PH-US sign another labor protection accord

WASHINGTON, DC—The Philippines formally entered into another partnership agreement that will protect the rights and welfare of Filipinos working in the United States.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed February 12 between the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), represented by Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EOCC), represented by its Chair Jenny R. Yang.

The MOU, the fourth immigrant worker-related bilateral agreement entered into by the Embassy, aims to provide more protective measures and better welfare interventions for Filipinos working in the US. The MOU is also only the second agreement entered into by the EOCC with a foreign government.

“We are pleased at being able to formalize our alliance with the EOCC and collaborate closely towards ensuring that Filipino nationals working in the US are accorded equal opportunities at their workplace,” Cuisia said, thanking the EEOC for initiating collaborations with countries like the Philippines that have substantial worker populations in the US.

The MOU with the EOCC confirms the US government’s advocacy for equal opportunity in the workplace and prohibition of employment discrimination.

Ambassador Cuisia, at the same time, cited the contribution of EEOC’s District Representatives who have participated in the Embassy’s consular outreach missions in the US Southeast. He said EEOC’s participation enhanced the awareness of Filipino workers of their rights as well as remedies available to them under existing labor laws regardless of their status.

EEOC Chair Yang noted the invaluable contribution of Filipinos to American society and the US workforce. She said Filipinos not only comprise one of the largest immigrant groups, but also have a high rate of participation in the labor force compared to other groups.

Officials from the US Department of Labor – Occupational Safety and Health Administration were present at the signing ceremony, which was streamed live to the various EEOC district offices throughout the US.