Examining Employment Conditions During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Pasifika Communities

INTRODUCTION: Pasifika (Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander) people living in the United States experience health, economic, and social inequities, and a disproportionate burden of COVID-19 cases and deaths. This study examines employment among Pasifika living in the 10 US states with the largest Pasifika populations during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We use the Current Population Survey to examine racial differences in employment status, paid work from home (PWFH), and industry telework friendliness. We use data from the Washington Office of Fiscal Management and the Washington State (WA) Employment Security Department to examine county-level unemployment claims. RESULTS: Nationally, Pasifika did not self-report unemployment significantly more than Black, Latino, Asian, and American Indian/Alaska Native respondents, but in WA counties with high Pasifika concentrations, unemployment insurance claim rates were higher compared with all other racial groups, particularly Whites and Asians. Surprisingly, Pasifika had more PWFH opportunities, but worked in less telework-friendly industries nationally. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the complexity of employment among Pasifika during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings correspond with national reports of racialized communities impacted by unemployment, including Pasifika. Marginally significant differences in unemployment nationally may be due to Pasifika working largely in essential industries requiring workplace attendance. HEALTH EQUITY IMPLICATIONS: Although overlooked or overshadowed by size, our findings highlight the need for continued advocacy to support data disaggregation and Pasifika data sovereignty. This can be achieved through collaborations between researchers as well as local and community organizations to address data needs of Pasifika communities.