16 September 2014 – In commemoration of US Labor week, the Philippine Consulate General in San Francisco, in partnership with the Pilipino American Press Club, devoted its Talakayan sa Konsulado to labor and employment issues. The forum, held at the Consular Section hall on August 29, was organized in cooperation with US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) in San Francisco, the Occupational Safety and Hazards Administration Regional Office (OSHA), the Wage and Hour Division (WHD) and the Business Services Representative of San  Mateo County. 

During the forum, the guest speakers discussed the functions and work of their respective agencies, and more importantly, how they could protect and promote the labor rights of the Filipino community members, and assist them in finding jobs.

After the forum, the invited officials manned their respective information tables at the Philippine Center lobby and gave out information flyers, brochures and provided free consultations those who had labor issues. Mr. Keith Young, Business Services Representative from San Mateo County Government provided information and counseling on job opportunities in the San Mateo County.

“The Philippine Consulate General is indeed fortunate to be working with dedicated officials of US Department of Labor and other agencies in promoting the workplace rights of our countrymen,” said Philippine Consul General to San Francisco Henry S. Bensurto, Jr.

Director Susana Blanco, of the US Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division San Francisco District Office, added that "our agency looks to continued collaboration with the Philippine Consulate's celebration of Labor Rights Week.  We want to ensure that all workers understand their rights in the workplace and know that it is our mission to enhance and protect the welfare of the nation’s workforce." 

District Director Michael Baldonado, of the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's San Francisco District Office, echoed that "EEOC is deeply honored to participate at the Philippine Consulate's celebration of Labor Rights Week.  We want to ensure that all workers understand their rights - mga karapatan ng manggaggawa - and know to report employment discrimination and harassment to the EEOC." END