JOB OPENINGS AND TURNOVER UP / MORE HOPE FOR UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED / FOUR OF FIVE WORKERS WANT NEW JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- There were 3.4 million job openings on the last business day of
December, up from 3.1 million in November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The hires rate (3.1 percent) and separations rate (3.0 percent) were unchanged over the month. The job openings rate has trended upward since the end of the recession in June 2009. (Recession dates are determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research.) This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, and separations for the nonfarm sector by industry and by geographic region.

The number of job openings in December was 3.4 million, up from 3.1 million in November. (See table 1.) Although the number of job openings remained below the 4.4 million openings when the recession began in December 2007, the number of job openings has increased 39 percent since the end of the recession in June 2009.

The number of job openings in December (not seasonally adjusted) increased over the year for total nonfarm and total private; the level was little changed for government. Several industries saw increases in the number of job openings over the year, while the number of job openings decreased for federal government. The South region experienced an increase in the number of job openings over the year.

The survey may prove relief for an increasing number of American and Canadian workers who want to move on. According to ManPower subsidiary, Right Management, four out of five workers say their current job unrewarding and not satisfying. The conclusion of the survey stated, “Employees are clearly in a grumpy mood, a trend we’ve tracked for more than a year. In better times we probably would have found just a minority complain that their energy is being sapped and so forth, but now it is almost a majority of employed North Americans who seem to be unhappy”.

Another survey by Right Management, released today, found, an increasing number of employers saying they are having a hard time finding qualified employees.

Full text of Job Turnover report from the Labor Department, click here. Right Management Survey on job satisfaction, click here. Right Management survey of Employers, click here. 02/07/2012

FAA GETS GPS NAVIGATION UPGRADE WITH BITTER PILL RESTRICTING UNION ORGANIZING OF MERGED AIRLINES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Congress has passed a permanent, $63.4 billion funding bill, H.R. 658, to find the Federal Aviation Administration through 2015. It includes $11 billion for a conversion of the nation's navigation control system to satellite GPS technology. The system currently functions on radar, which is 6 to 12 seconds behind the almost real time advantages with GPS. President Obama is expected to sign the bill.

It had been held up by House Republicans who demanded tougher restrictions on union organizing at merged airlines. Because of this, unions had opposed the final language of the bill. Unions were also concerned about in impact that the GPS system would have on union air controllers, which remains unclear.

Democrats who approved of the compromise say they will be keeping watch on the effect it may have when employees are voting on union representation. Under the new rules of H.R. 658, 50 percent of airline workers must favor a vote on unionization before that vote can take place, up from 35 percent.The FAA had been hindered by eight years of short term funding due to backroom battles over unions and funding cuts.

Consumer protections and consumer complaint investigations will also be expanded under the new funding bill. It also provides more money for passenger air service in smaller cities which don't qualify for current subsidy programs.

Full text of H.R. 658 Summary, click here. 02/07/2012

OBAMA ANNOUNCES VETERANS JOB CORP TO HIRE 20,000 VETERANS OVER THE NEXT 5 YEARS / ALSO PROPOSES MONEY FOR ADDITIONAL POLICE AND FIRE HIRING THIS YEAR

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- President Obama wants a Veterans Job Corp initiative to find jobs for thousands of veterans over the next five years. Obama proposes:

• New incentives to hire veterans as first responders: The President will announce $166 million in 2012 Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Grant funding and $320 million in 2012 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grants. The President will also announce that preference for these grants will now be given to communities that recruit and hire post-9/11 veterans to serve as police officers and firefighters. The COPS funding preserves law enforcement jobs and spurs new ones by making grant awards to communities across the country.  SAFER grants provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations in order to help them increase and retain the number of trained firefighters available in their communities, enhancing the local fire departments' abilities to comply with staffing, response, and operational standards.

• Hiring veterans to protect Americans as first responders and law enforcement officers:  Today, the President announced he will include in his FY13 Budget the $4 billion in COPS funding first proposed in the American Jobs Act to spur police officer hiring in 2012. The Budget will also include $1 billion for SAFER grants, as proposed in the American Jobs Act, to encourage firefighter hiring.  Preference for these grants will also be given to communities that hire post-9/11 veterans.

