Day Labor Pick-Up Site
Summary
"Labor Connections," located on City-owned property on the 400 block of West First
Street, is a facility equipped with drinking fountains, restrooms and covered seating
which provides shelter for day laborers while they wait for employment. The facility
site coordinator who oversees day-to-day operations doubles as a job developer and
employment counselor for persons who are looking for more permanent employment.
Staffing also includes full-time security and maintenance personnel who are assigned
to provide services to the site and surrounding area. Oversight, maintenance and
security are contracted through Helping Our Brothers Out, Inc. (HOBO).
Status
Labor Connections opened August 1, 1993 and is now fully operational. Financing for
this project was provided by the City of Austin and Travis County ($95,000) for site
development; $109,375 for a 21-month contract for oversight, maintenance and
security). Travis County contributed $20,000 toward the cost of site development.
Under the auspices of the Community Action Network (CAN), the City and County are
currently negotiating a contract with Helping Our Brothers Out, Inc. (HOBO) to provide
services at the Day Labor Pick-Up Site from January-March 1997. The City and County
will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the operation of a Day Labor Program for
the remainder of the calendar year (April-December 1997). The RFP is expected to be
issued in January 1997.
Issues
The site selected for this project is small in comparison to the space in which this
activity was previously contained. Ongoing issues relating to this site include
ensuring adequate safety and security, providing protection for day laborers in cases
on non-payment and other problems, and limiting the spread of day labor activity
outside the site.
Description
Labor Connections is an informal work corner where laborers and employers can meet to
conduct business at their own risk. The City does not assume liability or provide
assurances regarding payment of wages, compliance with compensation and benefits
standards, documentation of citizenship or any guarantees regarding business
transacted at Labor Connections.
Conveniences such as access to drinking water, restroom facilities and covered seating
are provided, and a site coordinator is available to provide assistance for persons
looking for more permanent employment.
Basic Data
- Project Manager: Joyce Pohlman, Department of Health and Human Services,
(512) 707-5412
- Contractor: Hunter Morris Director, Helping Our Brothers Out, Inc. (HOBO),
(512) 478-9979
- Site Coordinator: David Barrera, (512) 453-3712
- Contract Term (Proposed): January 1, 1997 through March 31, 1997
- Contract Award (Proposed): $17,272 Travis County
Revised June 25, 2002
Back to the 
