~ Boston Workers to Receive Support and Education on Labor Rights

In the bustling city of Boston, workers from various backgrounds face a range of injustices in the workplace. From wage theft to discrimination and unsafe working conditions, these issues disproportionately affect young, LGBTQA+, and immigrant workers. However, many of these workers are unaware of their legal protections, regardless of their immigration status. In an effort to promote a more equitable and empowered workforce, the Office of Labor Compliance and Worker Protection (OLCWP) has announced plans to educate and empower workers through various initiatives.

Partnering with local worker centers, the OLCWP will provide in-person "Know Your Rights" trainings at convenient and accessible locations for workers. These trainings will be offered in multiple languages including Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, and Haitian Creole to ensure that all workers can participate in their native language. Additionally, interpretation services will be available at no cost for those who require it. The office will also host webinars on key issues affecting workers such as new rights for Uber/Lyft drivers, immigrant workers' rights, youth workers' rights, domestic workers' rights, discrimination and harassment, and rights for workers with disabilities.

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To further support workers' rights education and advocacy efforts, the OLCWP will also hold five Workers' Rights Clinics in different neighborhoods across Boston. These clinics will provide individualized assistance for labor rights questions and offer referrals and representation for cases involving wage theft, discrimination, or health and safety concerns. Immigrant workers who may be eligible for legal relief as a result of workplace abuses will also have access to resources through these clinics.

In addition to promoting education on labor rights, the OLCWP is also taking steps to ensure worker health and safety on construction and demolition sites in Boston. Working closely with developers, contractors, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), labor rights advocates, and other cities, the City of Boston has developed policies to reduce workplace injuries and fatalities in the construction industry. The Safe Construction and Demolition Operations Ordinance, implemented on December 1, 2023, requires construction and demolition sites seeking a permit with the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) to submit a Site Safety Plan Affidavit, conduct safety orientations and pre-shift meetings, and appoint a Site Safety Coordinator with OSHA 30-hour training on larger projects.

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To ensure successful implementation and compliance with the ordinance, the OLCWP and ISD are prioritizing education for both permit holders and workers. Resources, tools, training, and education materials can be found online in multiple languages at boston.gov/construction-safety. The OLCWP will also offer multilingual webinars on conducting hazard assessments, creating Site Safety Plans, and other worker health and safety topics. Additionally, they will provide free OSHA 30-hour trainings in English, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese as well as free OSHA 10-hour trainings in English, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, and Haitian Creole. These trainings are crucial for informing workers about workplace hazards and controls so they can work safely while remaining compliant with the ordinance.

The OLCWP's efforts to educate workers on their rights and promote safe working conditions align with their mission to protect the health, welfare, and safety of workers in Boston. To learn more about the Office of Labor Compliance and Worker Protection's initiatives, visit boston.gov/labor-policy.

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