SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)– Mexican workers are a large part of the country’s labor force, but many are unaware they’re entitled to rights regardless of whether here legally or not. That’s why Mexican Consulates are hosting the second annual Labor Rights Week.

At a press conference in San Francisco, Consul General Carlos Felix said as long as there’s no immigration reform, his office will work to stop Mexican worker abuse

“You know that there are workers that sometimes because of the immigration status that they have, they feel they are not entitled to any type of labor rights,” Felix said.

Twenty-two Mexican consulates across the country are hosting a week of workshops and presentations to let workers know they all have rights to fair treatment, conditions, pay, overtime, legal assistance and safety.

He’s urging them to report abuses without fear of reprisal.

It’s the second year consulates have teamed with agencies like the Department of Labor, OSHA and the National Labor Relations Board.

Michael Connolly of the EEOC says they’ve recently helped female workers in the Central Valley.

“They were working in excess of 12 hours a day without access to restrooms and the normal amenities,” he said.