America is a country of  immigrants. People from around the globe have adopted her as their own country.  The South Asian people from Afghanistan,  Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,  Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan,  and Sri Lanka  have been increasingly immigrating to this great country. As the South Asians settle in this  country, their family members are joining them leaving their native countries  behind.

During the end of the last century  their number has increased many folds. Their presence has been felt in the job  market and they are sharing in the economic well being of the country.  According to the census information the median income of South Asian American  households was high above the national level.

South Asians work hard to make a living.  The majority of them are union and non-union working class people who do not  have, in most cases, a voice at the work place. The Alliance of South Asian  American Labor (ASAAL)  is an independent voice of South Asian workers within the trade union movement.  It is challenging the organized labor movement to be more diverse and relevant  to the needs and aspirations of the nation’s minority and poor workers.

The time has come to recognize South Asian American labor workers  as an economic and political force within the American labor community. It is  important that the American Employer pays increased attention to America’s  working families and recognizes the diverse labor force it employs.
ASAAL realizes that without an independent voice unique to  the needs of the South Asian American work force the chance of recognition,  representation, and opportunity to achieve leadership positions is remote.

A free and progressive trade union movement in the 21st  century should and must reflect greater participation of South  Asian American Laborers at every level. At ASAAL,  we know that the economic status of unionized workers in terms of higher wages,  improved working conditions and better benefits are attracting the South Asian American community of workers.  We will therefore help and encourage more  South Asian Americans to join and be part of the unionized labor force.

As South Asian Laborers, we want to  make the labor movement more relevant to the needs and aspirations of South Asian workers. We will work within the framework of the  trade union movement to maximize the strength and influence of South Asian workers.
To that end, ASAAL will continue to  insist that South Asian Laborers become full partners  in the struggle ahead and take leadership in bringing us to the future. We  welcome your active participation.