Williston, N.D. (AP) Many employers in North Dakota's oil patch are in a constant struggle to stay staffed in a competitive environment where even fast-food jobs can start at $15 an hour.
Mercy Medical Center CEO Matt Grimshaw says his turnover rate has dropped from about 40 percent a year ago to about 30 percent today. But the hospital still has between 50 and 60 vacancies at any time.
Cindy Sanford is the manager of Job Service North Dakota's Williston office. She helps connect employers with potential employees but says even she struggles with staffing. Sanford says companies who use their service have even recruited away her employees.
Williams County's unemployment rate was just 0.8 percent in October according to Job Service North Dakota.