When will America go back to work?
 

Are our leaders so blind to what is going on in main street America? All across the country there are help wanted signs but people are paid too well by the govern not to work. Is this someone's plan to increase wages, or just destroy the country?

Lack of workers is even hurting China. Not enough workers to unload the ships full of Chinese junk at our ports.

When the government, special interest groups and minority groups stop advocating and paying people to stay home.

Why is the concept of being paid to stay home being the problem so difficult for so many to grasp!!??

Florida's unemployment rate is very low. That means most people who are "working people" are already employed. Florida has a high retiree rate, and a LOT of people have fled the north to move to Florida to retire in the past year. They've chosen to not return to work at all, and they're not getting unemployment or bonuses for staying home. They're retired, taking early pensions.

A lot of stores had closed down completely, gone out of business. All of THOSE employees have had a year of unemployment and career advancement educational opportunities. MOST of them have found jobs either in the same sector, or moved up to better jobs in other fields.

The rinky dink minimum wage stores and fast-food joints now have to compete to get employees, because most of those employees are seeking better elsewhere - and are getting better elsewhere. For instance: Publix isn't suffering for lack of employees. Why? Because they start their crew out at better than minimum in the first place. Plus a modest benefit package that doesn't exist anywhere else, including stock options for part-timers.

Dunkin gives you a free cup of coffee during your shift, and you have to buy your shoes from an approved online vendor. Why would anyone WANT to get paid minimum wage to work at a place like that, when they can work at Kohl's and get a sign-on bonus, you can buy your shoes wherever you want, and you get a discount on whatever you buy in the store?

People ARE back to work. They've been back to work. They've just chosen to not work at places where they felt they were treated like dirt.

When will America go back to work?

Tomorrow!:icon_wink:

Then there is no one left to miss the extra $300/week when it gets cut off, at least not in Florida.

There are still people unemployed. As I said (which I'm SURE you read since you're a clever gent), the Florida unemployment rate is LOW. And, being that clever gent that you are, I'm SURE you realize low does not equal non-existent.

Anything to back up those claims?

Oh, and almost no one is working for minimum wage, nor have they been for some time...

"In 2020, very few workers earned the federal minimum wage of $7.25, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Just 247,000. Another 865,000 earned less than that, probably due to a combination wage theft and exceptions for tipped workers and others."

"In 1980, when the federal minimum wage was $3.10 ($9.86 in 2019 dollars), 13% of hourly workers earned the federal minimum wage or less. Today, only 1.9% of hourly workers do. The number of federal minimum wage workers has decreased from 7.7 million in 1980 to 1.6 million in 2019. This is partly due to states establishing higher minimum wages than the federal level."

Minimum wage in America: How many people are earning $7.25 an hour?

Didn’t you see my post? Those questions are answered.

It always sounds good when you choose to make up your own facts as you go. But let’s look at the actual facts. The national unemployment rate is 5.5%, it was 3.5% in 2019, an increase of 57%. The Florida unemployment rate is 4.9% it was 3.1% in 2019, an increase of 58%. So basically your entire post is factually incorrect…
But keep posting - don’t let actual facts get in your way…

I don't think anyone knows when America will go back to work. But, to answer your other three questions:

No, yes, and yes.

I believe it is an oversimplification of major proportions to lay any problems at the feet of the expanded benefits.

Today, when the new jobless claim information was given, this is one take on the situation...

"And on June 19, another eight states — Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming — also conducted their own phaseouts of these unemployment benefits. The states that have opted for these early phase-outs have done so with the hope of incentivizing workers to rejoin the labor force. Many economists, however, have suggested a confluence of other factors, including childcare difficulties and concerns over getting sick have, have also impacted labor supplies."

Jobless claims: Another 411,000 Americans filed new unemployment claims last week

This is not simple and cannot be simply said in one sentence. Many have changed their entire thoughts on both members of the family working, either for good or temporarily for example.

This will take time and all this "blah blah blah" is not going to change anything or make it better

Keep in mind that many economists feel this labor "shortage" is something the will be us for a long time...

"America is facing a double-dose of workforce challenges, Bradley said. There are too many people without jobs. And there are too many jobs without skilled people to fill them.

A recent national survey of local chambers of commerce, 90 percent reported that it is “difficult” for businesses in their area to hire workers, with two-thirds reporting it was “very difficult,” Bradley said. Less than 1 percent said it was easy to fill jobs.

Many industries are being affected including agriculture, education, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, computer software, and construction. A recent survey of the commercial construction industry shows that 85 percent of contractors are having difficulty finding workers, he said. Of those, 34 percent have had to turn down work.

“All this slows down the economy. Indeed, local chambers of commerce are twice as likely to say that a lack of workers is holding back the economy as they are to say that Covid is holding it back,” Bradley said.

American dilemma: Too many jobs. Not enough workers. - Chamber Business News

The US Chamber offers a number of thoughts on addressing the situation....worth at least a quick read.

