NYC Hosts Roundtable on Immigrant Worker Rights and Protections

New York City officials convened a roundtable discussion on Monday focused on immigrant worker rights, workplace safety, and the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities. The event brought together top city agencies and ethnic media representatives to highlight the challenges faced by immigrant and marginalized laborers.

The roundtable was jointly organized by the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA), the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), the Department of Buildings (DOB), and the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice (MOCEJ).

Speakers emphasized the importance of raising awareness, ensuring fair labor practices, and strengthening protections for workers, especially those disproportionately affected by climate stress and enforcement-related fears.

Commissioner of MOIA Manuel Castro said, Immigrant workers are the backbone of our city’s labor force. It is our priority to keep them informed and to ensure their workplaces are safe and equitable.

Executive Director of MOCEJ Elijah Hutchinson stated, Over 500 New Yorkers die annually from heat-related illnesses. We’re working to establish temporary cooling stations in the Bronx and Queens to protect outdoor and vulnerable workers as climate change intensifies.

Commissioner of DCWP Vilda Vera Mayuga added, Educating newly arrived workers about their rights is the first step toward building a just labor system. We’re proud to collaborate with MOIA on this effort.

Assistant Commissioner at DOB Carlos Saavedra highlighted the role of immigrant workers in the city’s construction industry, Through fair and equal enforcement, we are committed to ensuring safety for all workers across New York’s job sites.

At the event, MOIA distributed its “Know Your Rights” resource sheet, providing essential guidance for immigrants, particularly in case of workplace visits by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). DCWP also presented its updated Workers’ Bill of Rights, covering protections at the city, state, and federal levels.

According to DOB, workplace injuries in 2024 were down 30% compared to 2023, based on its annual construction safety report. MOCEJ introduced a new Neighborhood Resource Guide to help communities prepare for extreme heat conditions.

Participants described the roundtable as a significant step toward enhancing awareness, safety, and equity for immigrant workers in New York City.