Georgia is experiencing the ‘Great Resignation’

To the Editor

The United States is experiencing “The Great Resignation.” In April, 4 million people quit their jobs, more in July, and a new record was set again in August. Georgia is ranked second for people leaving their jobs.

As I travel the state, I’ve been asked why. Are they lazy? Are they living off unemployment (you don’t qualify for unemployment when you quit)? What’s going on? The reality is Georgia is uniquely vulnerable. It’s pro-business not pro-work force.

Georgia polished its pro-business/anti-work force credentials early in the pandemic with the COVID-19 Pandemic Business Safety Act, which protects businesses from being sued by employees in all but the worst cases. This aligned with existing governance philosophy. We’re a “right to work” state, which hobbles the ability of workers to organize and advocate for stronger benefits and pay. The official minimum wage is also still $5.25.

Georgia workers face these obstacles as child care costs have soared by 115% since the start of the pandemic, rent is up 10%, and our vaccination rate is still around 50%. Don’t expect workers to invest in their jobs when we won’t invest in them.

Nicole Horn

Atlanta