“A simple and convincing approach” – Holcim Awards Jury
Day labor is a challenging social issue in many cities around the globe. Although industry and commerce utilize this informal or casual source of human capital, day labor is itself not organized at all. The project’s uniqueness lies in its simple and convincing approach to this problem. The idea of establishing formal stations where day laborers are allowed to stay and offer their services is unique.
Last updated: July 01, 2008 Cambridge, MA, USA
The stations – with a shelter, benches, toilets and facilities to buy or even prepare meals – create a sensitive living environment for people who normally live on the periphery of society. In addition the structure provides a physical location for outreach programs and also supports social cohesion amongst day laborers. From the city’s perspective, day labor stations are a considerable improvement of the quality of life, especially regarding health and security.
This significant and diverse range of benefits can be achieved with little financial investment. From the demand side, labor stations facilitate hiring the required workforce and meet legal requirements and wage standards. Since day labor is common practice in the construction industry, the project contributes substantially to providing an effective response to the “target issues” ethical standards, social equity and economic performance as defined by the Holcim Foundation.