Saturday, July 6, 2024 According to the latest government data, U.S. hotels added 700 jobs to their payrolls in June, highlighting the ongoing nationwide workforce shortage that hinders hotels from filling open positions.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that total hotel employment now stands at approximately 1.92 million, which is over 196,000 fewer workers compared to February 2020, just before the pandemic. This shortfall underscores the scarcity of available employees in the industry.
Additionally, the BLS revised the total number of hotel jobs downward, negating the job gains previously reported in prior months. “Halfway through 2024, the hotel industry is behind where it needs to be when it comes to hiring staff, despite near-record high wages and expanding workplace benefits and flexibility. The reason is the nationwide workforce shortage, which is preventing hoteliers from meeting their full potential as demand for travel remains strong,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey .
“Both Congress and the administration can provide relief to our members, many of whom are small business owners, and AHLA will continue to call for action to expand the pool of available workers.” As of May, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 8.1 million job openings in the United States, with only 6.
6 million unemployed people available to fill them. The American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA) is urging the Department of Homeland Security to expand the wo.