Local need for workers getting worse

Citing more than 66,000 jobs listed on the Iowa Workforce Development website and an outpouring of reports for Iowa business owners, Governor Kim Reynolds announced that effective June 13, Iowa will no longer waive employer charges for COVID-related unemployment insurance claims.

She added, Iowa will continue to pay regular unemployment claims; but cease the supplemental payments.

Local business owners hope the governor’s decision will help them find the employees they need in order to keep their doors open.

Businesses have been stretching their current workforce to the limits, offering financially lucrative hiring bonuses, holding massive one day hiring events and even limiting the hours they’re open in order to deal with the hiring issues.

“The overwhelming message we receive from employers these days is the lack of workforce that is adversely affecting their ability to recover from the pandemic,” said Director Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development.

Red Oak sports bar and restaurant, Stadium 34, is opening its doors in June. However, owner Rocky Rocha said he is having a hard time finding employees; and still needs to fill a couple openings in the kitchen.

“The shortage is worrisome as a restaurant owner. Food service establishments tend to suffer more due to higher overhead and that leads to paying lower wages,” said Rocha. “I honestly don’t understand the reasoning behind it but seems to have been going on for a couple years.”

Mark Jackson of Mark Jackson’s Hardware Hank and Goldcrown Store said he is also in need of a couple employees for various openings at his Red Oak store.

“This is an issue that has been going on, nationwide, for more than a years,” said Jackson. “It seems as though people don’t want to work anymore. I’m hoping the governor’s decision will encourage workers to return to the workplace.”

“I don’t think it’s a quality of job issue, I think it is a quality of people issue,” commented Red Oak Fabrication’s Jordan Fort.

“We have not seen an employee shortage at Red Oak Fabrication, but I know there are multiple employers here in Red Oak really wanting to expand, but they can not because they can not find people willing to work a full 40 per hour work week,” Fort said. “The government has made it too easy to not work. The benefits are paying better or the same as if they had their old job back.”

He continued to say Red Oak Fabrication is busier than ever and has not experienced any hiring difficulties.

“However, we are looking to expand into another facility within the next few years, so if this problem persist it will be a challenge for us.