Expanding the Workforce

People are the restaurant and foodservice industry’s greatest asset, and more than 15 million people are employed at a variety of small business, family-owned and national establishments across the country. Our workforce is more diverse than any other sector of the economy, employing more female and minority managers than any other industry. 

However, amid a national workforce shortage, expanding the workforce is critical to the success of the restaurant industry, and the U.S. economy. According to Association research, 79% of restaurant operators currently have job openings that are tough to fill.

That’s why, the Association supports the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (EWEA). This legislation would expand the workforce for occupations that provide growth opportunities without a college degree.

This non-immigrant, market-driven, temporary worker program would help restaurants fill job vacancies and provide employees with valuable training, experience, and a career path.

The restaurant industry urges Congress to help small businesses thrive by expanding the available workforce through passing the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 3734).