Detroit Michigan Janitorial & Cleaning Services Blog

The Dangers Of Hiring A Janitorial Service Using Undocumented Workers

Written by Chris Stathakis | Wed, Mar 22, 2023 @ 12:15 PM
Introduction

When you hire a professional cleaning company or janitorial service, you expect them to have a legal workforce. Unfortunately, however, some companies employ illegal immigrants. Often, these workers are paid meager wages, have no benefits, and are treated poorly.

 

Hiring an illegal workforce is not only unethical, but it can also be dangerous. These workers are often not adequately trained and can put your property and occupants at risk. In addition, you could be held liable if they are injured on the job.

 

If you are considering hiring a professional cleaning company or janitorial service, be sure to do your research. Ensure the company you are considering is reputable and has a legal workforce.

 

Why is it dangerous to hire janitorial services with an illegal workforce?

When a cleaning company employs an illegal workforce, it puts its employees and property owners at great risk. These workers are often not legally allowed to work in the country and are not adequately trained or officially hired. As a result, their qualifications and experience can be very limited. This means that the quality of their services may be inferior and dangerous. In addition, these workers are often paid very little and are not provided with benefits. This means that if they are injured on the job, the company is not responsible for any medical costs. This leaves property owners liable for any medical costs or damages resulting from the illegal workers' negligence.

 

What are the consequences of doing so?

The main consequence of hiring janitorial services with an illegal workforce is that it is illegal. Under federal law, knowingly hiring undocumented immigrants is a criminal offense and employers can face severe penalties. Property owners who hire an illegal workforce can face large fines and even jail time. In addition, the consequences of hiring an illegal workforce can extend to the workers themselves. If any of these workers are injured on the job, they are not provided with any benefits or medical coverage. This means they may be left to cover their own medical costs or damages they have suffered as a result of their work. 

 

The reputational risks associated with hiring undocumented workers can be significant. If word gets out that a business has hired undocumented workers, it can damage its image and reputation. This can lead to the loss of business and make the company less attractive to potential employees. Once something hits the internet, it can take years to remove, even when claims are unfounded. Furthermore, a company known to hire undocumented workers may also find it challenging to obtain business licenses or permits.

 

How can you avoid hiring a company with an illegal workforce?

There are several steps you can take to ensure that the cleaning company you hire has a legal and properly trained workforce. Before you hire a company, do your research. Check the company’s website for information about their hiring process and worker qualifications. Insist that they use You should also ask for written proof that all of the workers have the necessary training and work permits.

 

Make sure that the company completes Form I-9 for all employees and uses E-Verify to background check their employees. Organizations employing individuals in the United States are legally obligated to properly complete Form I-9, which is used to verify their identity and employment authorization. This must be done for every person hired, both citizens and noncitizens, with employers or authorized representatives completing the form. It is important that this form is filled out accurately and fully for all employees.

 

E-Verify is a web-based system used by employers to compare the data entered by employees on Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, with information stored in the databases of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration to determine employment verification credentials. The system offers efficient background checks and real-time results to ensure accuracy and compliance with federal regulations. It is a free service that is provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility.

 

You should also look for companies that have good reputations and are properly insured. Companies that are properly insured are more likely to have a legal workforce as they will be required to show proof of worker qualifications and legal status to obtain insurance policies.

 

The real victims are the undocumented workers whom companies often extort for profit. These people are often underage to work in the U.S., work long hours for little pay, and put both their health and safety at risk. Yet, there is no OSHA oversight, no police protection, no proper medical care, and no one to protect their rights. They often become prisoners in their jobs.

 

What should you do if you have already hired such a company?

If you have already hired a cleaning company with an illegal workforce, you should act quickly. Immediately report the company to the authorities and ask for a full investigation and audit of the company’s practices. You should also alert the workers’ employers so they can be held accountable for their illegal hiring practices.

 

Conclusion

Hiring a professional cleaning company is an important decision, and it is vital to ensure that the company you choose is reputable and has a legal workforce. If you are considering hiring a company, research their hiring practices and look for indications that their workforce is properly trained and legally allowed to work. If you have already hired such a company, be sure to report them to the authorities and alert the workers’ employers. This will help to ensure that their illegal hiring practices are addressed and that proper safety protocols are in place.