• Putting veterans to work preserving and restoring America’s land and resources: The President will propose $1 billion to develop a Veterans Job Corps conservation program that will put up to 20,000 veterans back to work over the next five years protecting and rebuilding America. Veterans will restore our great outdoors by providing visitor programs, restoring habitat, protecting cultural resources, eradicating invasive species, and operating facilities. Additionally, our veterans will help make a significant dent in the deferred maintenance of our Federal, State, local, and tribal lands including jobs that will repair and rehabilitate trails, roads, levees, recreation facilities and other assets.  The program will serve all veterans, but will have a particular focus on post-9/11 veterans.

• Supporting veteran entrepreneurship by building our next generation of small business leaders:  The President will propose an expansion of entrepreneurship training opportunities for separating service members and veterans. As part of the VA-DOD Task Force for a Career Ready Military that the President established in August of last year, the Departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs, working with the Small Business Administration, are developing a two-day entrepreneurship program as part of the Transition Assistance Program that will be available to all service members.  In addition, once service members separate, SBA will offer veterans more in-depth entrepreneurial training through an 8-week online training program that will teach the fundamentals of small business ownership to over 10,000 veterans annually, as well as an expansion of the existing suite of programs and public-private partnerships supporting entrepreneurship and small business development opportunities for veterans and veterans’ families, including an intensive entrepreneurship boot camp.

Full text of President Obama's Jobs Corps proposal, click here. Defense Department press release, click here. 02/03/2012

ECONOMY ADDS MORE JOBS THAN EXPECTED IN JANUARY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics today announced much better jobs statistics for January than expected. Expert had projected 150,000 jobs created in January, however, the BLS says Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 243,000 in January, and he unemployment rate decreased to 8.3 percent. Job growth was widespread in the private sector, with large employment gains in professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing. Government employment changed little over the month. The unemployment rate declined by 0.2 percentage point in January to 8.3 percent; the rate has fallen by 0.8 point since August The number of unemployed persons declined to 12.8 million in January. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (7.7 percent) and blacks (13.6 percent) declined in January. The unemployment rates for adult women (7.7 percent), teenagers (23.2 percent), whites (7.4 percent), and Hispanics (10.5 percent) were little changed. The jobless rate for Asians was 6.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted. In January, the number of job losers and persons who completed temporary jobs fell to 7.3 million. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed at 5.5 million and accounted for 42.9 percent of the unemployed. After accounting for the annual adjustments to the population controls, the employment-population ratio (58.5 percent) rose in January, while the civilian labor force participation rate held at 63.7 percent. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons, at 8.2 million, changed little in January. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. In January, 2.8 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, essentially unchanged from a year earlier. These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. Among the marginally attached, there were 1.1 million discouraged workers in January, little different from a year earlier. Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.7 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in January had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

Full text of BLS press release, click here. 02/03/2012

WHITE HOUSE GRAPHIC

AMERICAN AIRLINES PLANS TO CUT 13,000 JOBS / PART OF BANKRUPTCY RESTRUCTURING

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- American Airlines announced today it plans to shed 13,000 jobs, terminate its defined pension plan and cut payments for retirees medical plans.

American informed employees earlier today that all groups, including management, must reduce their total costs by 20 percent. While the savings from each work group will be achieved somewhat differently, the plan provides that each will experience the same percentage reduction. These reductions would result in average annual employee-related savings of $1.25 billion from 2012 through 2017.

As described in its internal announcements today, American's business plan and proposals encompass a total reduction of approximately 13,000 employees. Included in the total employee impact is the expected result of a previously launched redesign of American's management and support staff structure that will reduce 15 percent of management positions. Consistent with the approach taken by other major airlines in their restructurings, American's plan also includes:

 American also said it will seek Bankruptcy Court approval to terminate its defined benefit pension plans. If the plans are terminated, American will contribute matching payments in a 401(k) plan. American also will seek to discontinue subsidizing future retiree medical coverage for current employees, but will offer access to these plans if employees choose to pay for them. American also proposes to implement common medical plans and contribution structures across all active employee groups.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, which insures private defined pension plans, is battling American over its past payments due their plan, which were never made.

