Mounting job vacancies push state and local governments into a wage war for workers

[phkrause]

FULTON, Mo. (AP) — At the entrance to Missouri prisons, large signs plead for help: “NOW HIRING” ... “GREAT PAY & BENEFITS.”

https://apnews.com/article/state-job-vacancies-pay-raises-wage-war-74d1689d573e298be32f3848fcc88f46?

Why this matters: Nationally, the turnover rate in state and local governments is twice the average of the previous two decades, according to federal labor statistics. The hardest positions to fill included police and corrections officers, doctors, nurses, engineers and jobs requiring commercial driver’s licenses.   In Kansas City, Missouri, a shortage of 911 operators doubled the average hold times for people calling in emergencies. In Arkansas, abused and neglected children remained longer in foster care because of a caseworker shortage. And in many cities and states, vacancies on road crews mean potholes go unrepaired.   Workforce shortages worsened due to retirements and resignations that began during the pandemic. Many businesses responded with higher wages and incentives but governments are slower to act, requiring pay raises to go through legislative approvals.

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