Can New Bedford and Fall River make up for H2B shortage?
Tensions are mounting among seasonal employers who see little, if any hope, that Congress will act to increase the numbers of H2B visas for the upcoming season. Even if lawmakers acted, it might be too late. This will mean many businesses may open later and close sooner. The Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, for one, is reaching out to places like Fall River and New Bedford to recruit employees. Given those cities’ high unemployment rates, the prospect of tapping this labor pool has some serious merit, say employers. Brenda Francis, director of the Greater New Bedford Career Center, recently told the Boston Globe that job seekers there are intrigued by appeals from Cape employers. Meanwhile, Harwich-based Cape Destinations hopes that its recently launched CAPEX bus service to T.F. Green Airport in Providence could also transport employees on and off Cape every day. In addition, the Cape & Islands Workforce Investment Board is promoting the concept of 55-plus workers.
