The labor trial involving two former municipal workers who were caught on video having sex inside the municipal building has been scheduled for today, Thursday, according to court records. The plaintiffs are demanding a $200 million compensation payout from the municipality led by Mayor Camila Merino, who belongs to Evópoli.
Legal Proceedings and Failed Conciliation
The legal case resumed last week during a failed conciliation hearing where the plaintiffs declared they had no intention of pursuing an out-of-court settlement. According to the court files, the labor lawsuits were officially filed on December 18 before the 1st Labor Court of First Instance, with the claimants alleging severe “moral damage.” Beyond the monetary compensation, the former employees are requesting that the municipality undergo training regarding rights violations and publish official information aimed at defending their personal honor.
Background of the Viral Incident and Dismissal
The controversy erupted after a video recorded from the street went viral, showing both workers engaging in sexual relations inside the municipal offices. Although the municipality subsequently opened an administrative investigation that resulted in their dismissal, the former employees argue that Mayor Merino had already formed a prior opinion on the matter. According to court filings, the mayor expressed those views in interviews with various media outlets before the formal investigation concluded.
Did You Know? The administrative documents detailing the internal investigation and its final dismissal ruling are included as official evidence in the case file, alongside an interview given by Mayor Merino on Radio Pauta where she discussed the potential removal of the workers.
Mandated Psychological Evaluation
The court has ordered a psychological evaluation to determine the extent of any mental health impact suffered by the claimants as a direct result of the events. According to the judicial mandate, psychologist Pamela Díaz Contreras has been appointed to carry out the expert peritaje. In the text of the lawsuit, the dismissed worker asserts that the emotional toll stems from constant harassing treatment and labor violations under the current municipal administration, which has damaged his self-esteem and caused generalized anxiety and fear.
Expert Insight: This case highlights the complex intersection between public morality, internal disciplinary procedures, and labor rights in municipal administration. While the visual evidence of workplace misconduct triggered swift administrative dismissals, the legal battle now hinges on whether municipal authorities respected due process and avoided prejudging the outcome before internal investigations were finalized.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the legal action begin?
The labor lawsuits were formally filed on December 18 at the 1° Juzgado de Letras del Trabajo.
What financial and non-monetary demands are the plaintiffs making?
The former workers are demanding a $200 million indemnity, mandatory training for the municipality regarding rights violations, and the publication of statements to defend their honor.
Who is leading the municipal administration involved in the case?
The municipality of Vitacura is led by Mayor Camila Merino, a member of Evópoli.
How will this court-mandated psychological evaluation influence the final judgment on workplace damages?
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