Raising the minimum wage to $10.10 will make a positive impact on nearly 6.8 million Latino workers who are consistently underpaid and underemployed
Washington, DC–(ENEWSPF)–March 21, 2014 – A new report from the AFL-CIO shows that nearly 6.8 million Latino workers would benefit if Congress raises the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour. This study, which is titled “Closing the Gap to the American Dream,” used data from the Economic Policy Institute to provide insight into the vulnerability of Latino families in this economy.
“Raising the minimum wage is long overdue for all working families in America,” said Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO. “Every day, millions of Latinosgo to work but struggle to support their families. Many of them are paid poverty wages well below their white and African-American counterparts in an economy with ever increasing costs of living. These working families are frequently forced to forgo basics—food, housing, clothing—and rely on public assistance to make ends meet. Politicians need to listen to the needs of the people they represent and give all workers the opportunity to escape poverty by earning a decent wage.”
One of the most important findings in this study is that while Latinos comprise 16% of the country’s workforce, they make up nearly a quarter of the workers who would be positively affected by raising the minimum wage.
The report presents a strong case for raising the minimum wage. Throughout the nation, Latino workers are struggling with high rates of unemployment, low wages and a dire financial outlook for retirement. Latinos are paid just 67.3% of their white counterparts and 89% of their black counterparts. Latinas are paid just 73.4% of their white counterparts and 87% of their black counterparts.
This study concludes that raising the minimum wage to $10.10 per hour will lift Latino working families, giving them not just financial stability, but also a brighter future for their children.
“Latino and Latina workers are consistently underpaid and underappreciated,” said Yanira Merino, AFL-CIO’s national immigration campaign manager. “This is wrong. Latinos work hard every day to build this nation and deserve to be rewarded with wages that can support their families and put food on the table. We stand with Latino families everywhere, advocating for policies that will allow each and every one of us to reach the American Dream.”
For more information, please read the report here.
Source: aflcio.org
