Employers shouldn't be surprised that Americans won't take their crummy, low-wage jobs

http://www.slate.com/id/2263335/

Is Any Job Better Than No Job? Employers shouldn't be surprised that Americans won't take their crummy, low-wage jobs.

By Daniel GrossPosted Monday, Aug. 9, 2010, at 6:56 PM ET

Unhappy worker. Click image to expand.Why can't employers find the workers they need?A front-page article in the Wall Street Journal presents a fascinating mystery: Despite persistent high unemployment, some employers are having a tough time filling jobs.

"In Bloomington, Ill., machine shop Mechanical Devices can't find the workers it needs to handle a sharp jump in business. Job fairs run by airline Emirates attract fewer applicants in the U.S. than in other countries. Truck-stop operator Pilot Flying J says job postings don't elicit many more applicants than they did when the unemployment rate was below 5 percent."

What gives? Employers these days seem taken aback when highly qualified, experienced people fail to rush to apply for the openings they post. The article supplies several possible explanations: For jobs that require specialized skills, there simply might not be enough qualified applicants; employees accustomed to working at higher-paying office jobs aren't eager to take lower-paying jobs at truck stops and restaurants; some of the unemployed might prefer collecting a few hundred dollars per week in unemployment benefits, while they last, to working a job that pays $8 per hour.

But the Journal article seems to overlook one important factor. Even in an age of historic underutilization of the labor force, the laws of supply and demand apply. Hiring is a negotiation between employers and employees over the terms at which they'll agree to come to work—wages, benefits, working conditions, length of commute, relocation requirements. Maybe some of these employers just aren't offering terms that are good enough.

FULL story at link.

The same thing I did for 28 years and made between 45 and 60k. I was offered 10.50 an hour. And no, I'm not one of those lazy American that is taking a Government handout via unemployment. Unemployment has been over for me for about 5 years.

in 1980 as a legal word processor.

accountants to Controller positions, demanding 5 years exp, CPA, MBA preferred (the CPA requirement assures at least a BA around here), drug test, credit check, references provided in advance of consideration for interview for 8.50/hr. Three years ago that would have been a $60k worth requirements.

No drug test, no background check.

nt

They cut unemployment extensions till there is a real glut of unemployed, hungry, homeless desperate people who will take anything (as many tea people and repubs suggest)and walla...the lower wages become the norm...and we are supposed to be grateful for just having a job...

:sarcasm: