A pre-Labor Day trip to see the good-but-not-great New York Yankees play the better-than-expected Nationals in Washington D.C. yielded some insights into the American worker, who these days always seems always to be on the visiting team — that is, in hostile territory.
At a sweltering Nationals Park, fans waited on line for refreshments for 45 minutes as some food stands were closed.There were waits at a nail salon in northern Virginia — where the owner labored solo, forcing two customers to curtail the services they requested — while at a neighboring Dunkin Donuts, two workers handled a growing line — and online orders — by themselves.
These observations are reinforced by U.S. Chamber of Commerce statistics, which find that there are 8.2 million job openings but only 7.2 million unemployed workers to fill them.
The pandemic is usually blamed for the decline in the workforce, but the Chamber of Commerce says it has been declining for years due to a variety of factors that Covid-19 threw in to sharp relief, including a lack of childcare, fewer immigrants and an aging, retiring population.
However, the situation is more complex than that. Some workers are not actively seeking employment or at least full-time employment. Others are prioritizing personal growth. Still others only wish to work remotely. What it boils down to is dissatisfaction with the workplace, particularly among younger workers, that reflects a lack of Alexandrian leadership — leadership from the front — on the part of management.
When the boss doesn’t pay you on time; fires co-workers or creates an environment that forces them out — throwing more work on the remaining employees; and otherwise treats you in a toxic manner, what’s the incentive for staying?
Along with a living wage, health benefits and childcare, the American worker needs to be treated in a manner that fosters respect and dignity, communications and collaboration.
Despite the gloomy picture, the American worker is still out there hustling, even if it’s just for pocket money. Witness Alice Valentine, the so-called “Mayor of Southwest Washington D.C..” who at 90 sells game-day parking near here home — $50 per game, $60 when the Yanks are in town.
Alice Valentine — the so-called “Mayor of Southwest Washington, D.C.” — rents parking spaces outside her home when the Washington Nationals play.
The nonagenarian may be retired, but she’s still in there pitching.
Happy Labor Day.