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Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Jan Tokumaru
![Jan Tokumaru](/sites/default/files/2024-05/jan_tokumaru_apala_la_chapter_-_emily_reyes.jpeg)
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Jan Tokumaru of the Communications Workers of America (CWA).
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Emily Reyes
![Emily Reyes](/sites/default/files/2024-05/img_0113_-_sandra_engle.jpg)
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Emily Reyes of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
The Enduring Legacy of Asian American Pacific Islander Workers and Union Leaders
![In 1946 sugar plantation workers across the islands of Hawaii from all ethnic backgrounds shutdown the entire plantation system in the states first multi-ethnic industrial strike.](/sites/default/files/2024-05/local148_ola_pickets.jpg)
In 1946 sugar plantation workers across the islands of Hawaii from all ethnic backgrounds shutdown the entire plantation system in the states first multi-ethnic industrial strike.
As a Japanese American, I’m especially moved by the stories of early Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants and Native Hawaiians who are a part of the tapestry of our labor history, though their stories are not well celebrated. From the sugar fields of Hawai’i to the California coast where the Transcontinental Railroad originated to the grape fields in Delano, California, employers exploited these immigrant workers brutally.
Economy Gains 175,000 Jobs in April; Unemployment Up Slightly to 3.9%
![Bureau of Labor Statistics logo](/sites/default/files/2024-05/bls-logo.png)
The U.S. economy gained 175,000 jobs in April, and the unemployment rate was up slightly to 3.9%, according to figures released Friday morning by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Profile: Mary Akimo-Lu’uwai
![Mary Akimo-Lu’uwai](/sites/default/files/2024-05/fullsizerender_-_nick_voutsinos.jpeg)
For Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month this year, the AFL-CIO is spotlighting various Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have worked and continue to work at the intersection of civil and labor rights in the United States. Today's profile is Mary Akimo-Lu’uwai of AFSCME.