The workforce of our country is rapidly changing. We’re more diverse than ever, and Latinos, the largest ethnic minority in the U.S., are one of the forces driving our demographic change.
There are approximately 50.5 million Hispanics in the U.S. according to a 2010 U.S. Census Bureau estimate. They represent about 16 percent of the population, a number which is expected to double by 2050.
Although this growing population has experienced marked success, barriers remain. Latinos are making progress, but still face challenges in the labor force, in education, and in health care.
Since Latinos are one of the fastest-growing populations in the country, it’s imperative we address the challenges that this community faces. The gains, however, have varied across demographic groups, with Hispanics and Asians, in particular, experiencing a faster rate of growth in jobs than other groups. The story is the same when one looks at the jobs recovery for immigrants and native-born workers. Immigrants, the vast majority of whom are Hispanic or Asian, are experiencing a faster rate of growth in employment than are native-born workers; a milestone not yet reached by white and black workers.
America as a melting pot holds truer today than ever before. By 2044, the country’s minorities will become the majority, meaning more than half of the population will be part of a minority race or ethnic group. America’s minority youth, however, will become the majority by 2020. In 1970’s there were approximately 10 million Hispanics in the United States. By 2060 there will be 120 million, according to Census Bureau projections. As the nation’s largest minority, Hispanics are driving much of the shift to a more multicultural society.
Education has long been recognized as a gateway to success. As one of the fastest-growing demographics in our country, educational attainment among Latinos is especially important to ensure that our youth are academically equipped to meet the challenges of the future.
No other union is doing more to address these changes in our workforce than the IAM. Partnered with the State University of New York’s Empire State College, the IAM is meeting the requests for higher education needs of its membership. Likewise, the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, MD continues to offer college level Leadership programs in English, Spanish and French. These programs provide members much needed skills and education to handle the ongoing changes of today’s rapidly changing and increasingly diverse workforce.
There are several Spanish language programs being offered for the remainder of 2016. Members interested in attending the Spanish programs should contact their Local Lodge President, Business Representative or General Chair immediately, as the deadlines are quickly approaching. Openings remain for all of the Leadership programs, as well as for the Spanish Collective Bargaining Program, but don’t miss the enrollment deadline! Please note assignments for all Staff programs will be made by each General Vice President.
2016 Staff Programs in Spanish
Spanish Collective Bargaining Pilot: June 5 – 10
2016 Leadership Programs in Spanish
Spanish Leadership I: August 14 – 19
Spanish Leadership II: July 10 – 15 and December 4 – 9
Spanish Advanced Leadership: June 12 – 17
Spanish Train the Trainer Pilot: August 21 – 26
Enrollments in any of the Spanish Leadership programs do not count against a Lodge’s regular Leadership school allotments. Click here to download enrollment forms in either Spanish or English directly from the Winpisinger Center’s website.
If you have any questions about the Spanish Leadership Programs or need any additional information, please contact W3 Center Education Representative Edmundo Osorio at 301-373-8814 or eosorio@iamaw.org.
