Help Wanted: Fargo Strains to Fill Jobs (Bismarck, Williston: rent, credit card)
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North Dakota boasted a 3.9% average unemployment rate in 2010, the Labor Dept. said Friday, the third consecutive year the state has notched the lowest rate in the nation, or tied for it.
After such bulletins, North Dakota staffing agencies often are flooded with calls from out-of-staters looking to work there. Yet, few of those conversations translate into hires.
As the U.S. struggles with 9% unemployment, many companies in North Dakota are struggling to find workers and recast a reputation that some local officials blame on cold weather and a bad image stemming from "Fargo," an Oscar winner with the tagline: "A lot can happen in the middle of nowhere." (Most of the 1996 movie actually was set in Minnesota, locals are quick to point out.)
I worked for a staffing agency in Williston. I have literally talked to hundreds (if not more) people who are from other states who are looking to come to North Dakota for work or are already here. Not one of them talked about the movie Fargo.
I'm thinking the majority of people who watched the movie already know the history behind it. It was so tongue and cheek, and if they really watched the movie, they would realize it had VERY little to do with Fargo, since 99% of the story takes place in Minnesota. It starts in Fargo (the bar scene where they pick up the Sierra, and ends in Bismarck, where they make their arrest)...that movie was hilarious.
Even here in Las Vegas, with its unofficial 24% unemployment rate, they're straining to fill jobs.
Take a look at the General Labor section of Craigslist, and you'll see why!
"Looking for handyman to work with Property Mgmt Company with properties scattered throughout the Valley. Must have truck, own tools, must pass background and drug tests, be on call 24 hours a day, no health benefits. Pay: $8.25 an hour.
Even here in Las Vegas, with its unofficial 24% unemployment rate, they're straining to fill jobs.
Take a look at the General Labor section of Craigslist, and you'll see why!
"Looking for handyman to work with Property Mgmt Company with properties scattered throughout the Valley. Must have truck, own tools, must pass background and drug tests, be on call 24 hours a day, no health benefits. Pay: $8.25 an hour.
I think you nailed it... companies have realized that unemployment means TONS of applications. They are looking to abuse that by absolutely slashing compensation figuring some idiot will be dumb enough to accept it... that's all they need is one. Fortunately most people have enough respect and dignity for themselves and their coworkers not to accept something ridiculously stupid.
In this economy, if you have an opening and can't fill it, you're really doing something wrong. If companies stopped trying to abuse the people they rely on to make a profit, you'd find a happier balance. I suppose this is what employees get for what we did to employers during the boom (Computer grads requiring BMW Z3's as signing bonuses in California for example). Hopefully the pendelum shifts back to the middle at some point.
I personally am trying to move to Williston, but cannot do that because of housing. My Husband is currently living in not so good living arrangements and if things are not better this summer, ND will have two less workers. Rent is too expensive in Williston and surrounding areas, though that is where our expertise are needed in ND. Even people who are from that area, who rent, do not have a fighting chance.
I don't see anything "stupid" about $8.25 an hour if that's all it takes to live comfortably. It's a question of lifestyle choices, not IQ. If I had nothing to pay besides food, utilities, and a few necessities, then well... $8.25 an hour would be more than enough. But if I insisted on a 5000 sf McMansion, that all-needed Z3, 5 loaded credit cards at 30% interest, a trip to the frickin' Bahamas every month, and all the other "necessities" and expenses that come with them, then the stupidity happened long before the wage was offered.
ChrisC...I hear you on that one, BUT, $8.25 is not going to get you anywhere if you live somewhere where rent is at the LEAST $1.200 a month. Rent alone would eat up the majority of your paycheck. If you had a spouse who also worked, a person could probably make it.
In this economy, if you have an opening and can't fill it, you're really doing something wrong. If companies stopped trying to abuse the people they rely on to make a profit, you'd find a happier balance. I suppose this is what employees get for what we did to employers during the boom (Computer grads requiring BMW Z3's as signing bonuses in California for example). Hopefully the pendelum shifts back to the middle at some point.
Right, the housing shortage in western North Dakota is all just a part of my imagination.
Meanwhile, I heard Gramma Sharon's here in Williston has had to close during meal times because of a lack of staff.
Location: Moose Jaw, in between the Moose's butt and nose.
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I've heard about the employment sistuation in ND, but folks also say that most of those jobs are service jobs (save for NW ND) that don't pay squat...maybe that's why they can't fill them?
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