EEOC To Offer New Source of Assistance for Immigrant Community in Dallas

DALLAS -  The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) today announced that it will implement a new and innovative initiative in the Dallas area with sister federal agencies, foreign consulates, and community organizations to combat the exploitation of Latino immigrants through increased education, outreach, and enforcement of the nation's anti-discrimination and labor laws.  The new Dallas-area program, "Justice, Safety and Equality in the Workplace," will be officially launched on Tuesday, June 10, at 10:00 a.m., at the Mexican Consulate of Dallas, 8855 N. Stemmons Freeway.

In addition to the EEOC, the collaborative partnership includes the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division, Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), and Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP);  the Mexican and Salvadorian Consulates in Dallas; several community groups, such as the Catholic Charities of Dallas, Inc.; and the Dallas Police Department, Community Affairs Office.  The program was first implemented by EEOC's Houston District Office in 2001 and expanded last year in Houston.

"This important initiative will help inform Latinos of their employment rights in the United States, regardless of their immigration status," said Janet V. Elizondo, Acting Director of EEOC's Dallas District Office.  "In addition to providing information on employment rights, the program will also promote voluntary compliance by the employer community through enhanced outreach and education."

She added: "Thousands of Latino immigrants come to this country every year in pursuit of the 'America Dream.'  Many of these immigrants chose Dallas to realize that dream.  However, the types of employment they are offered are usually the most undesirable jobs those that pay minimum wage or less. Too often, immigrant workers are exploited through low pay or no pay, dangerous work conditions, and verbal and physical abuse."

The EEOC enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; the Equal Pay Act; Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which prohibits employment discrimination against people with disabilities in the private sector and state and local governments; prohibitions against disability discrimination in the federal government; and sections of the Civil Rights Act of 1991.  Additional information about the Commission is available on the agency's web site at www.eeoc.gov.