Chair Hernández Hails Assembly for Clearing Bill to Protect Immigrant Workers Against Retaliation

Sacramento – Today, Assembly Bill 263 authored by Assembly member Roger Hernández passed the Assembly Floor on a 52-22 vote.  This bill addresses the retaliation of employers against immigrant employees who are vulnerable to workplace abuse due to their immigration status.

“Hard Working residents have gone too long without adequate protections in the workplace against their employers.  AB 263 makes it unlawful for an immigration–related practice committed by an employer, with the intent of retaliating against workers for exercising their rights which are protected under the California Labor Code or a local ordinance,” said Hernández.

Recently, the National employment Law Project (NELP) issued a California-specific report detailing case studies of egregious immigrant worker abuses occurring in California.  The study shows, almost one in every ten workers in California is an immigrant with no legal status.  Immigrant workers are more likely to experience wage and hour law violations.  Approximately 76 percent of immigrant workers worked off the clock without pay, while over 85 percent did not receive overtime pay.

“Those that are greatly affected come from the most vulnerable sectors such as in agriculture, construction, manufacturing and service industries.  This is why we need Comprehensive Immigration Reform in the nation that addresses Workers’ Rights in the workplace,” stated Hernandez.

AB 263 heads next to the California State Senate for consideration.

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Hernández proudly serves the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, City of Industry, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, Irwindale, Monrovia, West Covina and the unincorporated communities of: Bassett, Charter Oak, East Arcadia, Ramona, Royal Oaks and Valinda.

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