Migrant Workers Undersecretary Patricia Yvonne Caunan’s visit to Los Angeles (LA) on November 17, 2023, marked a pivotal moment in strengthening labor cooperation between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Los Angeles District Office of the US Department of Labor (USDOL). Here’s a summary of the key developments and discussions during the meeting:
Productive Discussions:
Undersecretary Caunan’s meeting with Wage and Hour Division District Director Kimchi Bui was characterized as highly productive. The USDOL reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the DMW through its Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in LA to address the employment challenges faced by Filipino migrant workers on the US west coast.
Shared Values:
Caunan emphasized the alignment of values between the DMW and USDOL, highlighting their mutual focus on safeguarding employees’ rights and ensuring fair treatment for workers. She commended the USDOL’s intensified efforts in upholding fair labor standards for all workers in the US, irrespective of their immigration status.
Wage Issues:
Labor Attaché Macy Monique Maglanque of the MWO in LA brought to light the wage issues encountered by Filipino professionals, such as medical technologists and nurses. These professionals often face salary discrepancies when employers and staffing agencies fail to adjust their wages after relocating them to different states. Bui underscored the importance of adhering to federal labor laws, emphasizing that workers should receive their rightful wages.
Joint Initiatives:
Both the DMW and USDOL officials reached an agreement to launch joint labor education programs tailored for Filipino migrant workers. They expressed mutual interest in fostering collaborative endeavors between the two agencies to address the multifaceted challenges confronting Filipino workers in the US.
Multi-Agency Collaboration:
The meeting was also attended by Assistance to Nationals Officer Ma Antoinette Delera Bosa-Villa from the Los Angeles Philippine Consulate General and MWO-Washington, D.C. Head Saul De Vries. Bui was accompanied by Assistant District Director Siriporn Poondee and Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist Randolph Tan, signifying the collective commitment of multiple stakeholders to collaborate and devise solutions for the welfare of Filipino migrant workers.
In summary, the discussions and agreements forged during Undersecretary Caunan’s visit to LA reflect a concerted effort to bolster labor cooperation, address wage disparities, and enhance the protection of Filipino migrant workers in the US. The collaborative initiatives between the DMW and USDOL underscore the shared commitment to upholding labor rights and ensuring equitable treatment for all workers.