EEOC's New York, Philadelphia Offices and Philippine Consulate Sign Partnership Agreement

Collaborative Partnership to Enforce, Protect and Educate Vulnerable Workers

NEW YORK - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC) New York and Philadelphia District Offices signed a Memorandum of Under­stand­ing (MOU) with the Philippine Consulate General at a joint press conference today.  The agreement, signed by EEOC District Directors Kevin Berry and Spencer H. Lewis Jr., with Philippine Consul General Ambassador Mario L. De Leon, Jr. officially establishes a three-year collaboration between these government entities to solidify their efforts to enforce, protect and educate all Philippine citizens in the United States about their employment rights of in the workplace, regardless of immigration status.

"As we enter into another agree­ment to help vulnerable workers regardless of their immi­gration status, we're also accomplishing the enforcement of employment laws under one of the national priorities identified by the EEOC's Strategic Enforcement Plan," said EEOC New York District Director Kevin Berry.  "We look forward to working closely with the Philippine Consulate in eradicating discrimination for all workers."

EEOC Philadelphia District Director Spencer H. Lewis, Jr. added, "We look forward to a long-lasting partnership with the Consulate which will help us provide ongoing education, outreach and service to this underserved community.  Entering into this MOU helps further our mission to ensure equal employment opportunities for all workers." 

The Philippine Consulate General in New York provides services to Philippine citizens residing in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. - Further information is available at http://www.newyorkpcg.org/.

Eliminating discriminatory policies affecting vulnerable workers who may be unaware of their rights under equal employment laws, or reluctant or unable to exercise them is one of six national priorities identified by the agency's Strategic Enforcement Plan.  These policies can include disparate pay, job segregation, harassment and human trafficking. 

The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination.   Further information is available at www.eeoc.gov.