P.R. Laws tit. 29, § 149

2019-02-20 00:00:00+00

§ 149. Discrimination because of age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, social or national origin or social status, political affiliation, or political or religious ideology, or for being a victim or perceived as a victim of domestic violence, sexual aggression or stalking, for being a servicemember, ex-servicemember, serving or having served in the United States Armed Forces, or holding veteran status—Enforcement

The Court of First Instance and the District Court shall have concurrent original jurisdiction in all cases arising under §§ 146—151 of this title. Civil claims may be prosecuted by ordinary action or through the complaint proceeding established by Act No. 10 of Nov. 14, 1917, as heretofore or hereafter amended.

The claims that several or all workers or employees or applicants for employment may have against a common employer or labor union, may be joined in one sole action.

The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources may, on his own initiative, or at the request of one or more workers or employees or applicants for employment having an interest in the matter, and in representation and for the benefit of one or more of them who are undergoing similar circumstances, order the payment of any sum owing to them, or the fulfillment of any right conferred by §§ 146—151 of this title. Any worker or employee or applicant for employment having an interest in the action may intervene in any suit so instituted by the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources, who, likewise, may intervene in any action brought by any worker or employee or applicant for employment under the terms of §§ 146—151 of this title.

In any judgment passed against any employer or labor union the latter shall be imposed costs and a reasonable sum which shall never be under one hundred dollars ($100) for attorney’s fees, if the attorney were not one from the Department of Labor and Human Resources.

History —June 30, 1959, No. 100, p. 284, § 4.