BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Area employers are using everything from bonuses to higher-than-minimum wage pay to lure workers to summer jobs.
But for many businesses, filling summer jobs is hard work.
"We really need summer help," said Jennifer Fritsch, crew leader at the Wendy's on Dream Street in Florence. A full-time store closer can make between $6 and $7 an hour.
The fast-food restaurant is trying to lure summer help through bonuses offered to employees who successfully refer another person for hire. If the person lasts at least 30 days, the employee receives a $50 bonus.
Ms. Fritsch said her restaurant has difficulty hiring summer-only employees because many people have negative images of fast-food jobs.
Difficulty in finding summer help may be attributed in part to low birth rates in the late 1970s and the early '80s; and their parents' prosperity has left fewer interested in working.
Not since 1969 has the unemployment rate been so low and potential workers so few. "Employers don't have the people out there that they can draw from (as) in the past," said John Stinson, an economist with the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The result is a glut of unfilled seasonal jobs at fast-food restaurants, summer camps and resorts.
John Enzweiler, manager at Arby's at Florence Mall, said there have "been days when I've been here by myself trying to run and ring people up.
"It's a strain. Burger King, they offer benefits to their employees. We just can't do that," Mr. Enzweiler said. "It's rough. It definitely hurts my sales.
"I just think the quality (of the work force) has declined." Fifteen-year-old Nick Ryan, of Florence, has worked at Arby's at Florence Mall for about 1 1/2 months "just to have extra money, I guess." Nick earns $5.75 an hour.
Officials at Paramount's Kings Island in Mason said they haven't had much trouble hiring for their mostly seasonal jobs.
Matthew Marvin, manager of seasonal recruiting and training, attributes the influx of prospective employees to the job perks they offer.
"It's the perfect opportunity for folks to use the park as a springboard for their careers," Mr. Marvin said.
Kings Island employees get free admission to the amusement park and can earn up to 14 free tickets for family and friends. Employees can also obtain discounts on park merchandise and at restaurants and stores by showing their ID.
This summer, 5,000 people will be hired to work at the amusement park.
Pat Mains, human resource specialist for Sears at Florence Mall, said her store doesn't hire employees to work only summers because of an eight-week training program.
"We, traditionally, don't hire just for summertime. We prefer to keep our associates year-round," Mrs. Mains said between interviews Thursday. USA Today contributed to this report.
