Day laborers, most of them low-income immigrants, frequently face underpayment – or no payment at all – for work done. Employers, meanwhile, struggle to find the right skill-set for the job. Remarkably, CIF addresses both problems simultaneously. Monday through Saturday mornings, its Labor Resource Center provides a safe space for workers to negotiate with employers. Job parameters and payment are agreed upon in writing, often with the help of the Center’s bilingual staff. CIF keeps records and follows up to ensure satisfaction on both sides – and provides support to resolve wage theft when necessary. While waiting for a job, workers meet with volunteers to improve their English skills, and trainings in landscaping, painting, and drywall open doors to better employment. CIF’s model is one of empowerment, with laborers involved in decision making and leadership, working toward a stronger community for everyone. That’s a cause worth building on.
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