Immigrant Latino day laborers in New Jersey: baseline data from a participatory research project.

This study reflects the collaborative efforts of university-based researchers, New Labor, a non-profit, membership-based worker center, the Laborers' International Union of North America New Jersey Chapter (LIUNA), and the N.J. Laborers Health and Safety Fund to develop a greater understanding of the needs, experiences, attitudes, and practices of the Latino day-labor workforce in New Jersey. Survey and qualitative data presented in this study address several questions about which there is currently very little information. These results strongly suggest that a significant subgroup of day laborers are both aware of and concerned about the dangers they face, open to opportunities for Spanish language training, and despite challenges, ready to use what they learn about health and safety. As a reflection of the perceptions and reports of roughly 150 day laborers, this project provides further validation of the importance of stakeholder involvement in research and training among hard-to-reach worker populations.