In observance of International Workers’ Day (May Day), Small Business Month, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, several New York City agencies jointly organized a special event to raise awareness among immigrant communities about workers’ rights, consumer protection, and small business support services.
The event brought together representatives from New York City’s immigrant-focused hyperlocal media outlets for a discussion with Fayza Ali, Commissioner of the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs (MOIA).
Also present at the program were Julie Su, New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection Commissioner Vilda Vera Mayuga, New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission Commissioner David Do, along with deputy commissioners and officials from the Department of Small Business Services.
Speakers at the event emphasized that immigrants remain one of the key driving forces behind New York City’s economy and workforce. They noted that immigrant workers, taxi drivers, small business owners, and professionals from diverse sectors continue to strengthen the city’s economic foundation.
Commissioner Fayza Ali stated, “Ensuring dignity, safe working conditions, and fair wages for immigrant workers is a commitment of New York City. Regardless of immigration status, every New Yorker has the right to report violations of worker or consumer rights.”
The program also highlighted a wide range of city services available for workers, consumers, taxi drivers, and small business owners. Officials particularly acknowledged the important role of local Bengali and multilingual media outlets in increasing awareness within immigrant communities.
