INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The nationwide worker shortage is still impacting local restaurants. Carol Leuer, owner of Good Morning Mama’s Cafe in the Broad Ripple business district, 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.