A lot of students will be working this holiday season, and some of their employers are looking to hire more people.

According to the article from epionline.org, it says “But a bad situation was made worse by Congress’ 40 percent increase in the federal minimum wage between July 2007 and July 2009. A recent study by economists David Macpherson and William Even found that the “raise” priced over 114,000 teens out of a job.” Recently, we have seen this trend at Morton East High School. In a random survey of students from 4 classrooms, 42 of them do not have jobs, but 16 of them do during Christmas season.

“Yes, I do have (two) jobs.   I work at Starbucks and Target, and they do hire for a season,” a junior from Ms. Samata’s class said.

Another student says differently because during the winter months business decreases rather than increases.

“I work in construction and NO they do NOT hire for a season,” a senior from Mr Wascher’s class said.

But, some jobs require specialized skills.

“Yes, I do have a job.  I work at the prosthodontist office. I am a dental assistant, and we are very busy over the holidays because people are trying to use up all their insurance money before the end of the year, ” senior Diego Andrade said.

Many retailers will hire people as stockers and cashiers during the busy gift-giving season — especially big box retailers.

“I work at Target, and they do hire for the season,” senior Nekyah Pork said.

Another student has the same answer as well.

“I work at JCPenny, and they do hire for the season because they needed more people.  It is an easy job for (those interested in retail),” senior Elizabeth Gutierrez said.