How waste management fleets can navigate a volatile labor market

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Like many fleet-driven industries, the waste management industry is grappling with labor uncertainty. Last year, the Federal Reserve opted to cut interest rates due to cooling inflation, and it had signaled the intent for additional cuts in 2025. However, the current administration’s ongoing trade negotiations have led the Fed to be cautious about cuts, wanting tohttps://business-strategy-conferences.scifat.com/ wait and see how the negotiations—specifically the tariffs—affect the economy and job market. 

 

According to a July report from the Associated Press, June hiring reached 147,000, up from 144,000 in May (and outpacing the forecast), while unemployment fell to 4.1 percent (below forecast). On the flip side, average hourly wages didn’t hit the expected month-over-month target, though year-over-year gains are on track. Private sector hiring was about half what was expected and was outpaced slightly by the public sector. 

 

While these numbers present a bit of a mixed bag, they are generally trending positive. There is, however, the skilled labor shortage to consider as well, as this could affect operator and technician availability. And, as more jobs are filled, the pool of candidates narrows. Fleets can gain an edge in cost control, job appeal and employee retention by embracing technologies that improve their operations and make it easier for employees to do their job with less friction.

 

Why labor volatility is hitting fleets harder

Waste management fleets are facing wage inflation, high turnover and persistent recruitment challenges. According to the Solid Waste Association of North America, waste collection jobs remain difficult to fill, and worker shortages often lead to service delays, regulatory and safety risks and overburdened drivers.

 

Volatility in interest rates doesn’t just impact consumer behavior—it affects municipal budgets, private contractor negotiations and capital planning. As economic conditions shift rapidly, many fleets are being asked to do more with less.




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