Finding good people who want to work has been an issue that’s plagued our industry for years. The challenge is unfortunately compounded right now due to last year’s economic downturn that brought about unemployment incentives that are still at play in several states.
As Portable Plants completed its June issue, a number of states announced they would be cutting their $300 weekly federal unemployment benefit in the weeks ahead. While the actions by these states is welcomed, it’s time every state eliminate the added federal unemployment benefits in the name of getting people back to work and allowing our economy to function as it’s designed to.
It’s not like jobs aren’t available. “Help wanted” signs are everywhere. Employers are offering sign-on bonuses and on-the-spot interviews – incentives that are becoming somewhat commonplace because prospective employees have job options.
But even the people being brought into the industry aren’t necessarily sure bets. Take, for example, a sand and gravel producer I paid a visit this year: This producer shared how his company was hiring, on average, one out of 100 candidates who applied. Additionally, this company hired more people than the number of jobs actually available, knowing some hires ultimately would not work out. (Note: Of six initial hires the producer made, just one remains.)
Another discouraging story this producer shared is how a candidate was offered a job only to turn it down. The producer argues the candidate was simply going through the motion of interviewing so he could go back to the unemployment office and say he attempted to find a job. The applicant’s end goal was to retain unemployment benefits.
What’s ahead
Employers within our industry may have new hiring hurdles to leap in the months to come, as well. President Biden called for a $15 minimum wage back in April before a joint session of Congress. While our industry can offer better wages and benefits to prospective employees, a $15 minimum wage might pull some employees out of our industry. It would also introduce new cost pressures on businesses within our industry to remain competitive.
On the bright side, portable crushing and screening plants are certainly active, with producers and contractors finding opportunities to keep them running. But if employers can’t find enough good people – or keep people employed – then a time may arrive when good work has to be turned away.