A moral response to the workforce crisis

Immigrants can fill the jobs gap that threatens economic growth -- and one place has plenty of willing workers right now.

In searching for a solution to the worker shortage, our practical needs may lead to a conclusion that our morality so far hasn’t. (Photo by Andre Klimke on Unsplash)

That nationwide labor shortage we keep hearing about hit home the other day when my wife and I dropped by a well-regarded restaurant, which was packed, and were met by a young guy who practically ran away as he stuffed a couple of menus in my hand. He told us to sit at whatever table was open and then find him at the counter when we were ready to order. 

Self-service was surprising for a place that had aspired pre-pandemic more to fine dining than to Burger King status, but we figured we would be fine — that is, until we overheard the young guy telling a customer who was placing an order, “It will be an hour or two. We’re behind.” Waiting two hours for somebody to cook us lunch was beyond what our patience would bear. We headed home and scrounged some leftovers.

It’s not just that restaurants have nobody to wait on diners an…