labor rights

A new report released today, “Shining a Light on Summer Work: A First Look at the Employers Using the J-1 Summer Work Travel Visa,” reveals the realities of the J-1 Summer Work Travel Visa program (SWT) -- that it can be used as a source of cheap, exploitable labor.

Last week, the New York State legislature approved new protections for farmworkers, titled The Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act, extending a number of labor rights to farmworkers for the first time in New York state.

When you come to work in the United States, your employer may encourage you to live in housing provided by the company. While such an arrangement may seem convenient, in some cases employer-provided housing can make it easier for your boss to steal your wages or pressure you into living in unsafe and inhumane conditions. To avoid these kinds of abuses, it is important to know your rights and know how to protect them.

Migrant workers have reason for optimism that the U.S. Government will act aggressively to protect their workplace rights.

The tri-national working group urges the U.S., Mexico, and Canada to reinforce and not backtrack on migrant workers' rights in the negotiation.

Now, YOU have the opportunity to help strengthen the rights of migrant workers under NAFTA.

Friends in Hidalgo!

Do you plan to work by season in the United States?