Overview of Article.

Puerto Rico is a Commonwealth of the United States easily accessed by travelers from the U. S. mainland, and its citizens are U. S. citizens. However, U. S. or multi-national employers who conduct business in Puerto Rico, or who plan to do so, should be aware that Puerto Rico’s local statutes provide far greater rights to its employees than do any of the laws of the 50 U. S. states. Employment matters are regulated in Puerto Rico both under federal U. S. law and local statutes, regulations, case law and provisions of Puerto Rico’s Constitution.

Local Puerto Rico employment statutes include provisions on a wide range of employment-related matters. This article will focus on some key principles of which employers should be aware regarding the hiring and separation of employees in Puerto Rico.