Report reveals adverse effects of lawsuits for political-partisan discrimination, workplace harassment, and sexual harassment on the Government's finances
The Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico (OCPR) published a study on the adverse effects of dismissals, disciplinary actions, or other personnel transactions on the Government's finances. In particular, those lawsuits, complaints, judgments, and payments motivated by workplace harassment and sexual harassment against employees or officials, and by political-partisan discrimination, were analyzed. The evaluation consisted of an analysis of the documentation of 79 entities that responded out of the 81 from which the information was requested.
The Study revealed that from 2019 to 2023, nine lawsuits were resolved at no cost to the entity, which 13 officials filed in the courts against six departments and agencies for political-partisan reasons, workplace harassment, and sexual harassment. These officials were claiming $2,320,000.
As of January 31, 2024, 20 civil lawsuits against 12 departments for $52,082,544 were pending resolution by the Federal Court and by the General Court of Justice of Puerto Rico. These lawsuits were filed by 60 employees and officials with the allegation of workplace harassment, political-partisan discrimination, and sexual harassment.
On the other hand, 25 civil lawsuits filed by 89 officials with a claim of $19,070,400, for dismissals, disciplinary actions, or other transactions, were halted as of January 31, 2024. Two lawsuits were halted for administrative reasons, nine for unspecified reasons, and 14 by the PROMESA Act.
The audit also published that 48 entities certified that they had no lawsuits, complaints, or other personnel actions for the period evaluated, from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023.
The Municipal Area for Economic Development (Coamo) and the Office for Socioeconomic and Community Development (Special Communities) are the two entities that did not deliver the documentation requested by the OCPR to carry out this study.
The Special Report recommended to the Secretary of Justice that he guide the principal officials of the Executive Branch on the adverse effects of the actions taken against employees for political-partisan reasons, sexual harassment, and workplace harassment. In addition, the Secretary must guide them on the responsibility they have as Government officials.
This Special Report covers the period from January 1, 2018, to June 30, 2023.
The Special Report OC-25-10 can be obtained on our website: www.ocpr.gov.pr
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