As business dies down during the coronavirus pandemic, Arizona’s workforce is finding itself out of work.
The outbreak of COVID-19 has caused more than just sickness – the effects of the disease have also resulted in a turbulent economy, with many businesses seeing a drop in customers – especially those who have been required to shut down temporarily.
Because of this, many workers are finding themselves without enough hours to get by, or in some cases, with no job altogether. Contractors, such as freelancers and ride-share drivers, often face the added problem of not having access to benefits like paid leave and insurance during this public health crisis.
Unemployment numbers have seen a major spike since businesses slowly shut down throughout the state. The Arizona Republic found that around 300 people filed for unemployment in Arizona during the first week of march. Last week, that number reached nearly 4,000.
Luckily, some businesses in Arizona are actually ramping up hiring.
“Unfortunately there are some jobs that are being destroyed through the downturn and the closings to protect public health, but there are job opportunities available,” Gov. Doug Ducey said at a press conference Friday.
“These grocery store chains … they all need to hire thousands of people to work inside the grocery store,” he said. “We’re working with our local food providers and restaurants to deliver food to homes. So all of those jobs and opportunities are available, and I’d encourage people [who] are able and healthy to pursue them.”
Other companies hiring include those involved in delivery and the health field. Here’s which businesses need more hands on deck:
AJ’s Fine Foods, Bashas’, & Food City
Arizona grocery chains AJ’s Fine Foods, Bashas’, and Food City are looking to fill more than 400 positions, including cashiers, bakery clerks, and meat cutters.
Albertsons, Safeway
Grocery chains Albertsons and Safeway have more than 120 positions open in Arizona. Roles include customer service representative, pharmacy technician, delivery driver, and more.
Amazon
Online marketplace Amazon is hiring 240 people in the state for roles including software engineer, warehouse team member, and more. People interested in driving and delivering for the company can also sign up under the Amazon Flex program, which allows workers to set their own schedules.
The company is looking to hire more than 100,000 people in the U.S.
Banner Health
Phoenix-based healthcare provider Banner Health is hiring for over 950 positions in the Valley. Openings include 400 registered nurses, 90 medical imaging professionals, and 50 housekeeping/environmental services workers, according to ABC 15.
Domino’s Pizza
Pizza chain Domino’s is taking on hundreds of delivery drivers, customer service representatives, assistant managers, and more to fill hiring gaps in Arizona.
The company announced plans this week to hire about 10,000 people in the U.S. to keep up with demand.
“While many local, state, and federal rules are closing dine-in restaurants, the opportunity to keep feeding our neighbors through delivery and carryout means that a small sense of normalcy is still available to everyone,” CEO Richard Allison said in a press release. “Our corporate and franchise stores want to make sure they’re not only feeding people, but also providing opportunity to those looking for work at this time, especially those in the heavily-impacted restaurant industry.”
Kroger
Fry’s Food Stores, Smith’s Food and Drug Stores, and more companies under the Kroger brand have more than 340 open positions in Arizona listed online. Roles include pharmacy technician, retail and grocery clerks, baker, and more.
Target
Big box retailer Target is hiring for hourly roles at dozens of its Arizona stores and a Phoenix distribution center. Roles include guest advocates, specialty sales, fulfillment, and more.
According to AZ Family, the company is looking to hire around 9,000 people across the country.
Walmart
Big box retailer Walmart has nearly 500 positions open, including cart attendant, stocker, and truck drivers, at its stores and distribution centers in Arizona.
The company is looking to hire a total of 150,000 people nationwide by the end of May, according to The Hill.
Jessica Swarner is an associate editor for The Copper Courier. She is an ASU alumna and previously worked at KTAR News 92.3 FM in Phoenix.
