New Jersey, Mexican Consulate sign agreement to strengthen workers’ rights

MEXICO CITY — As part of a Governor-led mission to Mexico, Choose New Jersey, the state’s nonprofit business attraction organization, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. The agreement reaffirms a shared commitment to protecting and promoting workers’ rights across New Jersey.

“Every person in New Jersey deserves to feel safe at their workplace,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “Today, New Jersey upholds its reputation as a leader in labor protections, with a reaffirmed commitment to ensuring all workers feel confident exercising their rights in the workplace. This MOU sends the message that all workers in our state are protected by the law to its fullest extent, regardless of origin.”

Under the new partnership, NJDOL and the Consulate will work together to expand access to information, training, and educational resources focused on labor rights, workplace safety, and the prevention of work-related incidents. The agreement also establishes a framework for joint outreach efforts and community engagement to help workers better understand and exercise their legal protections.

“With some of the strongest worker protections in the United States, New Jersey sets a high standard for fairness and economic opportunity,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “NJDOL is thrilled to collaborate with the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick to further our commitment to creating an equitable and thriving work landscape for all. Together, we will provide additional support and resources to make a positive impact in the lives of our workers and employers.”

The Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick serves as a vital resource for Mexican citizens living in New Jersey, providing documentation services, assistance in cases of workplace discrimination or harassment, and connections to education, health, and social programs. Its jurisdiction includes Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren counties.

“Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its Embassy and consular network in the U.S., seeks to ensure that our communities know that they can report labor violations without fear of retaliation,” said Mariana Diaz Nagore, Head Consul of the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. “The Mexican Consulate is thrilled to work with the Department of Labor through this partnership, as it will bring much-needed assistance to workers, guidance, and the tools needed to navigate New Jersey’s labor laws and exercise their rights, thus strengthening the well-being and safety of all workers in the State.”

The agreement builds upon New Jersey’s strong economic and cultural ties with Mexico. In 2024, New Jersey-Mexico trade totaled $10.6 billion, with key contributions from the manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture sectors. The Garden State is home to an estimated 217,000 residents of Mexican origin, many with deep roots in Middlesex County, where the state’s first Mexican consulate is located.

“Diversity is one of New Jersey’s core economic strengths,” said Wesley Mathews, President and CEO of Choose New Jersey. “When international businesses look to expand in the state, Choose New Jersey can ensure accessible, equitable resources to protect their workers. This partnership shows our business community in New Jersey is dedicated to protecting its workforce, attracting top talent, and providing quality assistance every step of the way.”

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