Recent staffing shortages and route closures by major airlines are causing concern among travelers and businesses.
Toward the end of the most intensive phases of the COVID-19 lockdown, the inconvenience (not to mention illness and death) of the pandemic seemed to be replaced by the inconveniences (not to mention significant business disruptions) caused by labor shortages. Even though state and local governments allowed restaurants and retail stores to reopen, many were forced to stay shuttered at least part of the time due to staffing issues.
Staffing Shortages Create Challenges
Aside from the impacts on owners and workers, staffing shortages at hospitality and retail businesses aren’t necessarily too impactful for the average person. These tend to be entry-level, relatively low-paying jobs that aren’t critical to most people’s lives. If a retail store isn’t open today, a shopper can try tomorrow or look online. A prospective dining patron who finds his or her favorite restaurant is short-staffed can always eat at home.
But recently, the labor shortage has started to more visibly impact the providers of higher-level services, specifically airlines. “American Airlines is ending services to two cities in New York state and one in Ohio because of a shortage of pilots,” writes Grace Dean in an article for Business Insider. “The carrier will cut routes to Islip, New York; Ithaca, New York; and Toledo, Ohio from September 7.”
Challenges Expected to Continue
This isn’t a short-term issue either. “Earlier this month, American CEO Robert Isom said it had grounded about 100 regional jets because it couldn’t find enough workers,” Dean continues. “The spokesperson said that American had reduced its regional flying in recent months because of the regional pilot shortage, adding that it may take ‘some time’ before staffing levels return to normal.”
The American Airlines situation should be a wake-up call to employers around the country. It’s not just retail and hospitality struggling to keep their doors open due to staffing shortages; even critical services like air travel are taking a hit. Therefore, employers have to stay vigilant in their efforts to recruit and retain staff in this challenging labor environment.
Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.