[1] In the late 1980s and early 1990s, a number of AFL–CIO affiliates became concerned with sweatshop work and child labor as a threat to American jobs.

Campaigns against these practices, coupled several sweatshop and slave labor scandals in the United States, created a growing awareness within the federation of the plight of Asian-Pacific American workers.

APALA also works to build awareness of the labor movement among Asian-Pacific American workers.

APALA's president is Ligaya Domingo, Racial Justice and Education Director for SEIU Healthcare 1199NW.

Uno was previously the National Organizing Director of Asian Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVote) and Policy and Outreach Coordinator for Preschool California.