Pact Establishes Ongoing Collaborative Relationship Between the Two Entities
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Miami District Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Orlando today with the Consulate General of Mexico in Miami and Consulate of Mexico in Orlando. The agreement establishes an ongoing collaboration between these entities to provide Mexican nationals with information, guidance, and access to resources on the prevention of discrimination in the workplace regardless of immigration status. Mexican Consul Efran Nicolas Leyva Acevedo of Orlando and Miami District Office Director Malcolm S. Medley signed the agreement. Acting Mexican Consul General Vladimir Hernandez Lara of Miami signed the document prior to the meeting today.
"By signing this Memorandum of Understanding today with the Mexican Consulate, we of the EEOC's Miami District have solidified our continued and longstanding commitment to this underserved community," said Medley. "This agreement provides the opportunity for ongoing education, outreach and service by the EEOC to Mexican nationals in our area. We look forward to a long-lasting and significant partnership."
Under the terms of the MOU, the EEOC will expand its relationship with these two consulates by providing them with Spanish-language materials explaining the laws enforced by the federal agency. In addition, the EEOC will partner with consulate offices to provide information and training to areas of the state where migrant farm workers and other Mexican nationals live and work.
The EEOC's Miami District Office is comprised of the Miami, Tampa and San Juan EEOC offices, and has jurisdiction over Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The EEOC's Tampa Field Office has already begun partnership efforts by providing information and counseling to people on the laws EEOC enforces by visiting Mexican mobile consulate sites. The EEOC's Miami District Office is currently involved in plans for the agency's participation in various "Labor Rights Week" events scheduled throughout the state at the end of August by the Miami Consulate General and Orlando Consulate offices. "Labor Rights Week" is an initiative to educate Mexican nationals and other Latinos about their civil rights, workplace safety, minimum wage laws, and human trafficking.
The EEOC is responsible for enforcing federal laws against employment discrimination. Further information is available at www.eeoc.gov.