MichiganRadio

Report Examines Opportunity, Inequality in Michigan restaurants DETROIT, MI (Michigan Radio) - A new study shows the restaurant industry is a growing source of jobs in southeast Michigan. But the authors say not enough of those jobs provide a living wage, or opportunities for advancement.

The report documents both opportunity and inequality in southeast Michigan's restaurant industry.

It finds the sector grew over the past ten years, even as the region's overall economy declined. But the study also argues that too many restaurant jobs are characterized by low wages, few benefits, and limited opportunities for advancement.

Data shows only 13% of restaurant workers earn enough to support themselves, and more than half are without health insurance.

Minsu Longiaru, Coordinator of The Restaurant Opportunities Center of Michigan, says current public policies reward employers who cut corners. "So we have an atmosphere in which unfortunately labor and employment laws are not enforced regularly," Longiaru says.

The study's authors say the restaurant industry can improve working conditions while still creating jobs.
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