Labor Shortages on Labor Day

Today federal unemployment benefits for COVD relief ended, leaving over 8 million Americans still without a job and now having very little income.

The typical Labor Day is celebrated with families gathering or just staying in bed to rest. For some people, this Labor Day meant the end of financial security.

Since the pandemic, labor shortages have risen. According to the state legislature, the unemployment rate sits at 5.4%, with more job openings than people who are looking for work.

Some employers believe that people aren’t willing to work because of the possibility of encountering COVID while on the job.

“Due to the fact, people are scared to death to get out, afraid they’d catch COVID regardless of what we were doing to keep the place clean”, said an employer. “I see signs everywhere, part of it is because people are afraid, some of it is because they don’t want to get the shot”

One reason for labor shortages is the demand that people now have for enjoying their own time. Instead of finding a job that just pays enough; people are looking for jobs of quality and reward.

“People are used to staying at home, not doing anything. It’s going to be hard for them to get back into the swing of things, stated another employer. “I’m praying people will come back to work. It’s like I said, if they’re making more money sitting at home, they don’t have any incentive to come back. It’s frustrating on our end. If I was a single mother, making more money, you know trying to make ends meet, living at home and not doing anything, and letting the government send me a check every day; I don’t know if I wouldn’t do the same thing. I hope I wouldn’t, but we have to walk in their shoes.”

Some believe that with the stimulus programs ending, labor shortages will end along with it. Researchers believe otherwise.