“Employers can’t find the workers... at the price they’re willing to pay.”
Actually it isn’t up to the employer as far as what they pay employees. It IS for them to decide what hey want to pay but the actual wages they will pay will be determined by the market in their particular area.
Those who want to pay $30,000 for a position paying $40,000 in their local will simply not get anyone to work for them, or if they do it will be someone under or unqualified for the position.
Of course.
I’m sitting here at a McDonald’s in a wealthy area. I’ve had the district manager tell me he can’t get people. The teens are wealthy enough that they don’t need the part-time jobs.
The market will force his wages higher, just to keep the place staffed.