Outcome Goal 3.1: Fair and Diverse Workplaces

Break down barriers to fair and diverse workplaces so that every worker’s contribution is respected.

Other Information:

The vibrancy of the American economy depends upon the effective use of all of the Nation’s labor resources. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a covered veteran not only adversely impacts America’s workers and families but also inhibits economic growth. The Secretary of Labor’s vision of good jobs for everyone includes ensuring that all workers and job seekers work in workplaces that value diversity and are free from discrimination. Between 1972 and 2009 the labor force participation rate for women increased by almost 15.3 percent, expanding from 43.9 to 59.2 percent. During the same period, the African- American labor market participation rate slightly increased from 59.9 to 62.4 percent. The unemployment rate among African-Americans remained high, 10.4 percent in 1972 and 14.8 percent in 2008. In contrast, labor market participation for Latinos has been stable since 1977 and remains high, especially for Latino men whose labor market participation rate was 80.2 percent in 2008 and 78.8 percent in 2009. Although many people with disabilities are prepared, willing, and able to work, they remain a largely untapped labor pool. As a result, they remain out of the labor force at a much higher rate than those reporting no disabilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in July 2010 that the unemployment rate of working-age persons with a disability was 16.4 percent, compared with 9.5 percent for persons with no disability, not seasonally adjusted. But the more important story is told by the statistic showing the percentage of the population of working-age persons with disabilities that is working. In July 2010, the employment-population ratio for persons with a disability was only 18 percent, compared with 63.9 percent for persons reporting no disability. Therefore, approximately 20.4 million people, 16 years and older, who represent a multitude of abilities to support the American workforce are not in the labor force. These data demonstrate a clear need for transformational action.

Stakeholder(s):

• Farmworkers

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

Content