The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) recently released a new report that highlights the benefits that Latino workers and labor unions have by joining forces to build worker power and a broader labor movement. The report titled, “Latino Workers and Unions: A Strategic Partnership for America’s Success,” was released during the LCLAA’s National Executive Board Meeting in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 30.
The UFCW, along with several other unions, sponsored the report. UFCW Local 2 President Martin Rosas; UFCW Local 888 Secretary-Treasurer/Fund Director Rosalba Perez; and UFCW Local 1445 President Fernando Lemus serve on the LCLAA National Executive Board and were present during the launch of the new report. Alejandro Miranda, the international organizer for Region 2, also attended the board meeting and serves as a board member of the LCLAA Washington, D.C. chapter. Officials from the White House, U.S. Department of Labor, and AFL-CIO also attended the board meeting and gave presentations about immigration and political and field mobilization.
While Latino workers represent an increasing share of the U.S. population, workforce and voting bloc, they continue to face obstacles and challenges in the workplace, including the lack of access to health insurance and wage disparities. The new report highlights the increased potential that Latinos and unions can have when working together as unions search for new members and Latinos seek the security and better wages and benefits that union jobs can offer.
“Latino Workers and Unions: A Strategic Partnership for America’s Success” is available in English and Spanish and you can read the full report here.