Won't You Come Back, Blue Collar, Won't You Come Back?

Five years ago, entry-level candidates could expect to earn nine bucks an hour at a Haworth Inc. office-furniture factory. The economy was humming, but job growth was choppy, and wage gains anemic.

Things changed, though, as average unemployment in the counties where Haworth makes products like movable walls, desk chairs and storage cabinets tumbled from 6.3% in 2014 to 3.6% last year. Today’s newcomer makes $12.50 an hour.

Pay increases have become table stakes for those doing battle in this tight labor market. Consulting firm Mercer LLC found in a February study that the No. 1 human-resources risk executives face is excessive time required to fill open positions. The median cost to recruit an employee is $1,300, according to recent data.

If you’re a hiring manager and not prepared to pull out your pocketbook, prepare to suffer. And even if you are, prepare to suffer.

WSJ

Won't you come back, blue collar, won't you come back?

We moan the whole day long.

We'll do your cookin', fellah, we'll pay your rent --

your paycheck will be strong!

Remember that rainy evening

we turned you out with nothing but 2 weeks back pay?

We are to blame and we're full of shame --

blue collar please don't stay away!

We need your hands, blue collar, cuz ours are weak.

We do not like to sweat.

We'll give you health insurance and overtime --

without you we go deep in debt!