Along with Latinos, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are the fastest-growing ethnic group in organized labor, according to the Center for Economic and Policy Research:
Over the period 2003- 2009, about 12.5 percent of Asian American and Pacific Islander workers were in a union or represented by a union at their workplace, just under the 13.6 percent unionization rate for all workers.
Among unionized Asian American and Pacific Islanders, women and immigrants are well represented. What's more, compared to unionized workers in general, unionized AAPI workers are better educated, though less likely to work in the public sector. Additionally, unionized AAPI workers are more likely to have higher wages, employer-provided health insurance, and a retirement plan through their job.
Overall, unionization rates among minorities are higher than they are among whites, despite the long history of white unionization, and the overall decline of unions. In 2009, 14.5 percent of African American workers were unionized (down from a decade high of 17.2 percent), along with 11.8 percent of Latino workers and -- as noted -- 12.5 percent of AAPI workers. By contrast, only 12.2 percent of white workers are unionized.
To be honest, I'm not sure what this means, if anything. But it's interesting, and runs counter to my original assumption: that whites were more likely than minorities to be unionized. Consider this the beginning of a longer inquiry.
-- Jamelle Bouie
