Another unintended consequence of Arizona's immigration law: a shot in the arm for unions. With Hispanic workers worried about discrimination, labor leaders are ramping up organizing efforts and seeing a surge in interest. “They’ve stepped it up big-time,” an immigration and labor attorney tells the Phoenix Business Journal.
Unions have long tried to improve their presence in Arizona, especially in industries made up heavily of Hispanics, such as construction and services. This may be their chance. “The more downward pressure you put on workers, the more likely they are to join a union,” says the director of Arizona's AFL-CIO.
(More Arizona immigration law stories.)