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Photos: A day in the life of a Mexican washerwoman

November 14, 2013 5:00AM ET

Despite ten hour days, six days a week, Victoria Alvarez Flores has trouble making ends meet

Topics:
Economy
Mexico
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Victoria Alvarez Flores washerwoman
The long hard days of Victoria Alvarez Flores, 54, begin at 5 in the morning, six days a week. She must rise early to begin a two-hour commute to her job at a laundromat in Mexico City. Here she pours coffee for her brother, Daniel. Alicia Vera for Al Jazeera America
Victoria and Daniel travel to the city together each day.
Victoria and Daniel travel to the city together each day. Alicia Vera for Al Jazeera America
Their commute involves several modes of transportation. For Victoria, it requires over two hours each way.
Their commute involves several modes of transportation. Alicia Vera for Al Jazeera America
On this day, Alvarez is lucky enough to get a seat on the metro.
On this day, Alvarez is lucky enough to get a seat on the metro. Alicia Vera for Al Jazeera America
Outside the laundromat Lirio where Alvarez worked for 10 years.
Outside the laundromat Lirio where Alvarez worked for 10 years. Alicia Vera for Al Jazeera America
Her typical workday was 10 hours long until last month, when the laundromat was sold and she lost her job.
Her typical workday was 10 hours long until October, when the laundromat was sold and she lost her job. Alicia Vera for Al Jazeera America
While she was working, Victoria earned 8,000 pesos (around $620) a month.
While she was working, Victoria earned 8,000 pesos (around $620) a month. Alicia Vera for Al Jazeera America