INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The nationwide worker shortage is still impacting local restaurants. Carol Leuer, owner of Good Morning Mama’s Cafe, is desperate to hire new employees.
“I had my 12-year-old granddaughter in here last Sunday hostessing. I had my 15-year-old grandson bussing. I just can’t get employees,” Leuer said.
She’s worked in the kitchen for 12 years and said she works six days a week.
“We closed last March because of the (coronavirus) pandemic. I think four different employees decided not to come back,” she said.
Statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor shows open jobs have increased by 62% in the past year.
This is something Gov. Eric Holcomb has talked about.
News 8 asked Holcomb why are people not seeking work. He said: “There has been a shift in the favor of the employee that has occurred,” Holcomb said. “They have more leverage than ever.”
Leuer is still hopeful that she can attract new hires.
“We’re paying $16 an hour now,” Leuer said. “That’s like $33,000 or $34,000 a year.”
According to Holcomb, there are 33,000 job postings in Marion County alone.
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