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People First: Tackling Workforce Challenges with Policy, Partnerships, and Purpose
If there’s one issue that’s come up again and again this year, it’s labor. Whether you’re running a mill, repairing pallets, or building new crates, the story’s familiar: good people are hard to find, and even harder to keep. Add in a shifting political landscape, and you’ve got real challenges that hit the heart of day-to-day operations.
It all starts with having the right team. Hiring challenges aren’t unique to our industry, but they tend to hit the pallet world harder. Why? Because we depend on skilled, safety-minded, hands-on workers who understand the ins and outs of wood packaging, production, and repair. These jobs aren’t easy, as they take grit, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic—often in hot, cold, and loud environments! And finding people who are up for that isn’t always simple.
In response, many companies are investing in workforce development: partnering with trade schools, offering in-house certifications, training, and promotions, and getting creative with recruitment and retention strategies. That being said, the burden doesn’t exclusively rest with you as an owner or hiring partner—policy matters.
Wage Pressures and the Cost of Compliance
State and federal wage laws are always changing, and in many places, rising minimum wages are really putting the pressure on small and mid-sized businesses. That’s especially tough for companies already dealing with higher material costs and new rules.
On the West Coast (California, Oregon, and Washington), we’re seeing a convergence of higher minimum wages, mandatory paid sick leave, and expanded workers' rights legislation. For example, California is set to increase its minimum wage to $18/hour by 2026. In Washington, that wage is already $20.76 in large cities like Seattle. While we understand that these policies aim to protect our crucial workers, those same policies make running a business even harder for companies trying to stay competitive.
If you’re paying higher wages, offering full benefits, and still struggling to hire, you’re not alone. It’s a balancing act: respecting the work your people do while trying to keep your doors open.
Immigration Enforcement: Preparedness Over Panic
Another layer to today’s labor landscape is the increasing scrutiny around workplace immigration enforcement. In June, WPA hosted a free legal webinar with immigration attorney Rocio La Rosa, offering crucial guidance for employers navigating this issue.
The message was clear: You have a duty to protect your operations, but also your people.
From understanding what to do if ICE arrives at your facility, to knowing the legal boundaries between cooperation and overreach, the webinar gave employers tools to stay compliant while respecting their employees’ rights. We also offered sessions in both English and Spanish, because clear, accessible information is a form of protection, too.
This isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a human one. And in a labor market already under strain, fostering trust and safety among your workforce is more important than ever.
Building a Workforce That Stays
So, what does all this talk about wages and compliance actually mean? What’s in your control, and how can you improve your hiring process and retention rates?
To start, focusing on employee well-being is key to keeping your team intact. Today’s workers want more than just a paycheck—they want a workplace with culture, purpose, and opportunities to grow.
Here are some practical ways pallet companies can make that happen:
September 2025