The Court of Appeals of Puerto Rico has upheld a decision regarding an employment dispute involving Jorge L. Figueroa Hernández and the Municipality of San Juan. The court confirmed that the Commission of Appeals of the Public Service (CASP) did not have jurisdiction over Figueroa's claims. This ruling could impact how similar employment grievances are handled in the future.
Jorge L. Figueroa Hernández, a long-time employee of the Municipality of San Juan, filed a complaint against his employer on October 6, 2025. He claimed that he was the only tutor employed in a position that limited his professional growth. Figueroa argued that he was unable to apply for a director position because it was only available to contractors, despite his years of service. His complaint was initially reviewed by the CASP, which dismissed it on April 28, 2026, stating that it lacked jurisdiction over the matters raised.
Figueroa subsequently appealed the CASP's decision, asserting that the commission had erred in declaring a lack of jurisdiction and failing to properly assess the structural impact of his claims. He also contended that the CASP did not adequately evaluate his motion for reconsideration. The case reached the Court of Appeals after Figueroa filed a judicial review on May 27, 2026, seeking to overturn the CASP's ruling.
The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Lotti Rodríguez and joined by Judges Grana Martínez and Ronda Del Toro, ultimately confirmed the CASP's decision. The court ruled, "The Recurrente has not established how his position as a regular employee has limited his opportunities for promotion." The judges found that Figueroa's claims did not fall within the jurisdiction of the CASP, as they did not pertain to the principle of merit outlined in Puerto Rican law.
The court further explained that jurisdiction is a critical aspect of any legal proceeding, stating, "The lack of jurisdiction results in the nullity of the issued judgments." Since the CASP determined it did not have jurisdiction, the Court of Appeals did not delve into the merits of Figueroa's claims.
This ruling is significant as it clarifies the jurisdictional boundaries of the CASP in employment-related disputes. It reinforces the notion that employees must clearly demonstrate how their claims align with the jurisdictional scope of the CASP, particularly in cases involving professional growth and merit-based employment principles.
Moving forward, this decision may influence how employees approach grievances related to their employment status and opportunities for advancement within the public service sector in Puerto Rico. The ruling serves as a reminder that claims must be well-founded and supported by specific legal principles to be considered by the CASP.
As for next steps, it is unclear whether Figueroa plans to appeal this decision to a higher court. There are no related cases pending that have been mentioned in the court's opinion. However, the ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving similar employment disputes within the public sector in Puerto Rico.