It is not one very simple thing.

When the absurd unemployment payments finally stop. People have been paid NOT to work more than if they went to work.

We taxpayers are going to be picking up the tab of course. We always do.

Rather than use the punitive method to get people back to work, how about Michigan Gov. proposal and give the employees $300/week incentive to go back to work. You get more bees with honey. QUOTE=Bucco;1964498]I believe it is an oversimplification of major proportions to lay any problems at the feet of the expanded benefits.

Today, when the new jobless claim information was given, this is one take on the situation...

"And on June 19, another eight states — Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, West Virginia and Wyoming — also conducted their own phaseouts of these unemployment benefits. The states that have opted for these early phase-outs have done so with the hope of incentivizing workers to rejoin the labor force. Many economists, however, have suggested a confluence of other factors, including childcare difficulties and concerns over getting sick have, have also impacted labor supplies."

Jobless claims: Another 411,000 Americans filed new unemployment claims last week

This is not simple and cannot be simply said in one sentence. Many have changed their entire thoughts on both members of the family working, either for good or temporarily for example.

This will take time and all this "blah blah blah" is not going to change anything or make it better

Keep in mind that many economists feel this labor "shortage" is something the will be us for a long time...

"America is facing a double-dose of workforce challenges, Bradley said. There are too many people without jobs. And there are too many jobs without skilled people to fill them.

A recent national survey of local chambers of commerce, 90 percent reported that it is “difficult” for businesses in their area to hire workers, with two-thirds reporting it was “very difficult,” Bradley said. Less than 1 percent said it was easy to fill jobs.

Many industries are being affected including agriculture, education, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, computer software, and construction. A recent survey of the commercial construction industry shows that 85 percent of contractors are having difficulty finding workers, he said. Of those, 34 percent have had to turn down work.

“All this slows down the economy. Indeed, local chambers of commerce are twice as likely to say that a lack of workers is holding back the economy as they are to say that Covid is holding it back,” Bradley said.

American dilemma: Too many jobs. Not enough workers. - Chamber Business News

The US Chamber offers a number of thoughts on addressing the situation....worth at least a quick read.

It is not one very simple thing.[/QUOTE]

To claim that none of the problem is due to the expanded benefits is disingenuous. Of course it is part of the problem. There may be other reasons too, but the expanded benefits are one of them.

It's really rather simple, if company A and company B need the same employees and company A starts paying more then the employees will go to company A. If the Govt is going to pay $14+/hour but company B only pays $12/hour then employees will go with the Govt.

The Govt wanted to set a $15 minimum wage but that didn't work. The Govt then voted to enhance unemployment benefits to the point that the benefits were competitive with what some companies were paying. If they couldn't force companies to pay more they could draw employees away from companies that pay less.

We can argue over whether company B should pay more than $12 but that isn't the point here.

Economists and the Govt tell us that analysis shows the expanded benefits are not the issue; companies that are trying to hire lower-wage workers say something different. Economists and the Govt told us things about the pandemic based on analysis as well - I'll believe the companies.

You know of course that we have lost 600,000 souls, some of which were part of the work force.

First, i read nobody saying "To claim that none of the problem is due to the expanded benefits is disingenuous."

If you could cite what post number said that, especially the word "none" because not only have I not read that, nor heard it, I have yet to see or hear anyone even hint that.

Second, could you link me to a professiinal business person, not a political activist who said "companies that are trying to hire lower-wage workers say something different. ". It flat out is not that simple. Making it that simple is either...or...and neither is right

Given the fact that more than 460,000 of those 600,000 were over 65, that leaves less than 140,000 people of working age who died with Covid. Compare that to a workforce in the US of over 207 million and it had no statistical impact.

Gee, I wonder if there is a demographic that has been filling the need for agricultural workers, hospitality, and construction workers that became unavailable over the last couple of years? You know filling all those jobs that the locals wouldn't do for the wages they paid and the hard labor they required.

So where was the problem hiring people before the pandemic and government paychecks if this has been going on "over the last couple of years"?

IIRC, unemployment, especially among certain "demographics" was at an all time low...

You must have been watching a talk show during the months when there were dozens of farms that went out of business due to lack of available migrant workers. And when I say migrant, I mean migrant. Not "illegal immigrant." The legal documented ones were afraid of being caught up in raids and sent back to their home countries even though they were here legally. And that actually happened. In fact a few actual American-born American citizens were "sent back" to Mexico, by mistake. But I guess they didn't mention that on whatever TV channel or social media site you were watching. Or you did watch it and just forgot.

There is sooo much wrong with your statement. That “demographic” you mentioned, in addition to their wages, have so much subsidized and paid for by Americans that many live far better than many of us. They know how to play the game and are very good at it. I wonder if the minorities in America who are struggling realize who’s eating their cake.

How many, two or three, and did criminal activity have anything to do with it?

