The intent in this paper is to look at the situation of a particular population within the labor movement, both in the U.S. and in Latin America. The focus is on exploring the activities of workers both in their home countries in Central America and as both legal and illegal immigrants in communities in the United States, with the city of Los Angeles used as an example.
There is considerable variation in the situation, and activities, of potentially organized workers in the different Central American countries. All, however, are subject to pressures that do not impact their U.S. peers in terms of violence, intimidation, and competition. They also have a kind of support system that their peers do not have.
There are a number of different countries in Central America, including El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and Belize. Central America has its boundaries on the north with Mexico and on the south with Colombia. In conjunction with Mexico and America, it comprises Latin America.
One of the more visible aspects of life in Latin America during the past several decades is the constant attempt of the poor in one or more countries to rise up against the elite classes and obtain access to the benefits of the system. There have been various forms of revolution, and attempted revolution, and this ongoing struggle provides a background to any kinds of labor organizing efforts.
In an even more recent development, the poor in Latin American have benefitted from the changing stance of the Catholic Church, which is a major institution in these countries. The Pope has given tacit support to changed conditions, while many priests, nuns, and other church workers have become involved in active organizing efforts among both agricultural and blue collar workers. The people themselves have organized in ecclesial, or base communities, which are not simply church groups, but are fundamentally political, ac...