WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Labor officials and representatives from the Mexican Embassy and other diplomatic missions joined today to mark Labor Rights Week 2024 with an event promoting migrant workers’ rights and how the department is safeguarding these rights.
Co-sponsored by the Embassy of Mexico, the event included remarks from department leaders, U.S. government officials, Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma, and Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Chief Officer for North America Roberto Velasco Alvarez.
At the event, the department commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Consular Partnership Program by renewing its agreement with Mexico. The program began in 2004 to educate Mexicans working in the U.S. about their rights and reminding employers of their responsibilities. In addition to Mexico, the program now includes agreements with more countries throughout Latin America.
“Celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Consular Partnership Program is an important milestone. The agreement stands as a beacon of cooperation and shared commitment to protecting the rights of migrant workers,” said Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee. “The program is a powerful tool for ensuring every worker, regardless of their status or background, is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”
Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas L. Parker, Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman, Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee, Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security Lisa M. Gomez, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Jose Rodriguez and National Labor Relations Board Associate General Counsel Jessica Rutter participated in the event.
During Labor Rights Week 2024, from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30, a series of outreach events will focus on issues including migrant workers’ rights, unsafe and unhealthy working and living conditions, working in extreme heat, retaliation and fair wages. In 2009, the Mexican Embassy launched Labor Rights Week which now includes participation by the department’s enforcement agencies, the NLRB and EEOC.
“Every worker, no matter where they’re from or what language they speak, has the right to know and claim their rights to a safe and healthy workplace. Too often, migrant workers face barriers that make this difficult, whether it’s a language they are still learning or a system they are still navigating. But let’s be clear: these rights are not just privileges for some – they are fundamental rights of every worker in this country,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas L. Parker. “That’s why we’re partnering with consulates, labor unions, worker advocates, and community leaders to break down these barriers, to ensure that every worker receives the fair treatment they deserve.”
“Collaborating with foreign consulates allows us to engage with immigrant and migrant workers about the critical federal labor protections the Wage and Hour Division enforces, including protecting worker’s wages, as well as their health and safety on farms,” said Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman. “We are also committed to protecting young workers, who our investigators have found often sadly fall victim to some of the worst child labor abuses.”
“Today’s renewed agreement with the government of Mexico solidifies the Employee Benefits Security Administration’s commitment to ensuring workers of all backgrounds and nationalities, regardless of immigration status, know they enjoy protection under federal law for work-related benefits,” said Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security Lisa M. Gomez.
Learn more about the department’s international work.
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Original article published by OSHA