The pandemic created a special class of frontline workers who had to carry out their job functions to keep essential services online. According to a new report, many of those essential worker positions were filled with Latinos who had to support their families. The report found that Latino workers were vital to the core functions of society during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Latinos’ wellbeing and recovery from this pandemic have great implications for a strong American economy,” said Sol Trujillo, chair of the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC), which commisisoned “The Latino Community Stepping Up for the Community and How They Will Drive America’s Recovery” report.
“Latinos account for a substantial share of the working-age population. Paired with higher productivity rates and younger ages, they are the driver of future workforce growth and their outcomes will determine the success of the future American workforce. Their wellbeing and success are important not just for Latinos, but for all Americans.”
Latinos now amount for 10-20% of the workforce in Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, West Virginia, Rhode Island, Mississippi, Ohio, Maryland, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Louisiana.
Their contributions are particularly significant in agriculture, food processing, commercial cleaning services, health care, and construction in states where Latinos account for higher shares of the population: California, New Mexico, Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Texas, etc.
“Society needs to recognize the work ethic and sacrifice of Latinos, as well as ensure equal access to government programs supporting workers and business owners and continue to invest in health care access in the Latino community.,” said Ana Valdez, executive vice president, Latino Donor Collaborative.
“Anyone interested in restoring the United States’ Gross Domestic Product growth rate to healthy levels should care deeply about the well-being and invest in the fastest-growing segment of the nation’s GDP: the U.S. Latino Gross Domestic Product. Afterall. our nation’s future is intertwined with the health and welfare of this community and an investment in Latinos will pay major dividends in our full economic rebound and recovery.”
A copy of The Latino Community Stepping Up for the Community and How They will Drive America’s Recovery can be downloaded at:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/n53ivrhh9fdlfcl/Report-%20The%20Latino%20Community%20Stepping%20Up%20for%20America.pdf?dl=0
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