The Department of Public Works still does not know exactly how much it owes in back pay to fired government plumber Franklin B. Castro, but it will be a lot, according to the agency’s deputy director.
The attorney general’s office has accused Castro of faking a work-related injury — an injury that allowed Castro to be paid for about 13 years without having to report to work.
Public Works fired Castro in 2008, accusing him of unauthorized absence; refusal to perform prescribed duties and responsibilities; misuse or theft of government property; and other misconduct.
But Castro won his job back because Public Works botched the firing process and after the attorney general’s office, which represented Public Works, mishandled the agency’s appeal to the Supreme Court of Guam.
Public Works missed a 60-day window to take adverse action against Castro, as required under the government’s personnel law at the time, and the attorney general’s office missed a 30-day window to file DPW’s appeal with the Supreme Court. Justices in April tossed out DPW’s appeal in the case, stating it was not filed in time.
As a result of the failed Supreme Court appeal, a 2016 Civil Service Commission ruling in the case stands, which means Castro is owed back pay, sick leave, annual leave and legal costs.
‘It’s a large amount,’ Public Works official says
“We’re…
