Day Labor

Ok, let me tell you about my little dilemma. I was Craig’s listing and came across a free piano I just couldn’t resist. So I picked it up and brought it home the other night all happy. Then I thought… how the heck am I going to get this into the house now? Friend’s are at work, other friends have back problems, etc… so I frantically called around to see what was available.
Movers are no joke! Even the ones off of Craig’s list. For a job that was literally going to take 15 mins. at the most… people were charging $ 80 to $ 100 and up. All I needed the movers to do was take a piano out from the back of my mini suv that was parked inside my garage, go up one very short step, and in total, carry it into my living room, which was about 30 feet away from the garage. Heavy work, but simple enough for two strong men. All I needed was the labor, not even a truck!
So… Unilocal-TO-THE-RESCUE!!! So luckily I came across Charles’ nice review and found me two hard workers for WAY LESS!!! I live in San Pedro, so it was convenient. I didn’t mind picking up the dudes and driving them back since I live so close. If you want, though, it appears that some of the guys can come to your residence or area where you need their help. Some of them are able to drive on their own (but of course, that would mean negotiating more $$$ per hour).
After calling the number I got their «jefe» Enrique. Cool dude, spoke great English (& Spanish). I told him I needed two of his strongest men but he told me that this place rotates their dudes to make things fair. So, he just took the next two guys going down his list BUT still gave me the option to choose, too, if I felt the guys he had weren’t cut out for the job. Lucky for them, they were. And they even had some moving equipment (like dollies, ramps, etc.) at no extra cost.
Enrique told me their rate per hour was $ 10, so I gave each dude $ 15 cash and sodas (considering my job was a quick one). Like Charles (in his review) was saying… I didn’t just want to pick up some random guys from Home Depot. These guys go through paper work and all I had to do was sign the form with my name, number, and type of job being provided. It seems that depending on what type of labor you need, these guys are all willing to negotiate a price with you. Some of them do construction, painting, gardening, plumbing, cleaning, etc., though I can’t guarantee the quality of their workmanship since my job just required heavy lifting and moving.
The two men I received were Carlos Velado (310) 518‑1056 and Marco Garcia (562) 244‑1077. Carlos spoke very little English, but Marco seemed to know more. Both guys were nice and worked great as a team and even had business cards to hand to me at the end of the job. Hence, I’ve posted their numbers if you want to call them yourself. They advised me to let family and friends know about their services… little do they know they have internet exposure now!!! I wish them good work karma!!!
Keep in mind, I guess the pick-​up site has changed over time according to Enrique. I picked the guys up on 1385 Figueroa Place in Harbor City (not to be confused with Figueroa St.) and you will see tent-​like canopies where the workers are waiting. This location is very close to Harbor College.
Overall, if I could, I’d give this place 4 ½ stars since they came to my rescue for a great price! I wish the Harbor City Day Laborer Site much happy and prosperous work!!! Thank you guys!!! You saved me a bunch!!!

Was planning to move with PODS, but wasn’t sure how to load them. Didn’t want to pick up random guys at Home Depot. Then I received a flier for this place stuffed in my mailbox. Same price as randoms, but conducted in a more organized fashion. I found some comfort in the fact that both labor and employers need to complete a basic registration.
Two of the three guys I hired spoke decent English. Even though we just did moving, one claimed to do construction and the other said he could do kitchen cabinets. All worked hard, but you should provide specific direction. I even used one guy on two consecutive days. Costs may vary, but I was advised to pay $ 10 per hour. I did that, bought lunch and added a $ 10 tip.
If you support the idea of day labor, but in a more organized fashion, you owe it to yourself to support this center to keep it going.