Stupid move on the part of management. In my neck of the woods, I’m seeing “help wanted” signs everywhere. Folks evidently don’t want to take entry-level jobs.
So now this regional manager decides to alienate the workers he has by suggesting that new workers be hired at a lower pay. Good luck finding those new workers.
By the way, two-tiered pay schemes usually work against the older workers. Because you can bet management will find ways to let those older workers go (or cut down on their hours). Sure, absent a contract that’s the right of management. But ignore employee morale at your own risk.
By me (TX), help wanted signs are always up for fast food. An older teenager just told me they got a job at a taco/burrito place and the starting pay was $14 hr.
I agree; stupid management to broadcast this scheme while ALL workers are paying the stealth tax of Bidenflation.
Those existing employees can imagine what type of new coworkers they’ll get (if they get any) - and know they’ll be working twice as hard to compensate.