Latino unemployment and economic woes increase

Today is Labor Day in the U.S.; an occasion that typically marks the end of summer and is usually a day of rest and relaxation for some. Yet the holiday is also a day to honor those who work hard and diligently in order to provide for themselves, their families, and their communities.

The recession, lack of immigration reform and increasing unemployment have hit Latinos in the U.S. particularly hard. As Lon Angeles-based daily La Opinion noted in an editorial, the weakened economy has hurt far too many people nationwide:

For Latinos the rate of unemployment (13%) is much higher than the national average (9.7%). At the same time, Hispanic workers confront additional problems.

A recent National Council of La Raza report shows just how bleak it is: two of every five Latino workers do not earn sufficient wages to keep their families out of poverty; barely half of employed Hispanics have health insurance through their employers; Latinos are more likely to be victims of employers who fail to pay the compensation due; and Latinos take on the most dangerous jobs with little occupational safety in workplaces that are poorly regulated.

In my family we face the dichotomy of the current labor situation. One of my brothers was fortunate to get a job before the crisis hit and despite massive layoffs he was able to stay in his position. On the other hand, my other brother has had great trouble finding full-time employment; a problem that has been especially common for young adults.

Ultimately all one can do is hope for the best and to try to weather the economic storm as best as possible. Easier said than done, yes, but one has to move forward somehow.

Image- New York Times (“Sergio Fuentes sought help from a state worker while looking through listings in San Jose, Calif.”)
Online Sources- BBC News, La Opinion, AP