Labor Shortage Is a Hiring Strategy Problem, Not a Worker Shortage

NewsData.io · United States · Aug 17, 2026

An op-ed by economic strategist Dan Varroney argues that America's 7.4 million open jobs — including 1.2 million in manufacturing, transportation, and construction, and 1.35 million in healthcare — reflect a broken hiring strategy rather than a true worker shortage. Varroney calls for employers to adopt skills-first hiring, remove unnecessary degree requirements, and invest in paid work-based learning pathways. He cites programs like FAME apprenticeships at Constellium and Project SEARCH as models where employers redesigned talent pipelines and achieved strong retention. ADP data showing 7% median pay growth for job-changers versus 4.4% for stayers underscores the cost of leaving positions unfilled.