Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

Guidance on the Federal Employee Retention Benefit for Certain Employers Affected by Hurricane Irma and María

New Regulation or Official Guidance

Author: Ana María Bigas-Kennerley, Senior Counsel – Schuster Aguiló, Littler Global Puerto Rico

The Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury issued Internal Revenue Circular Letter No. 18-11 establishing the eligibility requirements and the procedure for eligible employers affected by Hurricanes Irma and María to request federal employee retention benefits. The maximum benefit for each eligible employee will be $1,560.00 or $1,920.00, depending on the employer’s category. The benefit may be requested only in electronic form through the digital platform designed by the Treasury and the deadline is December 31, 2018. The benefit will be paid through direct deposit to the bank account indicated by the employer in the request.

Employment Law Reform in Puerto Rico: Take Two

Proposed Bill or Initiative

Author: Mariela Rexach, Capital Member – Schuster Aguiló, Littler Global Puerto Rico

After the Governor withdrew his proposal for employment law reform on March 28, 2018, due to the Legislature’s strong opposition, the Fiscal Oversight and Management Board (FOMB) put forth a similar proposal. The bill would increase the minimum wage to $7.50, eliminate Christmas bonuses, and limit vacation and sick leave to 7 days. FOMB proposed amending the anti-retaliation statute to reduce the statute of limitations for filing a civil suit against an employer from three years to one. On April 26, 2018, the President of the Senate announced that he would be filing the bill on behalf FOMB.