Oct 14, 2007

Hiring for the holidaysBy Peter JohnsonGreatFallsTribune.com

Jack-o-lanterns aren’t carved yet, but Great Falls retailers, from big box stores to smaller caterers, are already looking for extra workers to staff their businesses during the longer and busier holiday shopping days.

Competition to hire dependable, seasonal workers in an extremely tight labor market has spurred some Great Falls retailers, such as J.C. Penney to start hiring earlier. Others, such as Sears, are providing more training, while several, including Wal-Mart, have boosted pay.

“It’s getting tougher every year to find the right people, especially with the low unemployment rate,” said Emmy Olson, human resources executive for Target.

She is emphasizing pay that starts nearly $1.50 over the minimum wage, a good 401-K plan and a “fast, fun and flexible work schedule” as she tries to boost the store’s regular work force of 110 by 50 to 70 part-time employees for the holidays.

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