I have used Labor Ready type places with mixed, leaning to negative results. It depends to a point on the quality of the management. Most do not know the available workforce until the doors open early AM. Management's fault. They are computerized.
Even with advanced notice, they never seem to know who will be around to work. As mentioned, it is often about a collection of guys supposedly willing to work but not willing to perform well, or not able to do so wobbling or twitching until around noon when the contents of a hip flask or a few snorts kick in. I've had no choice but to send some right back to the agency. In fairness, those sent who did work out were more than worth the money and the agency did do all the paperwork. I lived in a college town and a lot of good kids worked for Labor Ready there and were just fine. They do drug/alcohol screen applicants but not on a regular basis after in the system. I don't pass judgment but I don't like people impaired, or getting over it, on my job sites and within or outside my client's homes!
I have to be honest with you. I usually get labor from Spanish speaking labor temp places. It helps that Spanish is my second language I guess but they have translators. The workers are screened, legal, and work their asses off until I almost have to force them to take breaks. They always show up on time even if holding a severed leg in hand, sober, and never complain. I pay their agencies what I do Labor Ready but never worry whether I will have a crew if I give advanced notice. The workers usually seem grateful for the work and don't cop lots of attitude. Once set to task, I find I do not have to supervise much. If you do not speak Spanish? The people running the places will translate needs and treat you well and send a worker that speaks enough English to communicate with you and the rest of the crew you need.
Stealing jobs from us tall free white and single white guys? Bull****. Re-read my Labor Ready comment about coming to life around noon. I treated the Hispanics like I would anybody else but they were willing do anything safe I asked of them.
Sorry, I have not dared hire parking lot dregs and day laborers. I leave them for sleeze ball roofing contractors (who never, ever worked on my projects). Do at least give yourself the protection of a temp employee even if it costs you more than minimum, or as some think alright, less under the table (Fastest way to get in trouble on the planet by the way. All it takes is one pissed off, drugged out employee offering you paid under the table and outside the system and the nightmare begins. Do not do it unless you are enslaving your own teens or those of neighbors to clear out bushes or something!).
Don't mind the wobbling either...that usually wears off in about three hours.
