In labor disputes, workers often face significant financial barriers when pursuing valid claims, as litigation costs can be prohibitively expensive. Allowing prevailing workers to recover these costs could encourage more workers to assert their legal rights and may deter frivolous employer defenses. This directly impacts workers' access to justice and the balance of power in employer-employee disputes in Puerto Rico.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Employers argue that mandatory cost recovery could increase litigation expenses and discourage settlement negotiations, potentially raising overall labor dispute costs
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's scope regarding what constitutes recoverable "costs" (attorney fees, filing fees, expert witnesses, etc.) and the threshold for "prevailing" status requires clarification to prevent disputes
  • Judicial efficiency concerns: Some may worry the provision could increase litigation volume or complexity if workers pursue marginal claims knowing costs could be recovered if they prevail

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

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