The fast food joints here are offering cash rewards for new employees. The bounty at one place is $200. Judging from the encounters I have had with both new and long-time (usually four weeks or so) employees, respiration seems to be the only absolute requirement for hiring.A lot of us have worked at fast food or other menial jobs early in life. As I recall, my friends and I were able to count change, handle requests for no mustard, and smile while doing it. Nowadays, you seldom even get eye contact because the clerk is busy studying the cash register buttons looking for the proper picture icon. Last week I tried to order a Wendy\’s Frescata sandwich and I thought the poor kid would have a nervous breakdown looking for \”Fresca\” on the key pad. The manager finally stepped in and saved him.

Of course, every generation looks back nostalgically on how things weren\’t. (\”Kids. What\’s the matter with kids today? Why can\’t they be like we were, perfect in every way? What\’s the matter with kids today?\” From the movie Bye Bye Birdie, 1963.) So maybe my griping about lousy service at fast food places is overdone. If I want good service I should go to a nicer place with more skilled employees - although price alone does not always guarantee good service.

People in our industry are competing for the more competent young people, who seem in such short supply. If the folks in fast food are offering cash rewards for warm bodies, we\’re going to have to figure out some workable incentives to attract people with skills or, failing that, at least the ability to learn.