I wonder if all (or any) of that is true.
Where did you get that, Socialism Weekly or the little red Mao book?

I haven't seen "the facts", but the simple common sense is that people who are paid to stay home , will.

I'm to old to go back to work. Or just to lazy as my wife would say.

I think alot of people are missing the point. Unemployment is not meant to be a career goal. Its to carry you over while you ACTIVELY look for a job. The kids in their 20s still living in mommy and daddys basement rent free with not even a HS education should not be picky about what jobs they take. Minimum wage jobs are a stepping stone not a life long career either. You see many older people working minimum wage jobs because they want to keep active or maybe supplement their SS checks. The kids working the jobs should be educating themselves while working them. And dont say they cant afford further education. There are many grants out there to assist. And what about the ones who have 5 kids, cant afford them, never should have had them and are looking for you and me to support them. Thats the issue. Unemployment used to require you show proof that you are looking or your benefits were cut off. Ga. and Im sure several other states will cut off benefits permanently for anyone convicted of a drug violation. So, bottom line. Get off your butt, crawl out of mommys house and get a job. Any job. Have some pride in yourself!!

The “extra” pay helped many people through the pandemic, but for some reason the government wants to keep as many people unemployed as possible, $ucking on the government tee t as long as possible as a control. Just like the takeover of healthcare to keep everyone in line and dependent on the government.

Very, VERY well said!

Excellent!! I'm so tired of hearing about "all the lazy people who are paid big government $$ to stay home". Your explanation is right on the mark, excellent, thank you.

Are you saying that the government is paying $14/hour in unemployment or do I misunderstand? I thought the unemployment was $300/week, which comes to $7.50/hour for a 40-hour week.

$300/week X 52 = $15,600/year. Who can live on that? AND IT'S NOT FOREVER!

The $300/week is the additional federal government’s unemployment benefit in addition to the state provided unemployment
benefit. Currently in Florida you can receive up to the equivalent of $22/hour on unemployment…

That’s the federal government’s Covid adder to the existing state’s payout. NOT the total payout!!

Totally wrong. Why lie? The max in Fl is $275.00 most get less. $275 plus $300 = $575.00 not $880.00.

Interesting statistics for Florida
 

These are approximates from what I've been reading. Florida unemployment 400,000

Florida jobs available, 400,000
Now even to me it's obvious that not all jobs will line up with the applicants.
But I seem to remember in the Carter years when we had 15% unemployment in 15% interest rates. Nobody got an extra $300 back then. And all the stores seem to be doing fine and all the industries seem to be doing fine. The extra unemployment is feeding the high inflation rate and yet the Federal reserve refuses to increase the rates that the banks have to pay and thus the banks have low interest of less than 1% to their savers, but I still see 28% interest rates on credit cards. I know the $300 started in the previous administration but maybe it should have been only $100 for 8 or 12 weeks for the majority of the people on unemployment and maybe some of the money should have been shifted more to food stamps to help those that are truly poor. Further I have to say if you don't save your money I have very little sympathy for you when you get unemployed even if you're at the bottom of the brackets you should know that you have to increase your education to get a better job and your skill sets yes I know there are some of us that can never do this and I feel sorry for them but I also feel sorry for my children and their children that are saddled with a 20 trillion dollar deficit

UE
 

Florida Unemployment has dropped from 14.9% in March of last year, to 4.9% this month. People HAVE gone back to work.

What’s left are undesirable jobs that no one is scrambling to grab. Many of those people left on the bottom scale may have decided they can just do with a one earner income, and stay home with the kids as a housewife, or other similar circumstances. People may have found out they now have different priorities in life and being with family is more important than working 40 hours a week earning $250 net a week after taxes and deductions. Good for them if that’s the case!

Come July you aren’t going to see much difference from now….people that need jobs have them. Everyone unemployed knew in advance increased benefits were stopping. Only undesirable workers would have waited to this point to start searching for a job at this late date. Customers and businesses need to adjust accordingly. It is what it is.

5.7% is not a LOW unemployment rate. It's not terrible, but it is certainly not good.

The Great Resignation: Why Millions of Workers Are Quitting Their Jobs : NPR

its so simple to think that the world works in binary ways, ie a gov't unemployment check would cause American airlines pilots and crew members to stop wanting to go to work at much higher than minimum wages. . . yet a world pandemic which hasn't really been seen for about 100 years might just cause people to look at life differently, and cause different emotional reactions than statistical numbers might cause observer logic to conclude.

And yes, i just applied to a lower wage job for better quality of emotional life, but keep right on arguing about govt unemployment checks. . .

still working guy

They are working at many restaurants, and receiving many complaints from rich retirees. Tip them enough they can afford child care.
I know you don't get the service you self righteously seek, so you don't tip.

People will go back to work when they are paid a living wage with benefits and decent working conditions. It is great to see the balance between employers and woirkers being reset.

600,000 dead May have put a dent in work force