THE MEXICAN GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS THE SUIT BROUGHT BY MEXICAN WORKERS IN LOUISIANA

The Foreign Ministry reports that a federal lawsuit has been filed in the District Court of Lafayette, Louisiana, United States by two Mexican workers on behalf of a hundred of worker against Riceland Crawfish Inc., a seafood processing company in Ville Plate, Louisiana. The lawsuit has the backing of the Mexican government’s special legal program PROTEJE (PROTECT).

The lawsuit seeks redress for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act for a period of three years that negatively impacted Mexicans employees with H-2B visas (temporary worker visas). The workers claim they were paid less than minimum wage, even up to less than half the agreed salary, and worked more hours than legally allowed without compensation, up to 70 hours a week.

The lawsuit seeks to recover unpaid wages and other compensation and, in a broader sense, to promote respect for the rights of Mexican workers in the U.S.

The Mexican government reiterates its commitment to defending the job rights of Mexicans abroad, regardless of their immigration status. It will continue to provide all necessary support through its embassy and consulates in the United States to resolve rights violations in any area.