KJZZ is a service of Rio Salado College,
and Maricopa Community Colleges

Copyright © 2024 KJZZ/Rio Salado College/MCCCD
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Some AZ Restaurants Short Staffed As Employees Opt To Stay Home

Restaurants are opening again in Arizona. But some managers and owners are still finding themselves short staffed.

Arizona Restaurant Association President Steve Chucri says that’s because those furloughed workers are relying on state and federal unemployment benefits. But Chucri warns that passing up the job now could risk not getting one at all later.

“If you choose not to come back to work your job might not be there come August 1 or the best of opportunities, meaning the best of positions, may no longer be there,” Chucri said.

Chucri says he is not referring to people with genuine health concerns, but he says the federal and state benefits expire at the end of July and the jobs will get snapped up.

Read The Latest News On The Coronavirus Disease

Jill Ryan joined KJZZ in 2020 as a morning reporter, and she is currently a field correspondent and Morning Edition producer.