City of Austin - Downtown Report
July 1997

Labor Connections - 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 security and maintenance personnel who are assigned to provide services to the site and surrounding area. Oversight, maintenance and security are contracted through Austin/Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation (A/TC MHMR).

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 recently negotiated a contract with Austin/Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation (A/TC MHMR) to provide services at the Day Labor Pick-Up Site from April-December 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. In response to these concerns, the CAN recently established a Day Labor Task Force to recommend improvements to this program. The Task Force includes representation from downtown businesses, the Workforce Development Board, community members, agencies serving immigrants and refugees, the Mexican Consulate, Police Department, members of the faith community and homeless service providers. The Task Force is in the process of evaluating successful models in other cities and developing recommendations for both current and future operations of the program. The Task Force has also identified some immediate improvements to streamline program operations, improve the condition and appearance of the site, and enhance security.

Description

Labor Connections is an informal work corner where laborers and employers can meet to conduct business at their own risk. Workers are asked to complete applications describing their job skills and to sign-in daily. 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