Do you know those men that are loitering outside of Home Depot? If you don't, you're surely not in California where this micro-economy is well displayed.
I went this morning to one of the busier Home Depots in National City, where 22 guys were waiting just across the parking lot from the huge Home Depot. At first, 8 of them ran (I mean, RAN) up to me, asking what work I had. After I made it clear I was here to hang out and get work, they laughed, smiled, and sat back down on the dirt and their makeshift chairs. Here are a few notes I found most interesting:
Work is very seasonal, but the guys are out there usually 6 am to 4 pm DAILY. It's a 50/50 chance you'll get work, and that's in the high season, mostly in spring and summer. Sometimes, people stiff you, and the guys tell each other who to avoid. It's a very communal, friendly group.
That said, competition is notably high. When a truck slowed towards the group on the other side of the street, 6 or so men would run to the car, tapping the car window or trunk. One girl, probably college age, freaked out, yelling, "I was just texting for fuck's sake!" The security guard on duty quickly scattered the men. As for the guys complete disinterest in me, another said, "No one is going to hire you. You are not competition." While I was dressed in jeans, work boots, a cap, and huge sweatshirt, I thought, "well, I can run faster than the squat shorties, you watch me." But, the work was horridly slow. I need to come back in March, they said.
Home Depot does not confirm the existence of these day laborers. I called many locations and asked, "In theory, can you tell me, off the record, that there are workers available for my project?" Many would not confirm. However, there is an unspoken agreement that permits the men to be on the lot for 3 to 4 minutes. So, if you can't run, and you can't speak English, your competition is likely to squash you.
Most men are Mexican, all claiming to be locals. They rarely get any trouble but for the random police officer who is looking specifically for a wanted person. One guy was a 20-year-old from Nigeria. Two men had actual 9 to 5 Monday-Friday jobs, which they found from doing a day gig.
Once to twice a month, after a day of labor, an employer will entice or suggest a sexual act. The men warn each other about those types, as well, all men from their experience. I never thought one would pick up sex from the sidewalk of a Home Depot.
Going rate is $10 an hour, but lunch (usually a burrito or tacos) and water are provided, plus tips. Everything is in cash, never reported. As one guy said, "This [structure of employment] has been going on for thousands of years. We're just doing it as well."
Another said, "Oh yes. It's like prostitution. People come, they look at you, they size you up. If they think you aren't strong or skilled, they won't hire you. You have to be a salesperson here."
Now here's what strikes me: panhandling, prostitution, and loitering are usually banned and regarded as unlawful at least in many parts of California. But, to say and claim that you are just willing to work "for the day" is accepted. Even a big corporate company turns the other cheek on this. A peculiar notion.
Only three people were hired this morning. The rest of us shared a bag of Mexican candy.