U.S. Department of Labor officials and representatives from the Mexican Embassy and other diplomatic missions convened today to inaugurate Labor Rights Week 2024, emphasizing migrant workers' rights and the department's efforts to safeguard these rights.
The event, co-sponsored by the Embassy of Mexico, featured speeches from department leaders, U.S. government officials, Mexican Ambassador Esteban Moctezuma, and Roberto Velasco Alvarez, Chief Officer for North America at the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The department also commemorated the 20th anniversary of the Consular Partnership Program by renewing its agreement with Mexico. Established in 2004, this program aims to educate Mexicans working in the U.S. about their rights and remind employers of their responsibilities. The program now includes agreements with multiple Latin American countries.
“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.”
Participants in the event included 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.
Labor Rights Week 2024 will run from Aug. 26 to Aug. 30 and will feature outreach events addressing issues such as migrant workers’ rights, unsafe working conditions, extreme heat exposure, retaliation, and fair wages. Initiated by the Mexican Embassy in 2009, Labor Rights Week now involves participation from various departmental enforcement agencies including 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,” said Assistant Secretary for Occupational Safety and Health Douglas L. Parker. “Too often migrant workers face barriers that make this difficult... But let’s be clear: these rights are not just privileges for some – they are fundamental rights of every worker in this country.”
“Collaborating with foreign consulates allows us to engage with immigrant and migrant workers about critical federal labor protections... including protecting worker’s wages,” said Wage and Hour Administrator Jessica Looman. “We are also committed to protecting young workers...”
“Today’s renewed agreement with the government of Mexico solidifies [our] commitment to ensuring workers... know they enjoy protection under federal law for work-related benefits,” said Assistant Secretary for Employee Benefits Security Lisa M. Gomez.
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