Editor’s Note: UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute originally published the following message on Thu, Feb 20, 2025.
Dear Community,
The rapid advancement of automation is reshaping the workforce, with profound implications for Latino workers in California. Our latest report, On the Frontlines: Automation Risks for Latino Workers in California, finds that more than half (52%) of the state’s workers in high automation risk occupations are Latino—disproportionately exposing them to job restructuring, wage stagnation, and economic instability.
Authored by Misael Galdámez, Jie Zong, Gloria Magallanes, and Citlali Tejeda, the report finds that Latino workers–many of whom are young and noncitizens–face additional barriers in adapting to automation, including lower levels of digital literacy, limited English proficiency, lower rates of digital technology utilization, and reduced access to workforce training opportunities. The report underscores that without strategic investment, automation could deepen existing inequalities and limit economic mobility for Latino communities.
To address these challenges, the report outlines key policy recommendations, including:
- Expanding workforce development programs to equip Latino workers with digital skills and automation-resistant career pathways.
- Strengthening labor protections and ensuring workers have a voice in automation-related workplace transitions.
- Improving access to broadband and technology resources through state and federal initiatives.
- Enhancing safety net programs such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Unemployment Insurance (UI) to support workers in transition.
These findings were featured in LPPI’s Sixth Annual Policy Briefing on January 29, where we convened policymakers, legislative offices, community partners, and advocates to discuss solutions for creating an equitable and resilient workforce.
We will continue researching California’s Latino workforce to inform policies that increase economic opportunity for Latino workers as automation reshapes the labor market. We encourage you to read the report, share it with your networks, and join us in advancing policies that protect and empower Latino workers.
Best Regards,
Dr. Rodrigo Dominguez-Villegas
Director of Research
UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute
El Tribuno del Pueblo brings you articles written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Unsigned articles reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: tribunodelpueblo.org. We’re all volunteers, no paid staff. Please donate at http://tribunodelpueblo.org to keep bringing you the voices of the movement because no human being is illegal.
