Press Releases 2008

September 26, 2008 - NLCCC CALLS FOR A REAL AND HONEST DISCUSSION ON GLOBAL WARMING: For Immediate Release Contact: AndreaDelgado
202-637-5120
Adelgado@lclaa.org

NLCCC CALLS FOR A REAL AND HONEST DISCUSSION ON GLOBAL WARMING
MYTHS AND SCAPEGOATING DISTRACTS FROM TACKLING THE REAL PROBLEM

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In its latest assessment released in 2007, the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has confirmed that the complex problem of global warming is undeniable and is manifested in the increase of global ocean and air temperatures, changes in precipitation, the melting of the world's snow and ice, rising sea level and the increased frequency of extreme weather events such as floods, heat waves, wildfires, storms and hurricanes. A recent report by an anti-immigrant group attempts to play the blame game and link immigration to rising levels of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs).

Roger Rivera, President of the National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC) and Chairman of the NLCCC stated, "We must avoid distractions and information that gets in the way of holding a real conversation on global climate change. Global warming is a growing threat to the health, economic and social well-being of communities throughout the United States and the world. Emerging communities, the poor, the elderly, and people living in low-lying areas are among the most vulnerable groups to climate-induced disasters such as rising levels, crop failures, droughts and epidemics, since socioeconomic factors play a role in limiting their ability to evacuate, relocate and essentially, adapt. Latinos are a population that is significantly at risk, since approximately 22% live under the poverty level and 13.9 million do not have health insurance."

Dr. Gabriela D. Lemus, Executive Director of LCLAA and co-chair of the NLCCC affirmed, "The National Latino Coalition on Climate Change (NLCCC) consists of several Latino organizations that have been at the forefront of the national debate on immigration and we have been consistently fighting misinformation efforts intended to spread myths about Latinos and the immigrant community. Global Warming poses a serious risk for individuals, businesses, human and natural systems, and economies worldwide and Latinos are particularly conscious of this."

The National Survey of Hispanic Voters on Environmental Issues, commissioned by the Sierra Club demonstrated that 83 percent of Latinos think that energy and the environment have a lot or some impact on the quality of life and health of their families. 93 percent feel a moral responsibility to take care of the creations on this Earth such as forests, oceans, lakes and rivers while 73 percent are willing to take political action to help improve the environment. Additionally, many agree that a transitioning to a new 'clean energy economy' could create millions of jobs, improve the quality of the environment and protect everyone's children. An assertion that is corroborated by a report released this month by CAP, suggesting that an investment of 100 billion dollars into developing a green economy could create 2 million new, and well-paying jobs. Lemus added, "We need to focus our attention on shifting our consumption patterns and the way we view and value the environment and the Earth's resources. The cost of inaction threatens to be great if we don't start engaging in environmentally sustainable practices that move us toward a low-carbon, energy-efficient economy and we need to start pushing for those changes now."

Rafael Fantauzzi, President and CEO of NPRC and co-chair of the NLCCC added, "It is absolutely preposterous to suggest that immigrants; a community that uses the least amount of energy and is in fact among the most adversely affected by the impacts of climate change, is being used as a scapegoat for this global problem." In the United States, the electric power and transportation sectors are the largest source of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) emitted into the atmosphere; contaminating the air we breathe. Fantauzzi added, "Latinos are disproportionately susceptible to multiple acute and chronic respiratory diseases since over 70 percent of the population lives in areas that don't meet federal air quality and ozone standards. This sad reality makes Latino children 2.5 times more likely to develop asthma than their White counterparts."

Mark Magaña, Executive Director of the NLCCC stated, "We must put an end to fallacious and misleading arguments that create divisions within communities nationwide, on the issue of global warming. Something as serious as global warming necessitates an intellectually honest dialogue as well as activists and leaders that seek to unify communities in collaborative efforts to counter this global problem. There are many who have consistently politicized the highly sensitive topic of immigration to thwart legislative progress on several crucial issues ranging from health care for children, to housing and education. Let's not let this happen with something as critical as climate change and global warming." Magaña concluded, "reducing the risk and harm that our environment and our communities can be exposed to is paramount. We need to talk about solutions and ways to move forward with environmentally sustainable strategies that protect and promote the wellbeing of all communities, while avoiding finger-pointing games that do nothing but create cleavages among individuals and pit communities against each other."

