(10-14-2021 10:22 PM)RiceLad15 Wrote:  I specifically mentioned it could be enhanced unemployment - given the continued depression in labor through Sept, that doesn’t seem to be the case. But I said that perhaps people built up enough backlog to hold out.

To hold out for what? If they manged to save a month or two of living expenses, and that is what is between them and starvation, why wait?

I specifically mentioned a reduction in immigration - notably in seasonal workers. We reduced our legal immigration pathways for some very obvious reasons, and we have some sectors that rely heavily on those types of immigrants.

Judging from reports, we are letting in lots more illegals than a year ago. But the businesses I see hurting the most for workers - fast food - don't rely on illegals most of whom do not speak English.


There’s also some people who have changed “careers” - those that used the pandemic to springboard out of menial jobs to something different. That’s why I was wondering if attendance at universities and vocational schools increased - that could help prove/disprove that.

Certainly there are "some", but I doubt this would be a major contributor to the labor shortage. Even students need jobs to support themselves - it ain't all free yet.

I specifically mentioned both child care (both pre- and in primary school care) and fear of infection, which you mention above.

"fear of infection"? We have a national revolt against vaccination and fear of infectiion is a factor? I wonder when GoodOwl and other like him will venture out to take a job?

It’s not a single issue causing this, IMO. For some reason, though, you and OO really don’t like the idea that childcare issues caused by the pandemic have impacted the labor market.

And child care.

The problem seems to be that workers who lost their $12 jobs are not returning to reclaim those same jobs at $15.

Looking specifically at the local businesses I have mentioned - Target, KFC, Sonic, Panda - the target demographic seems to be young people 16-20, who are unlikely to have small kids who need childcare.

The nationwide shortage of truckers is also unlikely to be fueled by drivers unable to find child care.

And the child care workers themselves are not coming back. Why not? They could bring their kids to work.

I agree though, it is not just one issue, but several. I just think all the ones you list are minor. I think the one you deny at all costs is a reasonable alternative.