Morrisey meets with Weirton area businesses
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WEIRTON -- Attorney General Patrick Morrisey went straight to members of the local business community, Wednesday, to learn about their experiences and needs coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Morrisey hosted several Weirton business representatives as part of a roundtable discussion held at Urban Coffee 304. It was part of a series of meetings held in the Northern Panhandle this week, including a visit to Bethany College and a substance abuse roundtable in Wheeling.
"I want to listen," Morrisey told those attending. "What do you need to be stronger here in the Northern Panhandle?"
Several of those gathered noted problems in finding people to fill available positions now that businesses are reopened, with specific mention of federal unemployment benefits and COVID-related incentives being a deterrent to rejoining the workforce.
Dewey Guida, owner of DeeJay's BBQ Ribs and Grille, said he runs into situations where people are just trying to show they are looking for work in order to receive benefits.
"Over the last few days, I had 12 interviews, three showed up," he said.
Jason Quattrachi, of Weirton Geriatric Center, said he has seen a lack of people in the nursing field, while Yianni Bourbakis of Theo Yianni's, said those who are hired to work at his restaurant don't always stay.
Also mentioned was how some businesses are increasing wages or offering bonuses to entice people to begin working, but the officials said they feel that sets a bad precedent for hiring practices and pits businesses against each other.
"We can't let that year set the standard," Bourbakis said of the reactions following the pandemic.
Barb Barkley of the Fairfield Inn and Suites noted concerns with the state's tax structure, as well as possible price gouging. She explained the hotel has experienced situations where the price of some products have increased from $10 to $75.
Morrisey agreed some of the programs offered as a way to help during the pandemic are now creating obstacles.
"We're going to pay heavily as a state, and a country, over the decisions made over the last few months," Morrisey said.
He encouraged the businesses to stay in touch with his office with any other concerns.
(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)