The group is also involved in running five hiring centers in conjunction with city governments. The study clarifies the demographics of day laborers, but those findings will come as little surprise to anyone who has observed the sites. Typically, workers are young, male immigrants from Mexico and Central America. Educational attainment varies widely, but more than half have less than six years of schooling. And although some have since gained legal residency, the overwhelming majority remain undocumented.
Most work involves construction, painting or gardening.
Although the work is difficult and sometimes dangerous, the study clearly shows that day laborers who are persistent, competent and assertive can earn a decent living, particularly in the high-demand summer months. During a bad month, however, their income could drop by as much as two-thirds. Along with the jobs comes risk. Half the workers said they had been abused by employers at least once, usually in the form of nonpayment or insufficient payment. Others said they were forced to work without breaks, or were robbed or threatened.