LAUNDRY WORKERS California Occupational Guide Number 207 Interest Area 6 1995
THE JOB
Workers in the laundry industry wash, dry, and press clothing, linens, and other articles made from fabric. The principal jobs in the laundry industry covered by this guide are CLASSIFIER, HEAD-WASHER, UTILITY LABORER, STEAM TUNNEL OPERATOR, FLATWORK FINISHER, FLATWORK-TIER, and DISTRIBUTOR.
Classifiers sort laundry into lots according to type and color prior to washing or pressing, then place sorted articles into various containers according to colors before loading into conveyor belts. Customer identification marks may be attached by the Classifier.
Head Washers operate machines that wash commercial, industrial, or household articles. They operate the valves that control specified amounts of soap, detergent, water, blueing, bleach, or starch. Head washers may direct workers in loading or unloading the machines. Specialized handling of articles, when necessary, is done by the Head-Washer at various points in the laundering cycle.
Utility Laborers perform a combination of duties, depending on the plant. They usually unload soiled linens from trucks, then weigh and record the weight on tickets and perform related duties to prepare laundry for processing. They may also operate power hoist to load and unload washing machines and extractors.
Steam Tunnel Operators place partially-dried garments on hangers which are fed by conveyors through the steam tunnel. The steam removes the wrinkles from pants, coats, jackets, shirts, and permanent press garments.
Flatwork Finishers shake out, position, and feed linens into automatic pressing machines, guiding each article through the ironing process to prevent folds and wrinkles. After ironing, the items are folded and placed on tables for assembly.
Flatwork Tiers and Distributors complete the process within the plant. Flatwork Tiers stack, count, wrap, and bundle the linens keeping written records for each customer. Distributors collect, inspect, bundle and deliver garments to their respective owners.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Although many laundries are air-conditioned and well ventilated, workers who are near hot washing water, dryers, heated rollers, and steam pressers must be able to tolerate humidity and high temperatures. Most laundry occupations require constant standing and noise tolerance. Workers must be able to lift, bend, work well with their hands, and be able to withstand the repetitive nature of the work.
Many dangers formerly associated with laundry work have been eliminated by modern equipment. However, danger is still present when working around moving machinery. Back strain from lifting heavy loads of wet washed clothes, burns from heater tumblers, and possible skin irritation are the most common hazards.
Workers in some areas of the state are covered by union contracts with the Laundry and Dry Cleaning Workers International Union, AFL-CIO.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Although minimum requirements and on-the-job training allow easy entry into the field, a large increase in the number of laundry workers is not expected due to technological advancement. Some occupations have been either combined with others or totally eliminated. Employers report low turnover and adequate supply of workers. The popularity of Laundromats, sales promotions and relatively inexpensive and efficient home laundry equipment have also affected the laundry business.
The following information is from California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division of EDD.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 11,750 Estimated number of workers by 2005 14,580 Projected Growth 1990-2005 24% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 3,200
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
Commercial laundries provide services for businesses that have their own linens. Rental service laundries are of two types: Linen Supply Services which cater to restaurants, hotels, motels, doctors' offices, barber shops and beauty salons; and Industrial Services which supply factories, service stations, and garages. Although some businesses are turning to disposable paper products, a need for sterilized linens still exists.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
Hourly rates for union member workers are set by contracts between employer groups and local unions. The hourly rates range from $4.25 to $6.88, depending upon the area and the occupation. Non-union pay is within the same range.
The overtime rate is time and one-half for over eight hours a day or over 40 hours a week. A differential payment is made for late hour shifts. A health and welfare trust, financed by employers, provides group life insurance, hospitalization, and medical benefits. A pension plan, financed through employer contributions, is also in effect in some establishments. Some companies offer profit-sharing, holiday and vacation pay.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
For many employers, the main educational standard is that applicants be able to follow directions and in many instances be able to read and write. Dependability and willingness to do repetitive tasks are rated as prime requirements by employers. The training for these occupations is accomplished on the job by employers and fellow workers. A knowledge of fabrics is useful when garments are being separated and washed using different methods, but this is something that can be learned on the job. A basic understanding of machinery is also relevant since maintenance can be an important aspect of the job.
ADVANCEMENT
Opportunity for advancement in the laundry industry is limited. Workers have a chance to advance to higher paid jobs as their skills increase. Some may become managers or supervisors.
FINDING THE JOB
Personal application to employers and responding to newspaper advertisements are effective ways of job hunting. Job referrals are made by local unions and by field offices of the California Employment Development Department Job Service.
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Dry Cleaning Occupations No 444
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Flatwork Tier (laund.) 361.587-010 Washer, Machine (laund.) 361.665-010 Flatwork Finisher (laund.) 361.686-010 Classifiers (laund.) 361.687-014 Laundry Laborer (laund.) 361.687-018
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Dryingcleaning Machine Operators 927260
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services
Group, (916) 262-2162.
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