It’s these workers, who were also hardest hit in the recession, who would be most at risk if hiring slowed—“something that I just don’t think we can risk right now,” Jones said.

Recent strike activity, including that from unions representing Deere & Co. workers, may push wages even higher. That’s welcome news for Jones, who wants to ensure better pay isn’t just a fad.

“We’re basically an ‘at-will’ employment country,” she said. “So it’s hard to say this stuff is locked in without the protections of a union.”

This article was provided by Bloomberg News.

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