The V.I. Labor Department is researching the impact of District Court Judge Thomas K. Moore's decision last week that the local Wrongful Discharge Act is illegal because it violates federal laws.
Meanwhile, "it is a little too early to ascertain the real impact of the decision on the workforce and employers," Eleuteria Roberts, acting Labor commissioner, said Wednesday.
Moore's decision, first disclosed last week by St. Thomas Source, has split employers and labor officials, with employers generally welcoming the decision and labor leaders voicing concern that it strips workers of their rights.
Roberts declined to take any position now, saying it would be "unwise" until Labor's attorneys review the decision, research applicable federal laws and determine its potential impact.
"In the meantime," Roberts added, "the labor relations division will continue to see customers and provide intake services."
Editor's note: See earlier story for details on the ruling.