The National Latino Coalition on Climate Change (NLCCC) is a new effort comprised of a number of national Latino organizations. The NLCCC seeks to inform, educate and engage the Latino community on the critical issue of global warming, to ensure that Latinos have an integral voice in the national dialogue on climate change. NLCCC members include the National Puerto Rican Coalition (NPRC); Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA); National Hispanic Environmental Council (NHEC); Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund (MALDEF); the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC); the Hispanic Federation; and others. For more information visit http://www.latinocoalitiononclimatechange.org

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September 23, 2008 - LCLAA RESPONDS TO REPORT ON LATINOS AND LABOR UNIONS: For Immediate Release Contact: Andrea Delgado
September 23, 2008 202.637.5120
Adelgado@lclaa.org

LCLAA RESPONDS TO REPORT ON LATINOS AND LABOR UNIONS
CALLS ON WORKERS TO EXPERIENCE THE UNION DIFFERENCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Over the last eight years, Latino working families have undergone a decline in real median income (from 2000 to 2007). Current economic conditions in the United States have caused insecurity for all workers. A recent study by the Center for Economic and Policy Research highlights the significance of labor unions for Latino workers.

Presently, Latinos make up 14 percent of the American workforce and are the fastest growing group in the U.S. labor movement. Between 1983 and 2008, the percentage of Latino unionized workers has doubled, now making up 12 percent of all union members.

LCLAA’s National President, Milton Rosado stated, “at a time when issues of economic empowerment and access to quality and affordable health care are among the top concerns for Latino working families; it is crucial to highlight the importance of unions and the difference they can make in the lives of working Latinos throughout the United States. The benefits of unionization are significant and workers that choose to join a union can see this reflected in higher pay and overall increased benefits for themselves and their families”.

In 2007, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median weekly earnings of Latinos in unions are $736, in comparison to the earnings of non-unionized workers at $487 per week. Dr. Gabriela D. Lemus, Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) added, “unions can truly make a difference for Latino workers. A 51 percent pay advantage for Latino union members is remarkable. These numbers demonstrate the important role that unions play in narrowing the income gap currently affecting minority workers and women.”

Low-wage workers are increasingly vulnerable to economic downturns due to a greater loss in purchasing power. Unionized low-wage workers earn approximately 17 percent more than workers without a union and are 41 percent more likely to have employer-based health insurance. The lack of access to health care is an insidious problem affecting the Latino community and the union can make the difference for Latino workers in this crucial aspect. Additionally, by providing workers with pension plans, unions are helping secure the financial future of our retirees.

Dr. Lemus said, “workers are empowered by unions because they are provided living wages, health care coverage and pension plans. These are just some of the crucial benefits that are to be gained from joining a union. Unfortunately, not all workers can benefit from advantages unions provide. In “Right to Work” states, the ability of workers to bargain collectively for better wages and benefits is restricted by state laws.” On average, workers in “Right to Work” states make 13 percent less a year than workers in states with the freedom to form and join a union.

Rosado concluded, “For the protection of worker rights, a strengthened voice in the workplace, and reduced income inequality; LCLAA hopes that all barriers to unionization are brought down. We expect the upcoming administration and 111th Congress to make this possible for all workers with the passage of the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA).

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, LCLAA, is the home of the Latino Labor Movement. LCLAA is a national Latino organization representing the interests of over 1.7 million Latino trade unionists throughout the country and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. LCLAA was founded in 1973 and is America’s premiere national organization for Latino workers and their families. LCLAA advocates for the rights of all workers seeking justice in the workplace and their communities. LCLAA is a constituency group representing Latino workers in both the AFL-CIO and Change to Win Federations.
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23 de septiembre de 2008 - LCLAA RESPONDE AL REPORTE DE LATINOS EN LOS SINDICATOS: Para difusión inmediata

23 de septiembre de 2008

Contacto:
Andrea Delgado
202.637.5120
LCLAA RESPONDE AL REPORTE DE LATINOS EN LOS SINDICATOS
HACE UN LLAMADO PARA VIVIR LA DIFERENCIA SINDICALISTA

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Durante los últimos ocho años, las familias trabajadoras latinoamericanas tuvieron un descenso del ingreso medio real (del 2000 al 2007). Actualmente, la condición de la economía en los Estados Unidos ha causado inseguridad para todos los trabajadores. Un reciente estudio realizado por el Centro para Investigación Económica y Política (‘CEPR’ por sus siglas en Inglés) resalta la importancia de los sindicatos laborales para los trabajadores Latinos.
Los Latinos conforman el 14 porciento de la fuerza de trabajo Estadounidense y son el grupo con el crecimiento más acelerado dentro del movimiento obrero de los Estados Unidos. Del año 1983 al 2008, el porcentaje de Latinos sindicalizados se ha duplicado conformando el 12 porciento entre todos los miembros sindicales.

