Restaurant Workers Explain Why They Are Reluctant to Return to Work

As general manager of Bar Tonique in New Orleans, Mark Schettler never struggled to find staff. Full-time bartenders at Tonique make $40,000 to $50,000 a year working three days a week; they also get healthcare coverage, a 401K, and paid time off. The bar doesn’t allow clopeners or doubles, and since October, it has guaranteed tipped workers a minimum $20 an hour. Schettler also worked last year with Tulane University to develop COVID...