TakeawaysThe groundbreaking Lactation/Breastfeeding Code, signed into law 08.01.25, repeals Law 427-2000 and replaces it entirely, along with multiple other lactation-related laws.Employees, regardless of whether part-time or full-time, are now entitled to no less than one paid hour per workday to breastfeed their child or express breastmilk, for a minimum of 12 months after returning from maternity leave.Employers must notify all employees of their rights under the new code.Related links
Articles About Puerto Rico Labor And Employment Law
Puerto Rico Strengthens Breastfeeding Protections for Workers
Effective August 1, 2025, Puerto Rico’s new Lactation/Breastfeeding Code significantly expands workplace protections for nursing employees. The law
Puerto Rico Enacts New Lactation Code
Puerto Rico Enacts New Lactation Code
On August 1, 2025, Governor Jennifer González signed Act 87-2025, titled, “Puerto Rico Lactation Code” (“Code” or “Act 87-2025”). The Code compiles all previously enacted breastfeeding-related laws into one (i.e., incorporating the requirements for private and public sectors), while at the same time repeals
Puerto Rico New Act 29-2025: Essential Employer Obligations for Breastfeeding/Pumping Activities
On June 23, 2025, Governor Jennifer González signed Act 29-2025, amending Puerto Rico’s Act 427-2000, “Act to Regulate Breastfeeding and Breast Milk Extraction Periods,” and strengthening protections for nursing employees. These protections complement those provided under the federal PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP Act), which became effective in December 2022.
Puerto Rico Governor Signs Two New Acts Addressing Arbitration and Preferences for Veterans
Puerto Rico Governor Signs Two New Acts Addressing Arbitration and Preferences for Veterans
Puerto Rico Governor Jennifer González recently signed into law two employment statutes, Act No. 37-2025 and Act No. 26-2025, governing arbitration and hiring preferences for veterans, respectively.
tgelbman@littler.com Fri, 07/18/2025 – 14:51
Puerto Rico Prohibits Discrimination Against Breastfeeding Mothers in the Workplace
Puerto Rico Prohibits Discrimination Against Breastfeeding Mothers in the Workplace
Puerto Rico Governor Jeniffer González has signed Act No. 29-2025 into law, modifying the Act to Regulate the Breastfeeding or Breast Milk Extraction Period, as amended (“Act 427-2000”), which provides certain nursing employees the right to time off to express
Puerto Rico Supreme Court Reaffirms Importance of Just Cause for Employee Terminations
TakeawaysIn the wrongful discharge case of Méndez Ruiz v. Techno Plastics Industries, Inc., the Court found an employee’s exhaustion of the 12-month Workers’ Compensation leave is not automatic grounds for a just cause termination.Puerto Rico does not recognize employment-at-will.Just cause analysis is necessary for terminations in Puerto Rico.Related link
Puerto Rico Supreme Court Clarifies Limits for Unjustified Dismissal Under the Workers’ Compensation Act
Puerto Rico Supreme Court Clarifies Limits for Unjustified Dismissal Under the Workers’ Compensation Act
On June 26, 2025, the Puerto Rico Supreme Court (PRSC) issued an opinion in Méndez Ruiz v. Techno Plastics Industries, Inc., 216 D.P.R. ____, 2025 TSPR 68 (2025), determining whether the defendant had “just cause” under
Puerto Rico Supreme Court: State Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Labor Cases Governed by the NLRA
Puerto Rico Supreme Court: State Courts Lack Jurisdiction Over Labor Cases Governed by the NLRA
The Supreme Court of Puerto Rico recently issued an important decision limiting the role of Puerto Rico’s courts in labor complaints that involve conduct governed by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). In Rodríguez Vázquez
Supreme Court of Puerto Rico Addressed the Legal Framework of Deference to Administrative Agencies
Supreme Court of Puerto Rico Addressed the Legal Framework of Deference to Administrative Agencies
On May 21, 2025, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico had the opportunity to address the judicial deference that was traditionally given to administrative decisions. In Vázquez v. Consejo de Titulares, 215 D.P.R. ___, 2025 TSPR
Puerto Rico Executive Order 2025-015 Targets Pilot Program for the Incorporation of Project Labor Agreements
On March 19, 2025, Puerto Rico Governor Hon. Jennifer A. González repealed several sections of Executive Order 2022-014 (“EO-2022-014”) through Executive Order 2025-015 (“EO-2025-015”). EO-2022-014 established the “Pilot Program for the Incorporation of Project Labor Agreements,” which required all bidders on construction projects exceeding $5,000,000, funded in whole or in
Remote Work in Puerto Rico: A Legal Update for Global Employers
Puerto Rico has recently relaxed its requirements for remote work, implementing significant changes. The first set of changes occurred in 2022 with the enactment of Law 52-2022. In January 2024, further reforms were enacted with the signing of Law 27-2024 by then-governor Pedro Pierluisi.
Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury Announces 2025 Limits on Qualified Retirement Plans
On January 23, 2025, the Puerto Rico Department of the Treasury issued Internal Revenue Circular Letter No. 24-01 (CL IR 24-01) announcing the applicable 2024 limits for Puerto Rico qualified retirement plans.
Puerto Rico Supreme Court Clarifies National Origin Discrimination
On January 14, 2025, the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico had the opportunity to address the “national origin” protected category under the anti-discrimination provisions of Puerto Rico Act No. 100 of June 30, 1959, as amended (“Act 100”). In Roberto Jiménez Soto v. Carolina Catering Corp. (Sky Caterers), the Court
Election 2024: Employer Obligations Under Puerto Rico’s General Election Day Paid Leave Law
TakeawaysElection day in Puerto Rico is Nov. 5, 2024.Law No. 58-2020 requires employers to grant employees that vote in Puerto Rico two hours of paid leave to vote, although constraints apply.Employers may be subject to penalties for noncompliance.Related link2024 Election: What Employers Need to Know About Employee Voting Leave