It may take longer to clear highways across the state during winter storms, as a shortage of snowplow workers around the US could begin hitting close to home. Commuters could find themselves stuck on snowy highways or have their travel delayed as states, including Washington, are having trouble filling the low-paying jobs, according to state transportation officials. Washington also lost 151 winter operations workers who did not want to comply with the state’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement. In Washington, some roads and mountain passes will be closed longer than usual, due to the shortage.
MEANWHILE…
The labor shortage and pandemic concerns have also left local employers scrambling to find enough school bus drivers, restaurant workers, and even teachers. The shortage comes as the number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits dropped last week to the lowest level in 52 years.
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