Collaboration for Migrant Workers Rights (USA, Ecuador, Hunduras, the Philippines and Peru)

In June 11, 2012, the Ambassadors of five countries along with the US Secretary of Labor signed a Partnership Agreement on the Migrant Workers Rights, according to the recent Press Release by the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB).

Credit: US DOL

Under the agreements, all countries (USA, Ecuador, Honduras, Peru, and the Philippines) will partner together to help the US Wage and Hour Division and OSHA to effectively enforce U.S. laws especially in high-risk and low-wage industries. It will help all agencies identify problems faced by migrant workers. With today's signings, US DOL now has agreements with ten countries.

The following are comments from each country representative:

"Migrant workers make important contributions to our economy," "Today's agreements help ensure these workers are aware of the right to safe workplaces and to receive full payment of the wages owed to them under the laws of the United States." - said US Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis

"Ecuador considers a priority the welfare of every Ecuadorian immigrant in the United States. The agreements that will be signed with the Department of Labor are a useful tool to protect the rights of migrant workers," said Ecuador Ambassador Nathalie Cely.

"Honduras is extremely pleased to sign these letters of arrangement with the DOL, WHD and OSHA,"  "It marks an important step forward in the cooperation between our governments that will promote the respect and defense of migrant workers' rights. This collaboration exemplifies our determination to help promote labor rights for all in our countries." - said Honduras Ambassador Jorge Ramón Hernández Alcerro

"This agreement reflects the existing cooperation and full understanding between Peru and the U.S. to jointly protect Peruvian workers' rights in the United States regarding wage issues through public outreach campaigns, education and training. This program helps to promote a legal framework between Peruvian workers and their employers to ensure the enforcement of fundamental human rights and responsibilities in the workplace." - said Peru Ambassador Harold Forsyth

"We are very pleased to sign these joint declarations and letters of arrangement with DOL," "We assure DOL we will do our part in ensuring the dissemination of helpful information to Filipino workers concerning their right to a safe and healthy working environment, and fair wages and working hours in the U.S., and in assisting them to seek redress when such rights are disregarded or outright violated."  - said Philippines Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia Jr.

Please click the link to read the Press Release.

To learn about more details of the Cooperation between countries, please visit the web page of International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB).

Perspectives:
This international partnerships will aim to protect the Rights of Workers who are working in the low-wage industries within the United States.  It is the responsibility of each consulate to inform workers about the Rules and Regulations under the Wage and Hour, OSHA and relevant US employment laws.

Learning and understanding the many information and regulation will diminish employer's abuse. Visit this relevant link of References pertaining the US Workers.

Link to the US Department of Labor