Inadequate and Unpredictable
 Service jobs—particularly in food service, janitorial work, security services, and human and health services—offer low wages, inadequate and often unpredictable hours, and benefits packages that are usually weak, if they exist at all.
These jobs have been a sorry replacement for the good union manufacturing jobs that once defined opportunity in the city. This economic transformation has especially damaged Milwaukee’s Black community, resulting in extreme racial disparity.
COVID-19's Impacts
For workers facing a global pandemic, the fact that these jobs rarely provide health insurance or paid sick leave has become an enormous liability. With job quality low and increased opportunity in other sectors, the jobs are becoming harder to fill.
“Service jobs will continue to define economic opportunity in Milwaukee,” stated Laura Dresser, Associate Director for COWS, “and without attention to the structure of those jobs, too many Milwaukee residents will continue to struggle.”
Raising Standards
The City of Milwaukee can focus on raising standards by taking new approaches to:
- contracting and purchasing
- workforce training and economic development
- regulation and partnership
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