Labor department assesses supply chain worker shortage.
Members of Congress and the White House have begun to evaluate the lagging workforce development as inflation continues to increase. In March, there were two job openings for every worker seeking employment. Labor shortfalls are especially critical in maintaining a healthy supply chain, including trucking, manufacturing, railroads, and ports.
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and congressional partisans are seeking to reinforce the U.S. weakness in job training that has impacted the supply chain before inflation continues further. Prices have risen 8.3 percent over the last year — well above the 5.5 percent hike in average hourly earnings in the same period.
The Labor Department is working to expand apprenticeships in careers along the supply chain, including its recent creation of a pilot program to recruit and train more truck drivers.
In addition to the shortage in supply chain laborers, nursing homes have seen a major decline since the pandemic, law enforcement recruitment is down, the hospitality industry’s labor force has not returned in many areas, and the list goes on.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Walsh to seek the Lord’s guidance as he heads efforts to increase job training.
- For wisdom for Labor Department officials as they assess the employment market.
- For the president and his advisors as they pursue policies to address the U.S. economy.
Sources: Politico, Bloomberg
