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Average hourly pay for restaurant workers tops $15, yet hiring struggles remain




According to the latest jobs report, the average pay for restaurant workers has topped $15 per hour for the first time. So, why are restaurants still struggling to hire workers?

The lack of workers stems from unemployment benefits and pandemic assistance, which has affected restaurants all over the country including those located in Nashville.

“It’s been an absolute nightmare,” said Grant Maurisak, who is a shift leader for Jersey Mike’s Subs. “I knew we would struggle with it in the beginning and for a short time after quarantine ended, but you would think that it wouldn’t last this long.”

Maurisak added that no matter what they have thrown at this pandemic-induced hiring struggle, low employment rates continue to linger.

“We’re struggling to hire new employees even after raising wages and providing better career opportunities,” he said. “It seems like none of it matters, we’re still short-staffed.

Jersey Mike’s Subs isn’t the only one urgently hiring.

Newly opened 5th and Broadway restaurant, The Twelve Thirty Club, has started to promise top dollar weekly salaries to new employees, advertising that new lead servers will make a “guaranteed $2K a week.”

Additionally, fast food chains such as Chick-fil-A are offering health, dental and vision insurance, along with paid referral bonus programs and scholarships for employees who are currently enrolled in college.

Between all of these incentives and countless opportunities, why are restaurants still struggling to find help?

On top of the unemployment benefits received, Maurisak said he believes it could have to do with individuals reassessing their value in the workforce.

“I think people who are offered their jobs back after getting laid off don’t even consider it unless the starting point is $15,” Maurisak said. “And that’s without talking about the benefits you will have to throw in. They’re seeing how much others are beginning to make and they want people to realize their value, especially after being laid off.”

According to a recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost 80% of all United States workers make at least $15 per hour, which is a major increase compared to its 60% marker in 2014.

While raising wages to this amount has helped the worker-strapped restaurant industry, it is evident that a permanent solution is still likely needed.

Maurisak said he is unsure of what needs to happen for employment rates to increase, but wants it known that he supports individuals acknowledging their potential in the workforce.

“I understand that everyone needs to make a living, but the federal minimum wage is around $7, which means we’re offering over double the pay,” he said.

“I just hope that it will all be over soon and there will be a scenario where everyone wins.”

The federal minimum wage for covered nonexempt employees currently stands at $7.25 per hour and has not seen an increase since 2009.

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