Restaurant hiring rebounds as result of Iowa loosening child-labor rules
Iowa sees restaurant jobs surge after loosening child-labor laws Des Moines Register
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Iowa’s Unemployment Rate Rises in August
Iowa’s unemployment rate increased slightly to 2.9% in August, despite the restaurant sector experiencing significant employment gains. This growth can be attributed to a recent change in child labor rules in the state.
The overall unemployment rate rose by two-tenths of a percent from July, even though Iowa added 2,400 jobs and the workforce expanded by 500 workers in August.
According to Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), Iowa employers acted cautiously last month due to concerns about the national economy and rising inflation. However, the pool of available workers in Iowa increased, indicating a strong desire among Iowans to pursue new careers.
Job Declines in Trade and Professional Services
The trade, transportation, and utilities sector experienced the largest decline in jobs, losing 2,200 positions, followed by professional and business services which saw a decrease of 1,100 jobs. In total, professional and business services jobs have decreased by 8,100 positions since August 2022.
Loosened Child-Labor Rules Boost Restaurant Employment
The leisure and hospitality category, specifically restaurants, saw a significant rebound in employment in August, gaining 2,600 jobs and experiencing a year-over-year increase of 7,300 jobs.
This growth can be attributed to a change in the law that allowed food establishments to hire 16- and 17-year-old employees to serve alcohol with parental permission. The law also extended the working hours for 14- and 15-year-olds.
Jessica Dunker, president and CEO of the Iowa Restaurant Association, stated that these changes have helped restaurants reach their desired staffing levels and have allowed young workers to earn more money through tips. Some younger workers who transitioned to server positions are now making $25 per hour with tips.
Culinary Arts Program Enrollment Increases
While the front-of-the-restaurant worker situation is stabilizing, many establishments are still struggling to find kitchen help. However, there is hope on the horizon.
The Culinary Arts program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) has returned to pre-pandemic enrollment levels, attracting students from around the world. The leisure and hospitality industry is gradually recovering, with current employment at 143,900 compared to the pre-pandemic high of 155,000 employees.
Challenges Faced by Restaurants
Although the workforce is stabilizing, restaurants continue to face inflationary factors driven by increased goods and labor costs. Despite these challenges, making restaurant jobs more accessible and lucrative for young people benefits both the individuals and the restaurant owners.
Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at kbaskins@registermedia.com.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Unemployment rate – Employment gains in specific sectors |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | – Enrollment levels in culinary arts program |
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
The article discusses Iowa’s unemployment rate, employment gains in the restaurant sector, and the impact of law changes on job numbers. These issues are directly related to SDG 8, which aims to achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
SDG 4: Quality Education
The article mentions the enrollment levels in the Culinary Arts program at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) and how it is attracting students from all over the world. This is connected to SDG 4, which focuses on providing quality education and relevant skills for employment.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Target 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value.
The article highlights the unemployment rate in Iowa, employment gains in the restaurant sector, and the impact of law changes on job numbers. These align with the target of achieving full and productive employment and decent work for all.
Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
The article mentions the enrollment levels in the Culinary Arts program at DMACC, indicating the availability of relevant skills training for employment in the culinary industry. This aligns with the target of increasing the number of individuals with relevant skills for decent jobs.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
The following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
– Unemployment rate: The article mentions Iowa’s unemployment rate, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards achieving full and productive employment (Target 8.5).
– Employment gains in specific sectors: The article highlights the employment gains in the restaurant sector, indicating progress towards creating decent work opportunities (Target 8.5).
– Enrollment levels in culinary arts program: The article mentions the record enrollment levels in the Culinary Arts program at DMACC, which can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards increasing the number of individuals with relevant skills (Target 4.4).
By monitoring these indicators, policymakers and stakeholders can assess the progress made in achieving the targets under SDG 8 and SDG 4.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | 8.5: By 2030, achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men, including for young people and persons with disabilities, and equal pay for work of equal value. | – Unemployment rate – Employment gains in specific sectors |
| SDG 4: Quality Education | 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship. | – Enrollment levels in culinary arts program |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: desmoinesregister.com
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