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Worker shortage means those looking for jobs have a lot of negotiating power

Americans are leaving their jobs at a record rate. Nearly 4 million quit in April, according to the Bureau of Labor.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Businesses across the Charlotte area are in desperate need of workers, which means if you're looking for a job, you have a lot of negotiating power.

Let's connect the dots. 

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RECORD QUITTERS TIGHT MARKET

Americans are leaving their jobs at a record rate. Nearly 4 million quit in April, according to the Bureau of Labor.

That is an unprecedented number in the two decades they have been tracking this data. There are a lot of reasons workers are walking away.

Some are looking for better pay, some want to keep working from home and others just aren't satisfied with the culture at their workplace.

INCREASED WAGES KEEP WORKERS

All those resignations mean companies will have to pay up to keep good workers. 

Bank of America and Walmart have already announced they are increasing pay.

Experts now predict wages will grow 3% this year. That's the fastest increase in 13 years.

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NEW BUSINESSES BIG INCREASE

But not everyone is chasing a higher paycheck. Some people are starting new businesses altogether. Experts say the business formation rate in the US is the highest its been since 2006.

Proving more than anything, many people just want to be their own boss.

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