El Presidente Nacional de LCLAA, Milton Rosado, indicó: “Los asuntos de fortalecimiento económico y el acceso a un sistema de salud de calidad y asequible, se encuentran dentro de las mayores preocupaciones de las familias trabajadoras latinoamericanas; es crucial destacar la importancia de los sindicatos y la diferencia que ellos pueden hacer en la vida de los trabajadores Latinos a lo largo de los Estados Unidos. Los beneficios de la sindicalización son significativos y los trabajadores que escogen formar parte de un sindicato pueden ver que esto se ve reflejado en salarios superiores y en un incremento general de los beneficios tanto para ellos como para sus familias”.

En el 2007, la Oficina de Estadísticas Laborales (BLS por sus siglas en Inglés) reportó que los ingresos semanales promedio de Latinos pertenecientes a sindicatos son de $736 dólares en comparación a los ingresos de los trabajadores no sindicalizados de $487 dólares a la semana. La Dra. Gabriela D, Lemus, Directora Ejecutiva del Consejo Sindical para el Avance del Trabajador Latinoamericano (LCLAA) adhirió, “los sindicatos pueden ser una diferencia verdadera entre los trabajadores Latinos. Una ventaja salarial de 51 porciento para los sindicalistas Latinos es excepcional. Estas cifras demuestran la importancia del rol que los sindicatos desempeñan en disminuir la brecha salarial que actualmente afecta a grupos minoritarios y a las mujeres.”

Trabajadores de bajos ingresos son considerablemente vulnerables a un declive económico debido a grandes pérdidas en el poder adquisitivo. Por su parte, los trabajadores sindicalizados de bajos ingresos ganan aproximadamente 17 porciento más que trabajadores no pertenecientes a un sindicato, y son el 41 porciento más propensos a tener seguro de salud proporcionado por su empleador. La falta de acceso a seguro de salud es un problema serio que afecta a la comunidad Latina y los sindicatos pueden ser significativos para los trabajadores Latinos en este aspecto esencial. Asimismo, al proveer pensiones de jubilación para los trabajadores, los sindicatos ayudan a asegurar el futuro económico de nuestros jubilados.

La Dra. Lemus añadió, “los trabajadores se fortalecen a través de los sindicatos dado que reciben salarios dignos, seguro de salud, y planes de jubilación. Estos son algunos de los beneficios trascendentales que son obtenidos al ser parte de un sindicato. Desafortunadamente, no todos los trabajadores pueden verse beneficiados de las ventajas que los sindicatos proveen. En los estados bajo la ley de “Right to Work”, la opción de los trabajadores de negociar colectivamente por mejores sueldos y beneficios esta restringida por las leyes estatales.” En promedio, trabajadores en estados cubiertos por la ley de “Right to Work”, ganan un 13 porciento menos al año que trabajadores en estados con la libertad a conformar y pertenecer a un sindicato.

Rosado concluyó, “para la protección de los derechos laborales, una voz fortalecida en el lugar de trabajo, y la reducción de la inequidad salarial, LCLAA espera que todas las barreras para sindicalizarse sean eliminadas. Anticipamos que la siguiente administración y el Nuevo Congreso hagan esto posible para todos los trabajadores con la aprobación del proyecto de ley de la Opción libre de los Empleados (‘EFCA’ por sus siglas en Inglés).

El Consejo Sindical para el Avance del Trabajador Latinoamericano (Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, o LCLAA) es la cuna del movimiento laboral Latino. LCLAA es una organización nacional Latina que representa los intereses de más de 1.7 millones de sindicalistas Latinos en todo el país y el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico. LCLAA se fundó en 1973 y es la principal organización nacional del país para los trabajadores Latinos y sus familias. LCLAA aboga por los derechos de todos los trabajadores que buscan justicia en el lugar de trabajo y sus comunidades. LCLAA es un grupo de electores potenciales que representa a los trabajadores Latinos que pertenecen tanto al AFL-CIO como a la Change to Win Federation.
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September 22, 2008 - State of Latinos 2008 Briefing with Response From Obama and McCain Surrogates: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                              September 22, 2008

State of Latinos 2008 Briefing with Response From Obama and McCain Surrogates

“State of Latinos 2008: Defining an Agenda for the Future” is a white paper written at the bequest of Fundación Azteca America, the non-profit arm of Grupo Salinas. The topics covered include: education, the economy, healthcare, immigration and the Latino vote. The report is a detailed analysis of the current state of the Latino community, with specific policy recommendations for the incoming administration and Congress. Also present will be national leaders from prominent Latino community organizations, among them Dr. Gabriela D. Lemus, Executive Director of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) and Vice-Chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda (NHLA).

