New MOU ensures protection for Pinoy workers’ rights in US

The Philippines has entered into another partnership agreement with the United States aimed at protecting the rights and welfare of Filipino workers there.

Through the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed last February 12, both parties will come up with more protective measures and better welfare interventions for Filipinos working in the US.

The MOU was signed by the Department of Foreign Affairs, represented by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose L. Cuisia, Jr., and the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EOCC), represented by its chairperson Jenny R. Yang.

According to the Philippine Embassy, it was the fourth migrant worker-related bilateral agreement it entered into and also the second agreement entered into by the EOCC with a foreign government.

A news release from the embassy described the MOU as “another milestone in its efforts to look after the interests of overseas Filipinos.”

“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.

He thanked the EOCC for initiating collaborations with countries like the Philippines that have substantial worker populations in the US.

Cuisia said the MOU with the EOCC is an affirmation of the US government’s advocacy for equal opportunity in the workplace and prohibited employment discrimination.

At the same time, he cited the contribution of EEOC’s District Representatives who have participated in the embassy’s consular outreach missions in the US Southeast.

Cuisia said the 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.

In her remarks, EEOC's Yang noted the invaluable contribution of Filipinos to American society and the US workforce and reiterated the EEOC's commitment to uphold the rights of migrant workers.

Yang said EEOC estimates place the number of Filipino immigrant workers in the US at more than one million. She said Filipinos not only form one of the largest immigrant groups, but also have a high rate of participation in the labor force compared to other groups.

“By signing this MOU today, the Commission signals its unwavering commitment to justice and equality in the workplace for individuals of Filipino descent whose efforts and contributions have been invaluable to American society and the US workforce,” Yang said.

The signing ceremony was streamed live to the various EEOC district offices throughout the US. —KBK, GMA News

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