The lack of employment in Chicago has affected thousands of hardworking residents. In 1947, manufacturing companies in the city of Chicago reached a peak of 667,407 hard workers. Eventually, in the late 1950s, that number started to decrease rapidly. The lack of job opportunities residents face in different areas of Chicago has led to homelessness and many other life-changing difficulties.
For decades, residents of the South and West sides of Chicago have struggled with not having enough resources and work opportunities. No specific reason explains why large manufacturing companies left Chicago but, the effect still exists.
Closing Jobs
In the 1960s, manufacturers employed more than half a million workers, and more than one-third of those jobs were held by city residents. By 2017, less than 9% of workers were employed in manufacturing. One of the West side manufacturing companies called “Brach’s” closed its candy factory in the 2000s, making around 1,100 people jobless.
The “Helene Curtis factory” in Humboldt Park also closed shortly after laying off around 600 people. In the area, total employment fell to 11%. Leaving communities without stable jobs.
“Trying to attract the youth isn’t easy,” stated Freedman Seating CEO Craig Freedman. “With this gig economy, they don’t want to work for anybody. They want to work for themselves.”
Advocates say that without the funding of more money, new ideas, and bigger commitment, “it’s going to take a concerted effort.” Chicago needs better funding that can provide these communities with the tools they need to obtain stable jobs.
Making A Change
People often overlook the severity and impact of the job shortage in Chicago. Most people focus on other issues that go on within these communities. The focus is on trying to lower the crime rate, get better schooling, and better housing but, often overlooks what stable good paying jobs can provide.
Research from Cordova’s Institute and The Century Foundation has said, if an employer was to locate in an area that has high availability in the workforce, the overall economic boom to the community would expand far beyond those directly employed.
Cordova said, “Local communities and governments can work with employers who are desperate to fill manufacturing positions to create better, more sustainable outcomes.” Cordova said employers can set standards for residents and other communities hiring expectations, and even cooperative ownership.
Support Local Businesses
To be able to reach these goals, Chicagoans can start by supporting small local businesses, expanding proper work training, and increasing public investment. Helping small businesses expand can offer more jobs and more availability.
A better education system would also play a huge role in making a change. Better education can help community members qualify for and obtain long-lasting stable jobs.
More funding for everyone that may not be able to afford the resources they need to qualify for these positions is another major key to making a change in the city.
Proper schooling can teach people what employers are looking for. Once employers have qualified employees, they can start bringing other job opportunities and resources to these communities. For example, the Basque company in Spain now employs thousands of workers after Spain’s economy faltered a decade ago. This has helped their economy remain relatively stable.
Cordova adds, “The only real question here is, does Chicago want to be a part of this change?” Chicago communities need help to work towards bettering their community for themselves and the generations to come.
Written By Bella Ortega
Sources:
Interactive WBEZ: What The West Side Lost by Odette Yousef
JPMorgan Chase: Why Don’t Chicago’s South and West Side Residents Have Access to Daily Necessities?
Encyclopedia Chicago History: Work by David Moberg
Crain’s Forum: Jobs go unfilled in areas where workers are needed
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Bill Dickinson Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Peter Huys Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
