June 12, 2020
Advocating for the human rights of migrant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic
The arrival of COVID-19 has affected our jobs, our lives, and our communities. The impacts of the pandemic have been felt globally. Yet, instead of giving up, workers around the world are sounding the alarm about dangerous working conditions, demanding protections and envisioning new changes. You can hear the story of a J-1 migrant worker sharing her story with BBC World Service Radio here in minute 49.
We are proud to stand with and support migrant workers now more than ever. At Centro de los Derechos del Migrante (CDM), we have taken advantage of our Contratados.org digital platform to disseminate relevant, accurate information to workers. We have also teamed up with our allies to demand changes in policy and laws. Along with other organizations, we have spearheaded campaigns and provided support to seek greater protection for workers at the federal level and in states such as Washington, Maryland, North Carolina and California.
At CDM, we are urging legislative offices across the United States to ensure the human rights of workers are protected . This is what we are demanding:
1. No worker should be stranded. Especially during the pandemic, every worker under temporary work visas must have a safe home. We have demanded that the US federal government prohibit evictions and pressure employers to provide housing for workers.
2. All migrant workers should have access to free health services. It is unjust to put the health of migrant workers at risk due to a lack of financial resources to pay for medical care. We have urged state and federal legislators to ensure that workers receive the necessary tests and treatment for free.
3. All workers must be paid in full for their working hours. Especially in these times of pandemic, migrant workers are concerned that they will not receive their wages paid in full if they become ill. We have urged agencies at the state and local levels to implement workers' compensation for those who have become ill due to COVID-19 in the workplace.
4. Migrant workers must have safe spaces to live and work. They must be protected at all times in their homes and in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) must create and implement an enforceable standard of protection to ensure the health and safety of workers on the job site. OSHA has to do its job! Their voices, stories and the work of strong support organizations like CDM are having an impact: Last week, OSHA published that it will be increasing inspections at job sites!
The voices of migrant workers in the United States have power and can sound the alarm to improve conditions in the workplace. If you believe that you face unfavorable working conditions or that you and your colleagues are at risk, contact our team immediately. CDM offers free and confidential advice.
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