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A parade was held in front of the building World Plaza in Golden Mile On Tuesday afternoon, prosecutors, juvenile lawyers, family lawyers and property registrars Puerto Rico Public Ministry They demanded from Financial Supervision Committee Freeing up funds needed to implement wage increases Law No. 134 of 2023.
Law No. 134-2023 states that “the Ministry of Justice has the authority to determine the periodic review of the salary scales applicable to district prosecutors, assistant prosecutors level 4, assistant prosecutors level 3, assistant prosecutors level 2, assistant prosecutors level 1, juvenile and family lawyers, and property registrars, in accordance with the executive branch.”
financial Marjorie Gilberinispokesman Public Ministry The Ponce District Attorney explained that “the Legislature approved Law No. 134 of 2023 and it was signed by the Governor on December 11. The funds were identified, but the Fiscal Oversight Committee did not want to approve the disbursement of these funds. Law No. 134 provides that the Department of Justice has the authority to adjust the salaries of prosecutors and other officials based on the regular review of the salary schedule by the executive branch.”
Gilbolini He noted that prosecutors haven’t received a raise in more than 20 years, even as the fiscal oversight committee approved a rule requiring public defenders to make $80 an hour and prosecutors to make $41 to $50 an hour, depending on rank. The lack of a pay raise has caused many experienced prosecutors to leave the D.A.’s office and go into private practice, where they can earn much more.
“We currently have 81 vacancies in the Public Service,” Gierbolini commented. “Prosecutors with many years of experience are leaving because they earn three times more in private practice. “This means a loss of investment in training and experience, forcing the government to train new prosecutors, which is an unnecessary expense.”
The protest was a historic action for prosecutors, who had never before taken to the streets to demand a pay raise. Gilbolini It was explained that while public officials received a pay raise under the new classification and reallocation scheme, prosecutors were excluded from the scheme as their salaries were statutory.
“We understand the financial situation of the government but now, with funding confirmed, it is unfair that we are not included in the pay rise,” he added.
The parade begins 3 p.m. There are dozens of participants, including prosecutors from all jurisdictions in Puerto Rico, juvenile lawyers, property registrars and family lawyers. Meanwhile, other prosecutors remain on duty and working in the field to ensure continuity of services.
Protesters again called for Financial Supervision Committee Approval of use of identified funds Puerto Rico Financial Counseling and Finance Agency (AFAF)this Office of Management and Budget (OGP) and Ministry of Justice. “If the board does not authorize the use of these funds, they cannot be included in the budget,” Gilbolini concluded.
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