Mexican Consulate Teams Up With Officials and Labor Leaders to Host Labor Rights Week

The importance of knowing your rights as a worker in this country should be a priority. And with this premise, all workers should know that if they face discrimination or harassment, they have the ability to stop those practices imposed on them, because the law protects them.

The Mexican Consulate, which has been working for years for the rights of workers in San Jose, opened their "Labor Rights Week" on August 30 for the second consecutive year, simultaneously with 22 other Mexican Consulates in this country. This year’s Labor Rights Week, which runs until September 6, 2010, will cover several topics including discrimination in the workplace, occupational hazards and other issues in the workplace.

This gathering, held at the headquarters of the consulate located on First Street, was attended by a diverse set of important authorities. The opening panel comprised of the head of the Mexican Consulate, David Figueroa, Assistant District Director of the Department of Labor: Mary Jackson, President of United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 5 (UFCW5): Ron Lind, Chief Executive Officer of Santa Clara & San Benito Counties Building and Construction Trades Council: Neil M. Struthers, Executive Officer of the South Bay Labor Council: Cindy Chavez, and Council Member District 5: Nora Campos. The panel was hosted by Blanca Garza of Telemundo News.

Blanca Garza began the panel with the question, "Who is it that cares for workers in these times of economic crisis?" David Figueroa responded, "Whenever there is an economic crisis, usually the degree of vulnerability of our people will increase."

"The Hispanic worker is very important to the economy of the country. We have a strong connection with more than 30,000 Latino workers locally, and we have respect for the rights they have as workers. We know the obstacles that many Hispanics face are due to language, as this prevents them to complain. Therefore, these events are important because the community should be educated and know that there is help for them," said, Neil M. Struthers, Executive Officer of the South Bay Labor Council.

An attorney discussed a labor problem with a worker at the offices of the Mexican Consulate.

Many cases of worker abuse occur because of workers’ immigration status. In this situation the dissemination of information and education is essential because all workers, including immigrants regardless of their status, are protected by the laws that state agencies are responsible for enforcing. "With the debate on immigration, people are very confused. We want all working people to know their employment rights and we're here to help," said Rod Lind, President of the UFCW Local 5.

With regard to the institutions providing assistance, the panel stressed the importance of workers having confidence in them. "We, as representatives of the Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor, support workers with law enforcement before a labor abuse. We do not share information with the INS, "said Mary Jackson, Assistant District Director of Department of Labor.

The panel of experts offered some recommendations to protect against labor abuses. They said employees should keep a written schedule to record the days and hours worked. And when you talk to your employer, make sure you have witnesses. Keep all your pay stubs or proof of payment.

Before the meeting ended, Cindy Chavez, Executive Officer of the South Bay Labor Council, thanked the participating organizations. "If workers understand their rights, we will improve the society in which we live. We must believe in change and build the economic power we all seek."

And Council Member Nora Campos, of District 5 added, "To encourage and promote such events is a great addition for the City of San Jose. We believe in equal rights and are confident that together we will succeed."

The workshops for workers' rights from 30 August to 6 September will take place at the offices of the consulate at 115 N. 4th St. San Jose, Calif. For more information call (408) 294-3414.

For more information and help on a labor problem, contact one of the following offices:

• Department of Industrial Relations: Problems with the payment of wages (408) 277-1266 or 1-866-487-9243.
• Department of Fair Employment and Housing: 1-800-884-1684.
• Commission for Equality and Employment Access: 1-800-669-4000.
• Compensation Workers: (408) 277-1246. Accidents at work: 1-800-736-7401.