America is known around the world as the great melting pot, and this is a prominent part of our culture. Just as we celebrate mixing cultures and traditions, we must also ensure that everyone receives the same opportunities. The Hispanic and Latino community makes up more than 18% of the overall US population, and this population is expected to account for 78% of net new workers between 2020 and 2030. But Hispanic and Latino workers are often subjected to hardships such as labor law violations, pay inequality, and fewer advancement opportunities. As we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, we must recognize the work needed to create a fair job market and inclusive work environment for all.
Labor Law Violations Affecting the Hispanic and Latino Community
The Hispanic and Latino community is often disproportionately prevented from advancing into higher-paying jobs. Consequently, Hispanic and Latino workers make up a majority of people in low-quality yet crucial job sectors. Restaurant workers like line cooks, dishwashers, and bussers as well as cleaners like janitors, maids, and housekeeping workers, are often represented by the Hispanic and Latino community. These roles are essential to our community and our workforce but are undervalued as “unskilled labor.” Unfortunately, these industries are also prone to safety violations, wage theft, and other violations. Hispanic and Latino workers often experience a language barrier, lack of opportunity to pursue higher education, and discrimination, all of which cause these workers to be exploited and mistreated.
The Los Angeles Times reported that “the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found that when everything is equalized — education and age, for example — and no matter what the economic climate, minorities, and women still come out on the short end of the employment stick.” This research strongly indicates that discrimination is a significant factor in why these underrepresented groups still experience inequality in the job market. The Hispanic and Latino community are overrepresented in industries where labor law violations are prevalent because discrimination, biases, and barriers prevent them from moving upward.
