A quarter-century ago, there were 56 teenagers in the labor force for every "limited service" restaurant — that is, the kind where you order at the counter.
Today, there are fewer than half as many, which is a reflection both of teenagers' decreasing work force participation and of the explosive growth in restaurants.
But in an industry where cheap labor is an essential component in providing inexpensive food, a shortage of workers is changing the equation upon which fast-food places have long relied. This can be seen in rising wages, in a growth of incentives, and in the sometimes odd situations that business owners find themselves in.
Too many restaurants, not enough teens to work in them.
(Score: 2) by mcgrew on Thursday July 19 2018, @06:30PM (1 child)
I like walking, but when it's damned hot or freezing cold I'll be in my heated and cooled car, But, I really don't understand the article, is Springfield different than most places? Half the staff at the Walgreen's down the street are minors and have to make a "service 21" call when I'm buying beer. At McDonald's it's three quarters teens and the rest old women.
mcgrewbooks.com mcgrew.info nooze.org
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 19 2018, @07:41PM
18 and up can sell alcohol in my state, but fast-food places are almost entirely staffed by 20-somethings and older. There are no good jobs to be had so kids have to compete with adults for the shitty ones. 12/hr and full time is considered a "good job". EBT and medicare are almost universal for apartment-dwellers.