Every day, on street corners throughout Bergen County, day laborers gather to find work. Because the very nature of their employment is informal (work day by day), most of them suffer abuses from their employees, the community and local authorities. They are subject to low pay or no pay, no benefits, discrimination and a host of other indignities. However, day laborers are not here to hurt our economy or our way of life. They are decent individuals who want nothing more than to support themselves and their families. 

Day laborers are the heirs to a long-standing tradition that began with the arrival of immigrants through Ellis Island who sought new opportunities and a better way of life. Today’s day laborers are very much like the grandparents whose families are now contributing productively to our communities. 

Recently, BCCAP created the position of Community Organizer. After an extensive search, Cesar Estrella came on board to lead the efforts in reaching out to day laborers and helping them access critical services. Cesar’s background includes a Master’s degree in Latin American Studies and a Master’s of Social Science degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Prior to joining BCCAP’s staff, Cesar was a social worker for the Division of Youth and Family Services. 

Community volunteer Ellie Spiegel says, “We are delighted that Cesar has been hired as a community organizer with CAP and that he will be working with, among others, the grassroots group of day workers.” Community volunteer Valarie Massaro points out that “…BCCAP has such an array of services that day laborers need, and now they can access. It is good that BCCAP is our partner.” 

With the help of concerned individuals, we hope to build on the strengths of a multi-cultural community so that everyone will have the opportunity to live and work in peace. 

The Human Face of Day Labor in Bergen County 

• While no census has been taken, educated estimates range from 1,000 to 1,500 day laborers present during the summer months in Bergen County.
• Based on surveys and interviews conducted over a three-month period, approximately 63% of day laborers come from Guatemala, 28% from Mexico, 6% from El Salvador and the remainder 3% from countries such as Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Honduras and Korea.
• Seventy percent of the day laborers who wait for work in Bergen County also live here.
• Ninety three percent of the day laborers interviewed stated that they have experienced on at least one occasion either physical and/or verbal abuse or wage theft from their employers.
• Eighty three percent of those surveyed stated that they have felt harassed and discriminated against by members of the community and the police.
• Employee abuse is arguably the worst problem that day laborers face on the street. Through our fieldwork, we have encountered the following complaints: wage theft, verbal and physical abuse, lack of breaks, sexual advances, unsafe working conditions and physical injuries.

How do we help? 

• Comprehensive Shelter and Daily Meals;
• Information and referrals;
• Concrete Services (e.g., food, showers, mail and telephone services, transportation, clothing, personal care items, etc.);
• Advocacy for Employment, Education, Healthcare, Housing and Human Services;
• Assistance to recover unpaid wages;
• Interpreting services, including translation of forms, letters and other documents;
• ESL and vocational classes as well as workshops on human and labor rights.

Our Philosophy 

• Advocate for the rights of immigrants and provide services to those in need.
• Encourage the construction of a multicultural community in Bergen County where individuals and groups will have a better understanding and respect for each other.
• Promote the socioeconomic integration of members of immigrant groups in order to expand their opportunities to achieve the American Dream.
• Increase public awareness of the needs and rights of immigrant communities.
• Improve the information available to the community about public and health services, labor and human rights as well as immigration law.