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Workforce Warriors: Los Angeles Black Worker Center’s Bold Battle for Equity

Work inequity is deeply intertwined with homelessness, incarceration, occupational segregation, and unemployment, disproportionately impacting Black communities and contributing to the Black jobs crisis. The 1000 Strong Coalition, led by the Los Angeles Black Worker Center (LABWC), advocates for a full employment model that includes training and job retention in public sector roles as a solution to this crisis. This commitment led to the creation of the City of Los Angeles’ Workforce Demonstration (WED) Project, which supports pathways for Black workers to secure quality jobs beyond entry-level positions, including pre-apprenticeship and on-the-job training. The City of LA’s Department of Public Works has embraced this model to address both the crisis and the need for safe and clean spaces by hiring more Black workers. This initiative positions Los Angeles as a leader in advancing racial equity and building Black financial stability through unionized public sector employment.

 

LABWC partnered with CARE at Work to document and evaluate the first two years of the WED Project, including the first two cohorts, using a mixed methods research justice model that centered on the experience and expertise of the workers and community-based organizations involved. Anchor partners played a crucial role in the design, fielding, analysis, and dissemination plan. The resulting report contextualizes the WED Project within the history of Black workers in the public sector, describes WED’s program elements and outcomes evaluated by workforce industry standards, and highlights participant experiences as a benchmark for workforce development. It concludes with recommendations to transition from a demonstration project to a permanent partnership program. By bringing together worker centers, unions, the City of LA, and community stakeholders, WED creates a comprehensive solution to the Black jobs crisis. While a 59% placement rate is not our ultimate goal, it is a significant achievement, and we seek increased support from the city to continue and expand our efforts.

More Resources

  • Political education/community organizing
    Know What The Hell You’re Voting For Webinar
  • Stewards Council
    Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (Training)
  • Reports
    Workforce Warriors: Los Angeles Black Worker Center’s Bold Battle for Equity

UCLA x LABWC Report

Workforce Warriors: Los Angeles Black Worker Center’s Bold Battle for Equity

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