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ALBANY – They’re making barley.
Upstate brewery is so desperate in its search for workers amid New York’s pandemic recovery attempt that it has created a new beer called ‘Help Wanted’ – with a job offer on the can .
“Fan of our beers, like this juicy New England IPA?” You have free time ? It looks like you should try and enjoy these great beers as a member of the Bolton Landing Brewing family! reads the back of 16-ounce beer produced by the Bolton Landing Brewing Company.
“Like most businesses this year, we are looking for help in our valve room,” reads the announcement from the brewery, located less than a mile from Lake George and about a 20-minute drive from the street. main of the popular seaside resort.
“We offer competitive compensation, room for growth across the company, a fun and relaxed work environment, employee outings and an unbeatable view. Send an email or drop by the reception hall to apply, ”reads the advertisement in blue and red letters.
Company president Brendan Murnane, 34, told The Post that since he opened the company in 2017 with his father, John Murnane, 68, they had previously had no problems hiring. additional workers to help them during the busier summer season.
But this year, not a single candidate inquired between May and June about one of the company’s seven full-time and part-time positions.
The positions include a key kitchen job vacated by a worker who told Murnane he was leaving because he preferred to cash unemployment checks.
“If you get paid to stay home and enjoy the lake during the summer, a lot of people would be crazy not to take [the government] on that, ”Murnane said.
“Yes, it would be nice to spend the summer on the lake,” he said. “But you also have to go to work.
“Now everyone comes here, and we’ve done a lot of business, but we face the fact that we don’t have enough bodies to serve everyone,” lamented the owner, whose company understands. a tap. bedroom and kitchen.
He noted that he worked seven days a week in his normal role of running the business, which also helped prepare lunch and dinner so his boss could take days off.
Murnane said the labor shortage – as well as the fact that some of his food suppliers are unable to get the items he needs after the pandemic – has forced the brewery to downsize. menu in half, removing all sandwiches and burgers.
The owner said the pressure from the workers is putting pressure on his current workforce as well: the company’s indoor tap room fills up to a capacity of 40, but the back yard could accommodate up to 40 people. to 100 people.
The idea for the “Help Wanted” beer surfaced several weeks ago, when Murnane called a staff meeting to brainstorm solutions surrounding the hiring crisis, he said. The owner said his head brewer, Shaw Kerr, suggested they stick a job offer on the back of a beer that’s coming out soon.
“We all laughed, but I said, ‘Why not?’ Murnane remembers.
The beer first launched on Friday, June 9, and so far the brewery has received seven applicants – and one potential hire.
Beer is sold for $ 7 on tap at the brewery and as a four-pack for $ 16 internally. All four packs are also sold by beverage distributors across the state.
Murnane said the current offering is selling out quickly and that while it is expected to last a few more weeks, the company will be preparing another batch.
Customers appreciate creativity but also sympathize with the plight of small business, Murnane said.
The state suffered a massive economic blow at the height of the pandemic. As of May 2020, New York’s unemployment rate was over 16%, according to its Department of Labor.
The most recent figures released in May 2021 show an improvement, with a figure of 6.9% statewide.
People eligible to receive payments through the New York Unemployment System and the Federal Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation Program can receive up to $ 800 per week. The latter program is due to expire on September 5.
Other businesses across the state have also complained that it is difficult to attract workers as the Empire State goes into takeover mode while continuing to lift restrictions.
The New York City subway system had to cancel trains last month due to a staff shortage as the Big Apple’s underground transit artery resumed 24/7 service.
Some food suppliers have even used out-of-state truckers to deliver local produce and pay to accommodate them in hotels, The Post exclusively reported.
Saratoga Springs racetrack even offered signing bonuses of $ 500 for summer concerts typically popular with high school and college students ahead of opening weekend last week, the Albany reported. Times Union.
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