summer and fall,” says Melton. California labor laws and their protections extend to all workers, including undocumented individuals. “Cal/OSHA partners with local community groups to explain to folks that they can come to us confidentially. They don’t need to provide their name or immigration status. We strive to have staff at trainings who speak the languages that workers do, whether that’s Spanish, English or Mixtec,” says Melton. Advancing to ownership Latinos who work in construction can find it hard to get promoted and see pay increases. This explains why Latin workers are interested in starting their own businesses. It is harder for immigrants to get loans for a construction business than other types of ventures, such as a food truck, says Juan Hernandez, CEO of Creser Capital Fund (CCF) in Sausalito. CCF offers microloans between $5,000 and $50,000 to entrepreneurs in a variety of fields. The organization is currently considering how to assist entrepreneurs in construction and other types of businesses. “It’s very expensive to start a construction business. It can cost up to $1.5
Five ways to support Latinos in construction 1. Ask where Latino workers who are immigrants are from and learn more about their respective cultures. “Knowing is the first step to understanding what they faced to get here, what languages they know and what connects them to the North Bay,” says Axel Flores, workforce development senior manager at Canal Alliance. 2. Offer assistance with translating documents from Spanish to English. “This is helpful when individuals have certificates from programs or letters of .recommendation from their home country,” says Frank Cuneo, director of North Bay Trades Introduction Program of the North Bay Building and Construction Trades Council. 3. Share that construction training programs offer resources like gas money to get to the programs and assistance with finding work after completion. 4. Encourage workers to get items that could help them secure employment, including a driver’s license, Social Security card, birth certificate or passport and proof of COVID vaccination. Nonprofits and health-care providers may be able to assist with these efforts. 5. Participate in construction career fairs and events oriented toward Latinos. Also ask if current workers who are fluent in English, Spanish and other languages, like Quiche, will share their experiences. “Having bilingual speakers present is critical in sharing information with workers and their family members,” says Flores. —Jessica Zimmer
marin county Business Showcase ty A program of the Thursday, September 12 | 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Embassy Suites, 101 McInnis Pkwy, San Rafael
Network, Taste, & Have Fun
•Network with businesses from all over the Bay Area. •Check out over 50 local small businesses.
•Generate leads, close deals, and connect with the community. •Engage with a crowd that loves to shop local and have fun! Admission fee of $5 or free admission by presenting this ad at the door.
srchamber.com | (415) 454-4163
36 NorthBaybiz
August 2024
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software