New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Announces Partnership with Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick to Protect Workers’ Rights

Mexico City, Mexico — Choose New Jersey, New Jersey’s leading nonprofit business attraction organization, as part of its Governor-led mission to Mexico, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) and the Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick. The agreement reflects a joint commitment to strengthen workers’ rights in 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.” 

The agreement will provide access to information, guidance, training, and educational resources designed to promote the labor rights of Mexican workers in New Jersey. Under this agreement, the NJDOL and the Mexican Consulate will develop training and educational programs, conduct community outreach, and establish a joint dialogue on labor rights, including workplace safety and the prevention of work-related incidents.

“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 provides essential services for Mexican citizens living in New Jersey, including:

• Documentation acquisition (passports, consular IDs, voter ID cards, dual citizenship, visas) 
• Consultation on work-related discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation
• Connection to education, health, and social services 

The Consulate of Mexico in New Brunswick holds jurisdiction over the following counties: Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren. 

“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.”

In 2024, New Jersey-Mexico trade reached $10.6 billion, with key industries such as manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture driving economic growth. New Jersey is home to approximately 217,000 residents of Mexican origin, with strong ties to Middlesex County, which is the location of the state’s first Mexican consulate.

“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.”

To read this press release in Spanish, click here.

To view the full MOU, click here. To view the full MOU in Spanish, click here.

Reporters interested in more information on the New Jersey economic mission to Mexico may contact Tyler Jones ([email protected]) and Ingrid Austin ([email protected]) or visit choosenj.com/MexicoMission2025 for additional details.

About Choose New Jersey

Choose New Jersey is the state’s leading non-profit business attraction organization. We harness the collective power of New Jersey’s business, government, labor, and academic sectors to expand New Jersey’s economy. We work globally, using our marketing expertise, concierge business development services, deep knowledge of the state, and convening power, in collaboration with state government, to empower businesses, entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators to make New Jersey their home. Learn more at choosenj.com.