What: State of Latinos Briefing With Response from Obama and McCain Surrogates

Who: Fundación Azteca America, the non-profit arm of Grupo Salinas, and the University of Denver Latino Center.

Introductory remarks by:
•    Chair of the Hispanic Caucus and Congressman Joe Baca (CA);
•    Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ); and
•    Fundación Azteca America and Azteca America Chairman Luis J. Echarte.
•    Also attending will be Congressman John Dingell (MI).

When: Tuesday, September 23 at 6:00 P.M.

Where: 1309 Longworth House Office Building, Capitol Hill

Details:

Senator Senator McCain surrogates include:
•    California Senator Abel Maldonado
•    Marco Gonzales, former aide to Senator Pete Domenici and private practice attorney
•    Republican strategist Leslie Sanchez

Senator Obama surrogates include:
•    Former New Mexico Attorney General Patricia Madrid, Democratic Platform Committee Co-Chair and member of Senator Obamas Latino Advisory Committee
•    Congressman Charlie Gonzalez (TX), member of Senator Obama’s Latino Advisory Committee
•    Obama for America National Hispanic Leadership Council Chairman Frank Sanchez

The event is open to pre-registered media.
Contact: Daniel McCosh dmccosh@gruposalinas.com 818.823.4364

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, LCLAA, is the home of the Latino Labor Movement. LCLAA is a national Latino organization representing the interests of over 1.7 million Latino trade unionists throughout the country and the Common Wealth of Puerto Rico. LCLAA was founded in 1973 and is America’s premiere national organization for Latino workers and their families. LCLAA advocates for the rights of all workers seeking justice in the workplace and their communities. LCLAA is a constituency group representing Latino workers both the AFL-CIO and Change to Win Federation.
September 9, 2008 - UNPRECEDENTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IMPACTING LATINOS DISPROPORTIONATELY-: For Immediate Release Contact: Andrea Delgado

September 9, 2008 202-637-5120
Adelgado@lclaa.org

UNPRECEDENTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATES IMPACTING LATINOS DISPROPORTIONATELY-
LCLAA CALLS FOR OVERHAUL OF ECONOMIC POLICIES THAT IGNORE WORKERS

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Labor (DOL) has reported that the United States has lost 84,000 jobs in the month of August. Last month, the unemployment rate reached 6.1 percent, the highest rate since September 2003. August also marked the eighth consecutive month in 2008, in which the number of jobs shed by the U.S. economy continued to climb.

Experiencing rising unemployment, working families are also feeling the pinch of rising expenses. This is particularly distressing for Latino working families whose median incomes are lower than overall median family income. Along with the issue of rising unemployment, it is crucial to also note that income data released this month by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) showed that although productivity levels increased between the years 2000 to 2007, this time period was also one of the weakest economic cycles for working people.

Milton Rosado, National President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA) stated, “The numbers don’t lie, between the year 2000 and 2007, households throughout the nation experienced a 0.6 percent decrease in real median income, while Hispanics in particular suffered a total decline of 3.1 percent. The inability of increased productivity to result in increased income for households shows us that although the nation’s workers are producing more, they are not sharing in on the growth they’re creating.”

The reality for Latinos is stark, their unemployment rates have reached 8 percent, a number 2 percentage points higher than the national average. The economy has deteriorated, joblessness has increased, food is becoming more expensive and people are burdened with exorbitant gas prices. Latino working families are experiencing a depletion of their finances as they struggle to obtain the bare necessities. Facing limited economic opportunities they’re losing their jobs along with their ability to put food in the table, pay their bills, and provide their family with health care.

Dr. Gabriela Lemus, Director of LCLAA, stated, ”Since August of last year, approximately 600,000 Latinos are now unemployed. This is outrageous! Workers cannot be allowed to go down with the economy; they are a fundamental component of it and essential in generating the economic demand that we desperately need. Congress needs to start passing policies that acknowledge and protect what’s important to working families, essential policies such as H.R. 676, National Health Care for All, and the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) (H.R. 800, S.1041) so that workers can bargain with their employers for living wages and benefits. These are policies we need and we need them now.”

The Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, LCLAA, is the home of the Latino Labor Movement. LCLAA is a national Latino organization representing the interests of over 1.7 million Latino trade unionists throughout the country and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. LCLAA was founded in 1973 and is America’s premiere national organization for Latino workers and their families. LCLAA advocates for the rights of all workers seeking justice in the workplace and their communities. LCLAA is a constituency group representing Latino workers in both the AFL-CIO and Change to Win Federations.
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18th National Membership Convention

Press Releases - December 2008

Press Releases - November 2008

Press Releases - October 2008

Press Releases - September 2008