US Renews Workplace Rights Agreements with LATAM Countries

The U.S. Labor Department has renewed workplace rights agreements with several Latin American countries. The agreements pave the way for American officials to work with LATAM governments on U.S. labor laws governing safety, health and wages and working hours to workers from these countries, including those under H-2A and H-2B visas working in the United States.

“All workers have a right to a safe workplace and fair payment of wages,” said Secretary Perez. “Today’s ceremony reaffirms our shared commitment to making sure that workers from these nations are able to exercise their rights.”

The agreement promotes a better understanding of labor laws and the wellbeing of Latin American migrant workers in the United States.

For the U.S. government, it helps enforce labor laws more effectively, especially in high-risk and low-wage industries where violations are more likely to occur.

Hundreds of thousands of people from Latin American countries are working in the United States. Analysts say the agreement will help LATAM countries to protect the rights of their citizens working in the United States.

Under existing laws, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. The Labor Department monitors training and education provided to employees. It also enforces national minimum wage and overtime pay.

“The Department of Labor has shown a very credible concern for the underprivileged foreign workers,” said Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the United States Aníbal de Castro. “For the Dominican Republic, this agreement is a step in the right direction to reduce our workers’ vulnerability and preserve their rights. We proudly celebrate this signing.”

Ambassadors representing Mexico, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica also participated in the talks that were organized to renew their relationships with the United States.