L.A. Fire Crisis: 35,000 Latino Jobs In Jeopardy
35,000 Latino workers face potential job losses due to the ongoing fires.
A recent study by the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute sheds light on the disproportionate impact that wildfires in Los Angeles County are having on Latino communities, particularly in terms of employment and economic stability.
The research reveals that over 35,000 Latino workers face potential job losses due to the ongoing fires, underscoring vulnerability to the economic fallout from natural disasters.
Silvia González, co-director of research at the Institute, presented findings that highlight the significant concentration of Latino workers in high-risk areas. Although Latinos make up a relatively small percentage of the population in the wildfire-affected zones, they represent a striking 36 percent of the workforce at risk of displacement.
Many Latinos are employed in sectors that cannot easily transition to remote work, such as the service industry in the Pacific Palisades. Jobs like housekeepers, maids, and cashiers are among the hardest hit, leaving workers with few options for income as the fires continue to ravage the region.
The study also points to the pivotal role Latino workers will play in the region’s recovery. With expertise in fields such as construction, electrical work, and cleaning, they will be central to rebuilding efforts.
However, González stressed that ensuring proper protections for these workers is critical, as they may face hazardous conditions and exposure to toxic substances in fire-damaged areas.
The report highlights the need for targeted support and protections for Latino workers who are not only facing the immediate impact of the wildfires but will also be essential in the long-term recovery process.