Privatization, Work-Force Cutbacks, and African-American Municipal Employment

Abstract

In the past fifteen years, St. Louis-like many older industrial cities-has experienced declining population payrolls and municipal revenue. In turn, the city has laid off workers and privatized operations to balance its budget. The effect on representation of African-Americans in the municipal work force has not been neutral. The number and percentage of African-American workers has fallen, leading to the conclusion that cutback management is inimical to work force diversity.