Day laborers also assist in debris removal following wildfires in California.

After the fires in California, cleanup, such as removing debris and clearing ash-covered homes, is very important to move forward with rebuilding. It’s imagined that much of that work falls on immigrant workers.

More than 9,400 structures were destroyed in Altadena and more than 6,800 in Pacific Palisades. Official estimates indicate that the fires generated up to 4.5 million tons of debris.

Swany Barahona, Pasadena Workplace Coordinator for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, comments that day laborers did not fare well during this natural disaster and highlights their current situation.

Swany Barahona says they are working with the city of Altadena to include them in the rebuilding process and explains how they are preparing.

But how important is this group of day laborers, and how they have responded to the emergency? Let’s hear from Swany Barahona, Coordinator of the Pasadena Workplace Center for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network.

She emphasizes that the work was so essential that the city has recognized it.

The day laborers have been able to receive some support, through the day laborer center, which has partnerships to help workers, but also the community.
She says they continue to prepare to continue clearing debris and avoid risks to them.

Finally, Swany Barahona, Coordinator of the Pasadena Workplace Center for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network, Pasadena, CA, reminds them that they continue to provide community assistance to workers so that those interested can apply for available support.