This poem and article highlight the poor working conditions faced by many car wash workers in Los Angeles. Specifically, it notes that workers are often paid only in tips, lack proper safety equipment, receive no breaks during long summer hours, and have their labor rights denied due to racism and being seen as more flexible as immigrant workers. The accompanying information calls for improved labor rights, health, and safety protections for these workers.

1. Filthy Business
By Haley Madigan
This car may not have a flat tire
But we’re flat-out tired
Of the vile conditions
For LA car wash workers.
Labor rights, health, safety:
They should all be guaranteed.
But on this side o the city,
of
These basic rights they still need.
Put the pedal to the metal
And give the workers a break.
They hardly get paid at all
While we just take, take, take.
All the injustice, judgment, hate
Can do more than just hu
hurt,
‘Cause dark skin does not equate
To filthy, tainted dirt.

4. -­MANY WORKERS ARE KNOWN AS “PROPINEROS” OR TIPS-­ONLY WORKERS.
-­OFTEN WORKERS ARE NOT PROVIDED SAFTEY EQUIPMENT, THUS RISKING THEIR
HEALTH FROM EXPOSURE TO HARMFUL CHEMICALS, FALLS AND SLIPS.
-­DURING BUSY SUMMER HOURS, THERE ARE OFTEN NO BREAKS, CAUSING HEAT
EXHAUSTION, HEAT ILLNESS, AND DEHYDRATION.
-­THE VAST MAJORITY ARE IMMIGRANT WORKERS WHO DON’T RECEIVE
THEIR LABOR RIGHTS BEC
BECAUSE THEY ARE SEEN AS MORE FLEXIBLE.
-­RACISM IS A HIGH CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO WHY MANY CAR WASH
WORKERS ARE MISTREATED OR OVERWORKED.

5. COMMUNITY
L ABOR
ENVIRONMENTAL
ACTION
NETWORK
“WE CLEANING UP INDUSTRY“
ARE
THE