Thread: Hispanic worker statistics skewed

USA TODAY - OPINION

Hispanic worker statistics skewed

Craig L. Dunn - Kokomo, Ind.

I was almost moved to tears by the headline on the front page of Monday's USA TODAY decrying "Hispanic worker deaths up 76%," not because of the emotional effect of the increase in deaths but rather by the poor reporting behind the story (News).

Although the article briefly touches upon the increase of Hispanics in the workforce from 1998 through 2007, this fact was quickly glossed over for the tear-jerking championing of further bilingual regulations in the American workplace.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the number of foreign-born Hispanic construction workers increased from 442,000 in 1995 to 2,249,000 in 2006. That's nearly a fivefold increase.

The very real increase in actual deaths is tragic. From a statistical viewpoint, however, there has actually been a decline in deaths per 1,000 workers.

The fact that the number of Hispanic workplace deaths has risen is merely a coincidence of statistics, not a causal relationship.
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A right to safety

Brian J. O'Dwyer - New York

Unscrupulous contractors who think that undocumented Hispanic workers won't report unsafe working conditions out of workers' fears that they will be turned over to immigration authorities should know that those workers have the same rights to workplace protections as any American.

My law firm in New York City just announced three settlements for undocumented workers totaling $3.85 million for injuries suffered on the job.

The American dream must include the right to a safe workplace — and it does — regardless of a worker's immigration status.
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Back to basics

Mike Drexler - Oshkosh, Wis.

After reading USA TODAY's story on a 76% increase in Hispanic worker deaths, I am appalled once again at the narrow minds some people have.

Marta Puerto, the sister of a man killed while repairing a roof, argues that there need to be better laws protecting Hispanics. When did this country get to a point that special laws or treatment of certain races needed to be put on the books? The Declaration of Independence states "all men are created equal."

With every year that passes in this country, it has become clear that if you don't like the laws or rules in place, simply ask for special ones and you shall receive.

It is time to take a stand, to remove these ridiculous laws and rules from the books, and to make it simple for all people — regardless of race, creed, gender and such — to be protected.

Posted at 12:09 AM/ET, July 24, 2009 in Letter to the editor, Race Issues/Civil rights - Letters
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If we deported all of the illegal aliens they couldn't get killed or injured on the job.

Jobs that they can't legally hold anyway.