Why Are Millions Of U.S. Workers Still On The Sidelines?

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School districts can't find bus drivers. The TSA is short on security screeners. Ports can't find enough workers to load and unload shipping containers. Across many different sectors, the unavailability of workers is holding the economy back, and sending prices even higher. NPR's Scott Horsley reports.

Fuel truckers are another critical job that employers can't fill fast enough, explains NPR's Camila Domonoske.

Also in this episode: reporting from NPR's Andrea Hsu on why millions of older workers have decided to retire early during the pandemic.

In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment that will help you make sense of what's going on in your community.

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This episode was produced by Brent Baughman. It was edited by Scott Horsley, Uri Berliner, Lee Hale, and Fatma Tanis. Our executive producer is Cara Tallo.