On Labor Day, recognizing the challenges young Latino workers face
On this Labor Day, the nations largest Latino organization recognizes the challenges young Latino workers face. The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) points out in…
On this Labor Day, NCLR says unemployment and lack of career advancement opportunities are among the challenges young Latino workers face. (Photo Shutterstock)
On this Labor Day, the nations largest Latino organization recognizes the challenges young Latino workers face.
The National Council of La Raza (NCLR) points out in a recent blog post that Latinos bore the brunt of the economic downturn and are still recovering. The average unemployment rate for Latinos of all ages lingers around 8 percent, higher than the national average of about 6 percent.
SEE ALSO: Just before Labor Day, a report shows struggles of Latino workers
But according to NCLR, young Latino workers are among those struggling the most to find jobs. The same is occurring among other young workers between the ages of 16 and 30, who are known as millennials.
With less experience under their belts, young men and women are at a disadvantage compared to more seasoned candidates and therefore face much higher rates of unemployment, NCLR states.
A recent report by NCLR broke down the unemployment rate among millennials. It found that significant disparities exist between the unemployment rates of young men and women of color and their white peers. Heres what the report found:
This chart by NCLR shows significant disparities exist between the unemployment rates of young men and women of color and their white peers. (Source: NCLR)
NCLR states it has also been reaching out to both employers and jobseekers in order to gain a better overall perspective on the job market for young Latino men and women. Employers have told NCLR that the most important qualities they value in younger workers include an openness to learn, a knack for technology and a high value for corporate social responsibility.
As for jobseekers, NCLR points to a recent poll conducted by Latino Decisions that shows Latino respondents between the ages of 18 and 39 were more positive about the overall economic outlook of the country. An estimated 65 percent said they believe the economy has improved over the past five years, and nearly half said their personal finances have gotten better.
Young Latinos want better career opportunities, raise in minimum wage
However, the NCLR/Latino Decisions poll shows the young Latinos surveyed werent as positive when it comes to their employment outlook.
Just under half of respondents said they were either concerned that someone in their household would lose his or her job or were already unemployed. Meanwhile, more than 75 percent said that they were very concerned that their job does not provide opportunities for career advancement.
SEE ALSO: LCLAA, the voice of Latinos in the labor force
Another survey by NCLR shows job quality is also important for many millennials. Two weeks ago, the group surveyed about 250 Latinos between the ages of 16 and 30 through its mobile network.
Latinos were asked whether theyd rather make $40,000 a year working at a job they love than make $100,000 working at a job they think is boring. The results: more than 60 percent of respondents agreed that theyd rather work at a job that they love.
However, NCLR insists this doesnt mean Latino millennials are satisfied with working for lower wages and points to how 85 percent of respondents of the recent survey said they would be more likely to vote for an elected official who voted to raise the minimum wage.
Raising the minimum wage would have a significant impact on Latino workers, as they represent about a quarter of the 28 million workers who would benefit from an increase in the national minimum wage to $10.10 an hour an idea President Barack Obama supports.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez said on Monday that raising the national minimum wage to $10.10 an hour is one of the best ways to lift workers up, and to ensure that all hardworking people are able to climb ladders of opportunity and reach for the American dream.
Its time to raise the national minimum wage, so that no one working a full-time job has to live in poverty, Perez said.
SEE ALSO: Minimum wage in the U.S. compared to the rest of the world
