Asheville study reveals tough realities for local hospitality workers

Just Economics and Asheville Food and Beverage United collaborated with researchers at UNC Asheville on a study examining employment practices and policies for local hospitality workers. The report, titled “High Stakes, Low Reward: 2024 Hospitality Worker Survey and Discussion Report,” delves into the impact of living wages, paid sick days, and overall well-being of workers based on survey responses and discussions held in late 2023 and early 2024.

Survey Highlights

According to Jen Hampton, the housing and wages organizer with Just Economics, the survey aimed to highlight policies that can benefit workers and enhance service quality. The survey received 188 responses from predominantly white hospitality workers aged 18-40, along with input from a discussion group of service industry workers aged 11-22.

Research Assistant Michael Ratliff noted that over one third of respondents work multiple jobs, with 37% holding two or more jobs.

Living Wage and Multiple Jobs

The living wage in Buncombe County is $22.10 per hour, but 60% of respondents earn an interim living wage of $3,120 a month pre-tax, equivalent to approximately $18 an hour. Ratliff emphasized that many workers struggle to achieve a living wage even with full-time employment.

More than 90% of respondents favored an increase in the state minimum wage, which currently stands at $7.25 per hour. Additionally, less than 25% of respondents reported receiving paid sick days, leading to 85% of them working while sick.

Worker Testimony

One member of Asheville Food and Beverage United, Miranda Escalante, who has 17 years of service industry experience in Asheville, highlighted the challenges many workers face in making ends meet. She stressed the need for fair compensation that aligns with the growing demands of the industry.

Escalante called for better treatment of employees and fair wages to support workers as they contribute significantly to the tourism and hospitality sectors driving the local economy.

Conclusion

To access the full report, click here.