The consequences of Cedar Point’s shocking $20 wage on Sandusky’s tourism economy
SANDUSKY, Ohio – Business should be booming this summer in Sandusky, as tourists return in droves following a year of pandemic-induced isolation.
There’s a problem, however: Many employers can’t find workers to staff their restaurants and retail operations, forcing them to cut back hours and turn away customers or contemplate major wage increases they say they can’t afford.
The problem was exacerbated last month when Cedar Point – desperate for employees – announced it was increasing starting pay to $20 per hour, double what it was paying a year ago.
The move apparently worked. The theme park giant, which reduced operating days this month to accommodate the staffing shortage, reported recently that hiring has been strong enough to resume full operations in late June.
The company’s wage decision, however, has sent shock waves through the business community.
“They’re doing what they need to do,” said Kula Lynch, who…
