Puerto Rico (PR) Sexual Discrimination Law in the Workplace

August 31st, 2006 Posted by Hannah

Puerto Rico sexual discrimination law in the workplace follows the federal Title VII laws which means they fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). There have been some recent changes to how this enforcement is handled, however, so it’s important for employers and employees to stay informed.

In July of 2006, the EEOC opened a district EEOC office in San Juan. Previously, people in Puerto Rico had to go through the New York District office.

Title VII applies to all employers who have fifteen or more employees and prohibits employers from discriminating against individuals on the basis of sex. This includes “Equal Pay for Equal Work” as outlined in the Equal Pay Act. Employers also cannot make decision in the matter of hiring, firing and determining job conditions, terms, compensation and privileges on the basis of an individual’s sex.

Anyone in Puerto Rico who wants to file a claim against their employer can do so by contacting the EEOC within 180 days of the alleged discriminatory act. They will have to provide their contact information, their employer’s contact information and a detailed description of the incident. This description needs to include all relevant dates and incidents as well as the names of anyone involved with or witnesses to the discrimination.

Another option you have with the EEOC is to go through their mediation process if you both agree. This process strives to help you negotiate a settlement.

It is also possible to take your employer to the federal court system if you want. You’ll still have to file with the EEOC, but you’ll need to request a “Right to Sue” letter before you can file the case in federal court.

Because of the recent changes, it’s vitally important for employers and employees to keep informed of their rights and responsibilities in the workplace. Employers should also update their Puerto Rico Complete Labor Law Posters so that they reflect these changes.

No Comments >> Posted in Employment Laws,Hostile Environment,Puerto Rico,Sexual Harassment

Puerto Rico Discrimination Posters for Businesses

August 27th, 2006 Posted by Derrick

Although Puerto Rico isn’t an official state in the U.S., they still follow United States law when it comes to anti-discrimination laws. This includes the laws for discrimination in the workplace, which means the Puerto Rico state discrimination posters must be displayed in every place of work that must follow the U.S. anti-discrimination laws.

Not only must the Puerto Rico state discrimination posters be in every place of employment, they must also be displayed in an area where employees will be able to see them. The area must be well-lit and easily accessible to employees. The Puerto Rico state discrimination posters should be placed in a break room or a similar place where employees are known to gather.

The Puerto Rico state discrimination posters explain how employees are protected from discrimination in the workplace. No worker can be discriminated against because of their race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability. Also, no person can be discriminated against for filing a complaint and/or speaking out against any illegal act.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is in charge of enforcing the laws against employment discrimination. If a person has been a victim of discrimination, that person should file an official complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Commission is in Puerto Rico and will investigate all claims that it receives. Generally, workers must file a complaint within one hundred and eighty days from the time of the last incident of discrimination.

It is U.S. anti-discrimination law that the Puerto Rico state discrimination posters must be displayed in the workplace. These posters must be placed in an appropriate area and they must contain the necessary information. In order to enforce this law as well as the other anti-discrimination laws, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission opened an office in Puerto Rico in 2001. Employers must make sure they display the Puerto Rico state discrimination posters at all times and that the posters contain the most up-to-date information.

No Comments >> Posted in Discrimination,Employment Laws,Hostile Environment,Puerto Rico