30 Years of Building AAPI Worker Power

On May 1, 1992, five hundred union members from throughout the United States came together to form APALA, a breakthrough in a union movement that had historically excluded AAPI workers. APALA launched a national network of AAPI activists who have organized workers into unions, advanced labor’s political power, forged labor and community alliances, recruited the next generation of organizers and activists, promoted diversity within labor, and implemented a comprehensive agenda for economic and social justice.

Though AAPI workers have made enormous contributions to the advancement of unions and communities over the generations, their stories have seldom been recorded or heard.

The Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, AFL-CIO (APALA) is the first and only national organization of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander (AAPI) union members and allies, building power for AAPI workers and communities. The Institute for Asian Pacific American Leadership & Advancement was established in 2011 to build capacity through our chapters and partnerships with local and national AAPI organizations. Alongside APALA, we hope to ensure broader education, civic engagement, and capacity building for our communities. APALA and IAPALA are shifting the national narrative to be more inclusive of AAPI workers, communities, and issues, and prioritizing capacity building in the 22 local chapters on the ground with members in 38 states. Our national and local impact on advancing pro-worker and pro-immigrant legislation and building AAPI worker power comes directly from our worker and member centered approach. Since our founding in 1992, APALA has always been a space for people to connect and find community.

We are proud of the work our members and chapters have accomplished these past 30 years and invite you contribute to our mission this May and on our special anniversary to continue the fight for collective liberation!