Puerto Rico Severance Compensation Program is a legal mechanism designed to provide financial assistance to employees who are terminated from their jobs without cause or due to circumstances beyond their control, such as company downsizing or closure. This program aims to protect workers' rights and ensure they receive fair compensation during the transition period when they are jobless. The primary purpose of the Puerto Rico Severance Compensation Program is to offer economic relief to eligible employees by granting them a severance package. This compensation is intended to help individuals cover their living expenses, seek new employment opportunities, and support their families while they are unemployed. Under this program, employers are required by law to provide terminated employees with a severance payment based on various factors, including the duration of their employment and their average salary. The amount is computed using a formula specified by law, which takes into account years of service, salary, and other relevant factors that vary depending on the type of program. There are several types or categories of the Puerto Rico Severance Compensation Program, depending on the circumstances of the termination: 1. Individual Termination: This program covers situations where an employee is unjustly dismissed from a specific company or organization. It ensures that these employees receive appropriate severance compensation. 2. Mass Layoff: This program applies in cases where a company lays off a significant number of employees at once, typically due to financial difficulties or restructuring. It ensures fair compensation for all affected workers. 3. Plant Closure: This program focuses on situations where a company permanently shuts down its operations, leaving its entire workforce jobless. It ensures that these employees receive enhanced severance benefits to aid them during their unemployment period. 4. Bankruptcy: In cases where a company declares bankruptcy, this program provides additional protection to employees who lose their jobs as a result. It guarantees that they receive appropriate severance compensation despite the company's financial difficulties. By implementing the Puerto Rico Severance Compensation Program, the government aims to uphold labor rights, minimize the financial strain on terminated employees, and facilitate a smooth transition period for those affected by job loss. This program plays a crucial role in supporting workers and their families during challenging times, while fostering a fair and just labor market in Puerto Rico.