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Frequently Asked Questions About the Services We Provide
What is the Labor Exchange?
The Labor Exchange is a day labor hiring site where men and women workers come
to find work and hirers come to find workers. Workers are independent contractors and are not employed by the Labor Exchange.
How do I hire a worker at the Labor Exchange?
The employer may request workers in person or over the phone (310) 317-4717.
 For more information you may also send email to info@malibulaborexchange.org
Does the Labor Exchange charge for its services?
No. There is no charge to hirers or workers to use the convenience of
the Center. The Labor Exchange is not an agency.
Where are you located?
The Labor Exchange (trailer) office is located at 23595 Civic Center Way at the west end
of the Courthouse and Malibu Public Library parking lot.
What are your hours?
The hours are 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Although the center is
closed on Sunday, arrangements can be made ahead for Sunday work.
Do you have women workers as well as men?
Yes, the Labor Exchange has both men and women workers who can do day labor and domestic work.
How do I choose a worker?
A hirer has the option of choosing a specific worker by name, by sight or through interview.
Or a hirer can use an optional lottery system whereby the hirer merely pulls the name of someone out of a blind lottery. Using a worker one day gives a hirer an opportunity to
decide whether they wish to use them again or on a regular basis.
Do I need to pick up workers?
Organizers suggest that the initial meeting and negotiation take place at the Labor
Exchange as the Center has a bilingual director who can assist.
Who is responsible for worker injuries?
Injuries are very rare, however, hirers can be liable for injuries that occur to someone hired
to work on your property. Injuries are normally covered by a homeowners’ insurance. Please do not ask a worker to perform dangerous work without proper protection, safeguards
and/or tools.
Who runs the Labor Exchange?
The Labor Exchange is run by the Malibu Community Labor Exchange, Inc. a community
-based 501(c)3 nonprofit charity. The Officers and Board members are community volunteers. Day to day operations at the Center are the responsibility of Center Director,
Oscar Mondragόn, former Board Member of the United Farm Workers who worked for many years with Ceasar Chavez on issues of social justice for immigrant farm workers before
coming to the Labor Exchange in 1993.
What are the obligations and responsibilities of the Labor Exchange?
The Labor Exchange provides a free service by providing an organized location where workers and hirers can meet to achieve their employment goals. The Labor Exchange is not
an agent for the employer or the employee. The Center is not responsible for the terms contracted between the employer and the employee or for any liabilities resulting from the
work relationship.
What are the responsibilities of hirers toward workers?
On a full day, it is customary to make available to workers water and toilet facilities. Lunch
is often provided by hirers of day workers, however, that is not mandatory. Workers should be treated with respect and paid promptly.
What about pay?
An hourly rate or daily rate is negotiable with individual workers. How much depends on the
skill level and the individual worker. There are no “set” rates, so it is best to negotiate a
rate ahead of time so there are no misunderstandings. If needed, the Center Director would
be happy to offer bilingual help in negotiating with a worker. At present, (2006) hourly rates are $10.00 and up depending on the worker and the type of work. Tips are always welcome.
To reiterate, it is best to negotiate with the worker before a job begins.
How do I pay a worker?
Workers prefer cash each day since many day workers are not able to easily cash checks.
Since day workers move around and few have cars, trying to coordinate a meeting to receive payment at a later date can be a great hardship to a worker. Please be considerate
of the subsistence needs of the typical day laborer.
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