Labor

Advancing Labor Compliance in Colombia’s Port Sector (Colombia Ports Project, or CPP), funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Trade and Labor Affairs, works to improve Colombia’s compliance with local and international labor rights in the port sector. Focused on eliminating forced labor, child labor, and other labor violations, the project promotes compliance with international labor rights, strengthens workers’ organizations, and fosters social dialogue to address labor challenges in key Colombian ports. The project runs from 2020 to 2025 and focuses on creating sustainable solutions to improve labor conditions and minimize disruptions in critical global supply chains. 

CPP strengthens labor law enforcement and ensures fair working conditions in Colombia’s port sector, which is key to maintaining stable trade flows. By improving labor standards, the project helps level the playing field for U.S. businesses and reduces the risk of unfair competition from regions with weaker labor practices. Additionally, stabilizing Colombia’s port sector enhances the efficiency and reliability of trade, benefitting U.S. businesses and supporting stronger economic ties between the U.S. and Colombia.  

Learn more about CPP.

Funding is provided by the United States Department of Labor under cooperative agreement number IL-35742-20-75-K. 100% of the total costs of the project is financed with federal funds, for a total of U.S. $5,000,000 dollars. This material does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the United States Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the United States Government.

The AgroJusto Project, implemented by Partners of the Americas and funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), seeks to improve compliance with international labor standards in Ecuador’s agricultural sector, focusing on eradicating child labor and forced labor while promoting labor rights within the country’s banana and cut flower supply chains. The project, which began in 2023, is set to run through 2027. 

The United States is the leading buyer of Ecuadorian flowers, importing 43% of all Ecuadorian cut flower exports. Similarly, the U.S is a significant market for Ecuadorian bananas, accounting for approximately 15% of Ecuador’s total banana exports. Both the banana and flower sectors in Ecuador have been marked by a significant prevalence of child labor and forced labor, alongside persistent deficiencies in the enforcement of international labor standards. These challenges underscore the need for targeted efforts to ensure compliance with global labor regulations within these critical supply chains.  

By collaborating closely with Ecuadorian entrepreneurs, producers, government officials, buyers, and exporters, AgroJusto fosters fair practices within the banana and cut flower supply chains. The project prioritizes the adoption of labor rights as a core element of business agendas in these sectors. By addressing labor abuses and fostering better working conditions in Ecuador, AgroJusto helps create a level playing field, reducing the risk of unfair competition from exploitative practices. This, in turn, strengthens U.S. agricultural industries and supports American workers. 

The Empowering Women in the Mexican Workplace project seeks to improve labor conditions for women in Mexico by increasing their leadership in unions, strengthening safeguards against workplace harassment and abuse, and advocating for fair wages and compliance with minimum labor standards. By promoting fair labor practices and safer work environments, the project supports greater economic stability and resilience, benefiting both Mexican and U.S. workers. This initiative is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Trade and Labor Affairs. 

The project collaborates with civil society organizations to engage women workers, unions, employer associations, and other key stakeholders. By incorporating women’s labor rights into existing labor programs, the project strengthens protections that are essential for ensuring ethical labor practices and fair competition in North American supply chains. 

By improving workplace conditions for women in Mexico, the project helps build stronger labor institutions and supports economic growth, advancing shared prosperity between the U.S. and Mexico. 

The Mexico Awareness Raising Project (MAP) integrates and expands upon existing efforts in Mexico to promote information about the 2019 Mexican Labor Reform, ensuring that workers, employers, and other key labor stakeholders can effectively navigate and utilize the country’s new labor systems. By strengthening outreach and education, the project supports fair labor standards and more balanced competition within North American trade.  Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Trade and Labor Affairs, this project will be implemented over a period of 4.5 years, from January 2021 to June 2025. 

To advance its objectives, Partners of the Americas (Partners) collaborates with local and international civil society organizations, and engages prominent labor rights organizations, unions, and confederations in five key sectors—mining, auto assembly, auto parts, steel/aluminum, and electronics—where Mexico’s labor reforms have significant implications for labor conditions and trade commitments. 

MAP’s initiatives include equipping workers, employers, and union leaders with knowledge of their rights and the mechanisms available to address labor disputes. The project also strengthens the capacity of the federal and state-level Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS) and key institutions to conduct labor rights outreach and ensure effective implementation of labor reforms. 

By improving awareness of labor rights and promoting fair workplace practices, MAP supports Mexico’s efforts to uphold labor commitments under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). This contributes to a stronger, more stable labor environment that benefits both Mexican and U.S. workers, reinforcing ethical labor practices and supporting fair competition across North American supply chains. 

The Mexico Migration Messaging Project (MMMP), implemented by Partners of the Americas and funded by the U.S. Department of State, is designed to deter illegal migration from Mexico to the United States. This initiative aligns uses official communication channels to inform potential migrants about the risks and consequences of illegal entry, including the certainty of U.S. immigration enforcement. Through targeted messaging on social media, large-scale advertising campaigns, and rapid response strategies, the project works to prevent migration while enhancing border security. 

By reducing illegal migration, the MMMP helps mitigate the financial burden on U.S. taxpayers and strengthens the integrity of U.S. immigration policies. The project also supports U.S. national interests by addressing the root causes of migration, contributing to regional stability, and promoting safer, more lawful migration pathways. Through its efforts, MMMP plays a key role in safeguarding U.S. borders, supporting economic prosperity, and advancing long-term security goals. 

The Mexico United 2026 project, funded by the U.S. Department of State, aims to strengthen Mexico’s capacity to prevent and address labor and human rights risks associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. By working closely with local labor rights organizations and engaging national and local authorities, the project seeks to reduce the risk of labor abuses and human rights violations during the event. 

As the United States plays a central role as a co-host in the 2026 World Cup, ensuring fair labor practices and protecting worker rights in Mexico directly supports broader efforts to uphold standards across North America. By improving labor conditions, the project not only contributes to a more ethical labor environment in Mexico but also ensures that U.S. businesses are operating on a level playing field, free from unfair competition. 

By addressing these labor and human rights concerns proactively, Mexico United 2026 helps to reinforce the shared values between the U.S. and Mexico, fostering stronger trade relations and economic stability. This initiative reflects a commitment to ethical labor practices, supports workers’ rights, and strengthens regional partnerships that benefit both nations.