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Editor’s Watch
from WorkBoat June 2021
by WorkBoat
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The number of job openings reached a record high of 8.1 million on the last business day of March, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on May 11.
The March BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) showed that the job openings rate increased to 5.3%. The number of job openings is the highest since the series began in December 2000. Job openings increased in a number of industries including accommodation and food services (+185,000) and arts, entertainment, and recreation (+81,000).
These two industries include certain types of passenger vessels, and, as a result, it comes as no surprise that operators can’t nd workers.
“Many of our former employees have David Krapf, Editor in Chief moved on to other jobs out of necessity,” Capt. Alan Bernstein, owner of BB government into their house.” Riverboats in Cincinnati wrote in his He added, “As long as the stimulus Captain’s Table column this month for checks (and unemployment) are rolling WorkBoat. “Apparently some prospec- in, the applications will not.” tive employees have decided that being This presents a challenge to Bernon unemployment, while also receiv- stein, Golding and other operators. If ing federal unemployment subsidies, is you can’t ll entry-level deckhand posipreferable to coming back to work.” tions, problems can surface down the
Bernstein and other operators are not road when you need to ll more senior only having trouble attracting non- positions, such as chief engineer, rst skilled workers and service staff, but mate or captain. they are also having a tough time nd- Operators worry that they may have ing licensed mariners. For these posi- an even tougher time lling jobs in the tions, many companies report receiving future as the national economy imno applicants. proves and demand for their services
“For open positions, I’ve had less increases. applicants than I’ve ever had,” Austin Golding, president of Golding Barge Line, Vicksburg, Miss., told Washington Correspondent Pamela Glass. “The spaces that we have open are less attractive than they were before, ai16109820207_editwatch_BPA_2021.pdf 1 1/18/21 10:00 AMdkrapf@divcom.comas people are getting a check from the
WORKBOAT® (ISSN 0043-8014) is published monthly by Diversified Communications, 121 Free St., P.O. Box 7438, Portland, ME 04112-7438. Editorial Office: P.O. Box 1348, Mandeville, LA 70470. Annual Subscription Rates: U.S. $39; Canada $55; International $103. When available, extra copies of current issue are $4, all other issues and special issues are $5. For subscription customer service call (978) 671-0444. The publisher reserves the right to sell subscriptions to those who have purchasing power in the industry this publication serves. Periodicals postage paid at Portland, ME, and additional mailing offices. Circulation Office: 121 Free St., P.O. Box 7438, Portland, ME 04112-7438. From time to time, we make your name and address available to other companies whose products and services may interest you. If you prefer not to receive such mailings, please send a copy of your mailing label to: WorkBoat’ s Mailing Preference Service, P.O. Box 7438, Portland, ME 04112. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to WORKBOAT, P.O. Box 1792, Lowell, MA 01853. Copyright 2021 b
We know that the WorkBoat Show is your annual chance to network, shop, connect, and get in the know among the best in the business. It is a maritime industry tradition. And through good times and bad, this is the marine industry’s show. With many things changing in the world right now, we want you to know that the International WorkBoat Show will be held as scheduled, December 1-3, 2021. For over 40 years the WorkBoat Show has been here for you and this year, more than ever, we cannot wait to host you in New Orleans.
www.workboat.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF David Krapf dkrapf@divcom.com
SENIOR EDITOR Ken Hocke khocke@divcom.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Kirk Moore kmoore@divcom.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS • Capt. Alan Bernstein • Bruce Buls • Michael Crowley • Dale K. DuPont • Pamela Glass • Betsy Frawley Haggerty • Max Hardberger • Joel Milton • Jim Redden • Kathy Bergren Smith
ART DIRECTOR Doug Stewart dstewart@divcom.com
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DEC. 1 - 3, 2021 NEW ORLEANS
Morial Convention Center, Halls B, C, D, E & F
Building Ships Now For The Future
