How do day laborers work?

[HeiressofBickworth]

28. In Seattle we have the Millionairs Club

It is a charity. They register people who comprise their labor pool. Usually homeless or living in a shelter. I've used them many times. I call the Club, describe what work is to be done and the date and time I want the work done. They assign one (or more if I need) of their members and give me an hourly rate to pay -- they determine the hourly rate based on the degree of difficulty or special work experience required. For example, I paid more for the furniture movers and house painter than I did for gardening (pulling weeds).

My obligation as the person obtaining the worker is to pay them in cash, for a minimum of 4 hours work and give them one meal. I also go to the transit center to pick the worker up and return him/her to the transit center when the work day is over. I pay nothing to the Millionairs Club, only to the worker. I don't know how the MC is set up regarding taxes and workers insurance.

I know commercial employers get away with a bologna sandwich but I always cook a full meal, including dessert. The workers always tell me they get better meals from homeowners. I also don't dock them for lunch break and if they have done a good job (they always do) I give them a tip.

The first couple of times I used them, it puzzled me why they didn't want to work past 3:30 or 4:00. Then I found out that they wanted to be back to the shelter before the shelter was full for the night.