The Oregon Department of Energy said the gas station workforce has recently reduced by as much as 50% due to illness, childcare issues, and safety concerns according to the fuel industry.
Workers back.
Gas station managers say it hasn't been easy to keep employees during the coronavirus crisis... or find new ones.
As kezi 9 news reporter michael sevren shows us, that's why state leaders say they lifted the ban on self-service.
At the arco on gateway and beltline in springfield, laura smith is practicing social distancing by pumping her own gas.
Sot: i think right now it's a really wise decision everybody needs to be vigilant.
Manager brad neathery tells me they're letting their customers choose if they want to do self-service or not.
And if they do, attendants are standing by.
Sot: wipe down the nozzles and the keypads as soon as the customer is finished filling their vehicle.
It's up to each station if they want to allow self- service.
So why the change?
Leaders at the oregon department of energy, say lifting the ban allows stations to operate if they don't have the staff.
Stand up: the oregon department of energy says there are about 50% less people working at gas station then there used to be.
They say the drop is because of illness, childcare issues, and safety concerns.
Neathery says they haven't had to do any hiring yet, but says it's only a matter of time.
But right now, the prospect of getting new employee's doesnt look good.
Sot: the applications aren't really rolling in sort of speak.
Driver james fisher tells me he's worried that pumping his own gas could just make this situation even worse if employees aren't vigilant.
Sot: i have sanitizer with me it's not a problem.
But a lot of people, it's a good way of transmitting the virus.
But neathery hopes we get all through this rocky road together.
In springfield i'm michael sevren kezi 9 news.
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