Seasonal Blue-Collar Workers and Small Business Owners Are Suffering

The Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance made the following statement today in response to the Pioneer Institute’s study that showed Barnstable county (the Cape) has the highest unemployment rate at 28% in the state due to the Governor’s executive order to shut down “non-essential” businesses and organizations. The Governor’s executive order is set to expire on Monday, having lasted 56 days.

“Many businesses have been in the red for all 56 of those days. They’ve had ample time to prepare to safely and responsibly reopen. They have the biggest incentive to keep their employees and customers safe and they know best how to do it. They are just waiting for the Governor to allow them,” stated Paul Craney, spokesman for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

Tied for second highest was Nantucket and Berkshire counties at 27.9%. Dukes county’s unemployment was also extremely high at 26.6%. Pioneer’s study may be found by clicking here.   

“The Pioneer Institute’s important research shows that Massachusetts’s most dependent seasonal workers and businesses are being hit the hardest by the Governor’s executive order. Their study comes at a perfect time. State House leaders need this vital economic research to help guide their decisions to safely allow for beaches and businesses to be reopen,” said Craney.

“These workers and businesses owners we see impacted here only have a few short few months to earn their living. While the affluent can still enjoy their summer at their second homes, it’s the workers and small businesses that serve them that are feeling the economic impact the most. These workers and business owners cannot simply telecommute. They need to be at work to earn a paycheck,” stated Paul Craney, spokesman for Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“In year’s past, their biggest obstacle to a productive season was weather and sharks. Now they need good weather, no sharks, and relief from the Governor’s executive order,” concluded Craney.