Bordeaux and Los Angeles: Different Worlds, United Challenges and Solutions

2024-09-05 16:46:53

These two are twins celebrating their 60th birthdayse 2024 is their anniversary. Their size difference might make you think they’re a mismatched couple: Bordeaux has 250,000 residents, Los Angeles has a population of 3.9 million. However, given their respective sizes, both cities face common problems: 50,000 homeless people in the California metropolis and 1,000 in Bordeaux.

A delegation of U.S. elected officials visited the Delivery Workers Home on St. Croix Thursday morning as part of a visit focused on solidarity policies. The city of Bordeaux has been offering a place since February 2023 for “Uberized” bicycle delivery workers – often undocumented immigrants living in shacks and facing the pace of online delivery platforms and instability.

“We have 2,000 people in Bordeaux, 300 of whom visit this place regularly, 60 a day,” explains Khalifa Koeta, co-founder of the Association for the Mobilization and Assistance of Delivery Workers (Amal, Arabic for “hope”), to the project origin. Jonathan L’Utile Chevallier, the building’s coordinator, points out what this place brings to them: “It’s a place of rest for these people who work 10, 12 or 16 hours a day – some of them go from there as soon as they arrive. Falling in their sleep. There they find legal assistance, repair workshops, help creating resumes, and more »

Health was at the heart of the programme, recalls Claire Dugler, coordinator of the precarious workers program at Doctors of the World. “Above all, we have an initiative role: it is the delivery boys who decide what we wear or not wear. » Evidence that the house meets a need: it is a victim of its success: “Houses became too small, financing It’s also difficult,” admits Jonathan L’Utile Chevallier.

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Tiny houses obviously provide ideas. “This is a very interesting model,” commented Los Angeles City Council President Marquis Harris Dawson. “We also have legal issues that don’t give gig workers the same rights. And the size of the city is a challenge because delivery people are very mobile and have to run errands up to 20 kilometers away. »

Khalifa Koeta, co-founder of the Amal Association, shares the experience of a delivery boy in Bordeaux.

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Imelda Padilla, six-term congressmane “The broad range of service types available here gives us a glimpse of what can be implemented,” Au believes. “It’s definitely something that could see the light of day here. » Same interest in Current Price, from 9e district. “Municipal authorities can help vulnerable employees, especially immigrants who cannot refuse the conditions imposed on them. »

“The breadth of services available here gives us a glimpse of what can be implemented. It’s definitely something that could see the light of day here.

Céline Papin, Bordeaux’s deputy mayor for international relations, is delighted with the return. “The whole point of pairing is to inspire each other. Even more so in Los Angeles, which shares our priorities of climate, solidarity and fighting homelessness. »

Jonathan L’Utile Chevallier also enjoys this recognition, “just two years after the project was born in the corner of the table.” But don’t be surprised by the convergence of opinions: “In every city in the world, there are always the same people working hard on bicycles. »

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Celebrating 60 Years of Bordeaux​ and Los Angeles: A Look⁤ at Common Challenges and Solutions for Gig Workers

As the cities of Bordeaux and Los Angeles celebrate their 60-year anniversary in 2024, it’s⁣ an ⁤opportune time to ‍examine the unique yet shared‍ challenges they face. Despite stark differences ‌in ‍size—Bordeaux’s 250,000 residents contrasted with Los Angeles’s bustling 3.9 million—both cities grapple with pressing social issues, particularly concerning their homeless ⁣populations and gig economy ⁣workers.


The Homelessness​ Crisis: A Shared ⁢Concern

In Los Angeles, ‌the estimated number of homeless individuals hovers around 50,000, while Bordeaux faces its own challenges with about 1,000 homeless residents. This substantial⁤ disparity in population size doesn’t diminish the urgency of addressing homelessness in either city. Local governments and⁢ community organizations are being ⁤called upon to develop sustainable solutions⁢ that can⁣ help mitigate this problem.

Initiatives for Solidarity

Recently, a delegation of U.S. elected officials visited Bordeaux’s Delivery Workers Home on St. Croix to exchange ideas about solidarity policies. Established in‍ February 2023, this facility has become‌ a refuge ‌for “Uberized” bicycle delivery ‌workers, many of whom are undocumented immigrants living in precarious conditions. The rise of online ⁢delivery platforms ⁢has dramatically impacted these workers, leading to instability and ⁤heightened vulnerability in their daily lives.


Support for Delivery Workers: A Model for All Cities

Khalifa Koeta, co-founder ​of the Association for the Mobilization and ​Assistance of⁤ Delivery Workers (Amal), shared insights into the​ impact of the Delivery Workers Home. The center offers daily provisions for around 300 workers, facilitating access⁤ to essential services such as legal assistance, repair workshops, writing ‍resumes, and more.

Health Initiatives for Precarious Workers

Health is an integral ‌part of the services provided. According to Claire Dugler from Doctors of the​ World, the initiative is unique because ⁢it allows delivery ⁢workers to‌ dictate what services meet their needs. This demonstrates a successful ⁤model that⁣ not only provides physical assistance but empowers individuals to take charge of ⁣their health and livelihoods.

Challenges⁢ Faced

Despite its success, the Delivery Workers Home is not without challenges. Funding and space limitations are ongoing issues, highlighting the need for ⁣sustainable financial ⁢models to support such ​initiatives effectively.


The Potential for Change: Insights from U.S. Officials

During their visit, U.S. officials were inspired by Bordeaux’s approach to supporting gig workers. Los Angeles City‌ Council President Marquis Harris Dawson noted, “This is a very interesting⁤ model.” He recognized ‌the need for⁢ legal reforms that provide gig ‍workers equality and better protections. ​The significant mobility of delivery workers in Los Angeles—often traveling up to⁣ 20 kilometers for their work—complicates these issues further.

Collaborative Efforts

Imelda Padilla, a six-term congressperson, highlighted the potential for replicating ⁤Bordeaux’s services in her own⁤ district. The ⁢consensus among elected officials is clear: municipal authorities⁣ must step up to assist vulnerable workers, especially immigrants who often have no choice but to accept harsh working conditions.


Conclusion: A ‍Call for Action

As Bordeaux and Los Angeles celebrate their 60-year ⁢milestone, they stand​ at a crossroads​ of opportunity ​and responsibility. Both cities face common challenges that require innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. By sharing knowledge and best practices, they can pave the way for a more equitable future⁤ for gig economy workers, fostering solidarity ‍while tackling homelessness.


the stories from Bordeaux and​ Los Angeles serve‍ as‍ a crucial reminder of the need for ongoing attention to the plight of vulnerable workers in urban areas. As these two cities continue their journey of progress, it’s up to their leaders and communities to implement meaningful changes that uphold the dignity and‌ rights of all residents.

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