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Press Release 09-27-2013

EEOC's New York, Philadelphia Offices and Consulate of Ecuador Sign Historic Partnership Agreement

Collaborative Partnership to Enforce, Protect and  Educate Vulnerable Workers

NEWARK, N.J. - The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity  Commission's (EEOC) New York and Philadelphia District Offices signed a  Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Consulate of Ecuador at a  joint press conference in Newark today.   The agreement, signed by EEOC District Directors Kevin Berry and Spencer  H. Lewis Jr., with Ecuadorian Minister Consul General Jessica B. Escala  Macafferi, officially establishes a two-year collaboration between these  government entities to solidify their efforts to enforce, protect and educate  all Ecuadorian nationals 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 Consulate of Ecuador 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 Consulate of Ecuador in  Newark provides services to Ecuadorian nationals residing in the states of New  Jersey and Pennsylvania.  Further information is available at http://www.consuladoecuadornj.com/.

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.