News Release
US Department of Labor, Colombia establish partnership to protect Colombian citizens’ labor rights while working in US
WASHINGTON – As the nation begins Labor Rights Week, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Republic of Colombia today announced the South American country has joined the Consular Partnership Program to raise awareness among Colombians working in the U.S. about regulations protecting them in America’s workplaces.
In collaboration with the department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Wage and Hour Division and Employee Benefits Security Administration, Colombian consulates in the U.S. will provide valuable information to Colombian citizens and their employers about federal laws governing workplace safety and health, wages and work hours, and employee benefits.
At a ceremony at the department’s Washington headquarters today, U.S. Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee and Colombian Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Ávila signed a joint declaration, while leaders from key U.S. enforcement agencies signed letters of arrangement with Colombia.
“Colombian workers in the U.S. play a vital role across diverse sectors in our labor force and contribute meaningfully to our economy. They have the same rights and protections as every American worker,” said Deputy Undersecretary for International Affairs Thea Lee. “Protecting the rights of Colombian nationals in the U.S. ultimately benefits all workers and drives innovation and economic growth.”
Consular Partnerships help the department enforce U.S. labor protections more effectively, especially in high-risk and low-wage industries where violations are more likely. They also help the department’s enforcement agencies identify problems facing workers to enhance and target outreach efforts. With today’s signing event, Colombia joins other countries, such as the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico, as the department’s newest consular partner.
“Today’s signing of the Consular Partnership Program marks a defining moment in Colombia’s strong and enduring relationship with the United States, a relationship built on shared values and mutual respect,” said Colombian Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Ávila. “This partnership strengthens the vital link between our countries by securing essential services and safeguarding labor rights. It also exemplifies our commitment to the well-being of the Colombian diaspora in the U.S., a community that is integral to both our nation’s socio-economic fabric and that of the United States.”
