City of Austin - Downtown Report
July 1998

Labor Connections - Day Labor Pick-Up Site

Summary

"Labor Connections," located on City-owned property on the 400 block of West César Chávez Street, is a facility equipped with restrooms and covered seating which provides shelter for day laborers while they wait for employment. The purpose of the Day Labor program is to link day laborers to employers and workforce development centers. Program staff register and collect information from day laborers and employers on a daily basis to help match laborers' skills with the appropriate job. Staff also educate potential employers about services available at the site in order to encourage additional job opportunities for laborers. The program also includes security and maintenance personnel who are assigned to provide services to the site and the surrounding area. Oversight, maintenance and security are contracted through Austin Travis County Mental Health Mental Retardation (ATCMHMR).

Status

Recently, a number of changes have been made in order to improve the operation of the Day Labor program. A perimeter fence with several entry gates has been installed around the site. The purpose of that fence is to ensure that day laborers are separated from individuals who present security concerns. As of April 6,1998 MHMR also began a more structured day labor program which involves matching appropriately skilled day laborers with employers. Under this new program, employers are required to recruit workers by registering their name and address with the Day Labor Coordinator. Day Laborers must also sign in and are required to purchase identification cards. Laborers are assigned to appropriate employers according to the order in which they sign in, unless employers have specific requests.

The new structure has been successful in improving the operations of the current program. Between April and May, nearly 700 unduplicated persons were assisted. In addition, a total of 283 unduplicated employers/ contractors registered into the program. Requiring workers and employers to register has helped streamline operations, and improve linkages with mainstream job placement programs, such as Workforce Centers.

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 established a Day Labor Task Force to recommend improvements to this program. The Task Force included 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 reviewed current conditions at the site, evaluated successful models in other cities, and conducted surveys of day laborers. The Task Force presented its report to the Community Action Network in September 1997. This report included recommendations pertaining to both the current and future operations of the program. Recommendations focused on streamlining operations, improving the condition and appearance of the site and enhancing security.

Some of these recommendations are now in the process of being addressed. For example, staff of the day labor program are working with the Capital of Texas Workforce Center to help day laborers access employment services available through the Center. The day labor program has also been successful in cooperating with law enforcement to monitor the site closely and discourage non-program activity on site.

A second Day Labor working group has been formed to develop longer range recommendations for the program. Critical issues being considered by this working group include helping day laborers benefit from other job training and placement programs, reducing day labor activity along 2nd and 3rd Street, and separating services for the homeless from services for day laborers. The new working group is also considering a possible alternative site, or sites, for this program.

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 register daily to improve job matching with employers. 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 restroom facilities and covered seating are provided, and staff are available to provide on-site monitoring and employment coordination.

Basic Data