Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies’ Post

How do states implement their sector partnerships and capture impact for Black workers? Learn more in the the Joint Center’s latest issue brief: https://lnkd.in/ej_GzUW3

Sector partnerships continue to show great promise for connecting workers to higher-paying jobs, but we need to better understand what models work and for whom. In its latest issue brief, the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies examines how Black workers experience sector partnerships and lays out several policy recommendations for improving the efficacy of sector partnership models, including the collection and sharing of racially disaggregated outcomes data, among others. An important and timely read for all of us engaged in sector partnership efforts. https://lnkd.in/ez_9_q4j

Congratulations to the UCLA Labor Center for 60 Years of progressive research, leadership development, and service to the labor community. The UCLA Labor Center, established in 1994, focuses on the study and support of labor movements and worker rights, particularly in Los Angeles and California. Dedicated to research, education, and community outreach, the Center emphasizes labor as a critical component of social justice, empowering workers and promoting equitable labor conditions, especially for marginalized communities. Alongside its work, the Center for the Advancement of Racial Equity at Work (CARE) was launched to address racial disparities in labor markets. CARE conducts research, develops policy recommendations, and creates training programs that promote equitable workplace practices, collaborating with labor organizations, community groups, and policymakers to advance racial equity for all workers. As partners, UCLA CARE has been instrumental in conducting important reports for the Inland Empire Black Worker Center, including “Ain’t No Sunshine: The State of Black Workers in the Inland Empire” (2020), “Essential Stories: Black Worker COVID-19 Economic Health Impact Survey” (2022), and “Unlocking Potential: The Inland Empire Black Worker Center’s Transformative IE Works Program” (2023). These reports provide critical insights into the challenges faced by Black Workers in the region and highlight the need for systemic change to promote equity and justice in the workforce. Together, these centers and their partnerships significantly contribute to improving labor rights and addressing racial inequities in the job market. https://lnkd.in/gVpSNcpq https://lnkd.in/gRP6J6F9 https://lnkd.in/g2QyHaih

▶️ "Black labor is the cornerstone of U.S. global hegemony. From the slaves who were brought to the shores of Virginia in 1619, through the industrialization of the United States powered by Black workers and families fleeing the South, and by the continued reliance on mass incarceration to produce a cheap workforce for corporations and governments to exploit, the commodification of Black bodies has been the American capitalist formula for economic profit." ▶️ We must always center Black workers in the labor movement, especially as these workers power the growing manufacturing center of the South. ▶️ At JMA, we're fighting for a country where all marginalized workers have access to safe, family- and community-sustaining jobs that support full lives outside the workplace. #BlackHistoryMonth https://bit.ly/3UCKPzI

Grounded in insights from direct care workers, our "Top Five Solutions" report offers research-backed ways to recruit and retain caregivers. As care workers, Black women face some of the most extreme challenges in occupational segregation. By employing an “earn-and-learn” approach coupled with wraparound supports, we can ensure Black women caregivers receive wage increases consistent with their expanded skills and pathways to advance their careers. Learn about worker-centered, industry-responsive training and more solutions by reading the report. https://lnkd.in/gfxD52j6

Check out this article from SRHM on challenges Black workers are facing, despite employment advances. "As the U.S. celebrates Black History Month in February, recent research shows that more Black individuals are making significant strides in their careers. Black professionals are earning college degrees at much higher rates than they did two decades ago, are starting more businesses and are landing jobs at record numbers. Further, the employment gap between white and Black individuals has shrunk considerably in recent years. However, a December report by McKinsey & Company predicts that the burgeoning use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) in the workplace could widen the racial wealth gap between Black and white households by $43 billion annually by 2045, with Black workers also facing a higher risk of job loss due to this technology. " https://buff.ly/3UsgW51

Today on our Black Jobs series. I'd like to share this research article for your reading pleasure. Key insights from Pew Research reveal that Black workers in the U.S. labor force face unique challenges and disparities. They are overrepresented in certain jobs like transit and health care, yet earn less than their counterparts. A significant 41% report workplace discrimination, and 51% believe being Black makes it harder to succeed. Despite valuing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) highly, many Black workers feel their employers fall short in these areas. These findings underscore the ongoing need for focused DEI efforts across all industries.

The federal government announced support on Wednesday for Black public servants, but it comes amid a proposed class-action lawsuit suing the government for discrimination. "We have the minister on one hand telling the Canadian public, saying they are working to address discrimination, and the same department is appearing before the court saying they are not aware of any discrimination that Black workers face," said Thompson. "Why is the government not proceeding to settle this class action suit, which is being requested from basically everyone," said vice president of the Canadian Labour Congress, Larry Rousseau. We urge the government to establish a well-supported Black Equity Branch committed to combating anti-Black racism in the public service, to meaningfully consult with Black employee networks, labour unions and to increase funding for the mental health program to ensure it meets the needs of Black public service employees. Canadian Labour Congress - Congrès du travail du Canada Public Service Alliance of Canada PIPSC IPFPC The Black Executives Network | Le Réseau des exécutifs noirs (BEN/REN) Federal Black Employee Caucus (FBEC) | Caucus des employés fédéraux noirs (CEFN) Cambridge LLP Read our statement: https://lnkd.in/ey9sjE6C

At the Black Policy Institute, our commitment to dismantling financial disparities extends beyond rhetoric; it's a call to action that defines our very existence. We were honoured to be invited to share our thoughts on the panel at the Black Labour Virtual Membership Engagement Event, a platform where the power of collective action was evident. This scheduled Interactive Membership Engagement Zoom meeting, titled " Black Labour, Protecting Our Resilience," took place on Monday, 11 March 2024, at 07:00 PM London GMT. The urgency of our mission was underscored by the unprecedented transfer of wealth during the COVID-19 pandemic, where a staggering £900 billion flowed into the coffers of the top 1% (https://lnkd.in/dVeRrX5) , accentuating the pressing need for decisive action. As a non-partisan think tank, we, alongside esteemed panel speakers Brian Channer, Cllr Victoria Bamisile, and Cllr John Kabuye, delved into impactful policies such as the Economic Inclusion Initiative and Educational Equity Reform to bridge the wealth gap. Our mission extends beyond this virtual event; it's about actively engaging with our community, understanding their needs, and fostering continuous growth through training and development. The #FinancialEquity, #PolicyImpact, and #CommunityEmpowerment embody our vision of a fair and inclusive society, urging us all to unite under the banner of #UnityForChange. Together, we can translate the conversation from that evening into concrete actions that reshape policies and guide our community towards a future marked by equity and prosperity. Remember, at the Black Policy Institute, we are here to speak for ourselves and promote the resilience of the Black Labour community. Thanks to Sunny Lambe. Author. FCIM. FIIM. FRSA. MBA. for the invite to speak.

As we think about policies that will have meaningful impact on Black communities, it is important to understand the current landscape. Workforce is one way to understand that current conditions and graphs like this one help to offer a snapshot as to where Black people exist as it relates to employment. #NewJersey would you say this applies to Black workers in New Jerseys? What policies would you say are needed to support these Black workers? Source: Pew Research Center