Profiles of the Latino Workforce How Important is Unionization to Latinos
The labor movement has historically enabled workers to organize for positive change in the workplace by compelling employers to abide by the law and strive to improve job quality. Union membership and coverage by a collective bargaining agreement have been proven to boost low-skilled workers’ wages and benefits, but in 2009, barely two million Hispanic workers were represented by a union, as opposed to more than 13 million White workers. Unfortunately, Latinos are the least likely to belong to unions, but they have the most to gain in wages and benefits from union membership. Increasing opportunities for Hispanic workers to join unions is one of several actions critical to elevating job quality for Latinos.
