TRENTON –The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and the Consulate of Mexico reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the labor rights of Mexican workers at an event held at the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick on Tuesday.

The event served as a platform for discussion around a collaborative framework between NJDOL and the Consulate of Mexico to address labor standards violations and promote adherence to New Jersey’s labor laws for Mexican workers. The partnership focuses on providing Mexican nationals with essential information, guidance, and access to training and educational resources to enhance their labor rights. Mexican residents account for 11.5 percent of New Jersey’s Hispanic population.

“New Jersey is committed to ensuring all workers are treated with dignity and respect both in the workplace and out,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Mexican workers are a vital part of our state’s workforce, driving innovation and economic growth. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening labor laws to ensure the Mexican community in New Jersey receives the resources, protections, and opportunities they deserve.”

“This partnership with the Consulate of Mexico enhances our shared resolve to protect workers’ rights and uphold justice and equity for Mexican workers in New Jersey,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “By actively working together to amplify our reach and impact, we strive to make sure no worker stands alone.”

“The Consulate of Mexico is proud to collaborate with NJDOL in this vital effort,” said Mariana Díaz-Nagore, Head Consul of the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. “Our joint commitment to protecting the labor rights of Mexican workers will foster a safer and more equitable working environment in New Jersey, recognizing the essential contributions of the Mexican community to the state's prosperity.”

NJDOL and the Consulate of Mexico signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in November 2025 during an economic mission to Mexico, organized by Choose New Jersey in collaboration with the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. The trip aimed to strengthen economic, educational, and cultural partnerships between New Jersey and Mexico, highlighting the state’s commitment to fostering global economic and workforce development.

As part of the MOU, a Working Group will be established to oversee the implementation of joint initiatives, such as disseminating information on labor rights, organizing workshops, and conducting outreach events focused on the Mexican community. NJDOL will also provide educational materials and designate trained personnel to participate in consular events to ensure more Mexican workers have access to critical labor law information.

New Jersey Wage and Hour Law provides labor protections to all workers, regardless of immigration status, including on issues relating to Earned Sick Leave, minimum wage and overtime pay, wage theft and payment, employee misclassification, the Temporary Workers’ Bill of Rights, and the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights.

To learn more about protections available to immigrant workers in New Jersey, click here.

For more information on New Jersey’s worker benefits and protections, visit: MyWorkRights.nj.gov.