On October 13, the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) held a virtual public meeting about OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program. During the meeting, contributors with a variety of affiliations and connections to OSHA and the meeting topic gave input on how OSHA promotes the whistleblower program and the dangers that migrant workers face when considering blowing the whistle or reporting concerns in the workplace.
Ahead of the meeting, individuals could submit written comments about the topic at hand. Several individuals from advocacy and nonprofit groups submitted comments advocating for the rights of migrant workers and outlining ways in which OSHA should be aware of the unique challenges migrant workers face in regards to whistleblower retaliation.
The meeting was held on Microsoft Teams. As an introduction, Acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA James Frederick welcomed attendees and said that protections offered through the OSH Act and all other statutes are “vital and important.” Valeria Treves, Advisor for Worker Voice Engagement for the DOL, said that “DOL is committed to upholding the rights of all workers.” Treves talked how DOL is increasing outreach efforts to workers who may not know they are being mistreated and remarked, “These workers need more than our thank-yous. They need action…every worker deserves to go home safe at the end of the day and receive their fair pay.”
A Spanish translator was...
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