The PBGC said today, the American Airlines pensions are underfunded by about $10 billion, and Americans' retirees would lose at least $1 billion in benefits if the plans end. Under federal law, if a company in bankruptcy wants to end its pensions, it must demonstrate that doing so is the only way it can reorganize.

PBGC Director Josh Gotbaum had this to say:

"Before American takes such a drastic action as killing the pension plans of 130,000 employees and retirees, it needs to show there is no better alternative. Thus far, they have failed to provide even the most basic information to decide that."

PBGC statement on American plan, click here. Earlier PBGC statement challenging American Airlines statements to employees, click here.

American Airlines statement on layoffs and cutbacks, click here. 02/01/2012

CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE SAYS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PAYS MORE THAN PRIVATE SECTOR FOR WORKERS WITH HIGH SCHOOL THROUGH MASTERS / PAYS LESS FOR WORKERS WITH DOCTORATE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A new government report shows why private employers are having a harder time attracting the talent pool they want at the price they want to pay.

A report just released from the Congressional Budget Office says the federal government employs about 2.3 million civilian workers—1.7 percent of the U.S. workforce— spread among more than 100 agencies in jobs that represent over 700 occupations. As a result, the government employs workers with a broad complement of talents, skills, and experience, and it competes with other employers for people who possess the mix of attributes needed to do the work of its agencies.

The difference between the wages of federal civilian employees during the 2005–2010 period and those of
similar private-sector employees varied widely depending on the employees’ educational attainment.

 Workers whose highest level of education was a bachelor’s degree earned roughly the same hourly wages, on average, in both the federal government and the private sector (see Summary Figure 1). However, federal civilian workers with no more than a high school education earned about 21 percent more, on average, than similar workers in the private sector, whereas federal workers with a professional degree or doctorate earned about 23 percent less, on average, than their private sector counterparts.
 Overall, the federal government paid 2 percent more in total wages than it would have if average wages had been comparable with those in the private sector, after accounting for certain observable characteristics of workers.

During the 2005–2010 period, the federal and private sectors differed much more with regard to the costs that employers incurred in providing current and future benefits—including health insurance, retirement benefits, and paid vacation—than they did with regard to wages. Again, the extent of that difference varied according to workers’ educational attainment.
 Average benefits were 46 percent higher for federal employees whose highest level of education was a
bachelor’s degree than for similar private-sector employees and 72 percent higher for federal employees
with no more than a high school education than for their private-sector counterparts. Among employees with a doctorate or professional degree, by contrast, average benefits were about the same in the two sectors.

Full text of CBO report (PDF download 28 pages), click here - 01/31/2012

NOVARTIS SUBSIDIARY MUST PAY $99 MILLION FOR CHEATING ON SALES REPS OVERTIME

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A federal judge has approved a $99 million settlement of a class action lawsuit filed by sales representatives against Novartis and a subsidiary. The settlement, which was filed in the U-S District Court for the Southern District of New York, was granted preliminary approval this week.

The sales reps claimed their jobs were not exempt from wage and hourly laws. They district court ruled they were not exempt from overtime pay and an appeals court upheld the decision, then sent the case back to the district court to settle compensation. Two MUST READ links. Statement from Sanford Wittels & Heisler, attorneys for the sales reps click here , and an article on the case and a similar case pending in the U-S Supreme Court involving GalxoSmithKline and its sales reps. 01/27/2012

NEW UNEMPLOYMENT FILINGS DOWN 50,000 / REAL EARNINGS DOWN

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- In the week ending January 14, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 352,000, a decrease of 50,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 402,000. The 4-week moving average was 379,000, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 382,500.

States reported 3,026,855 persons claiming EUC (Emergency Unemployment Compensation) benefits for the week ending December 31, an increase of 100,179 from the prior week. There were 3,719,607 claimants in the comparable week in 2011. EUC weekly claims include first, second, third, and fourth tier activity.
The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending December 31 were in Alaska (6.9), Connecticut (6.6), Oregon (5.0), Wisconsin (4.9), Pennsylvania (4.7), Idaho (4.5), Rhode Island (4.5), Montana (4.3), New Jersey (4.2), Arkansas (4.0), Illinois (4.0), and Washington (4.0).

Real average hourly earnings for all employees rose 0.2 percent from November to December, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This change stems from a 0.2 percent increase in average hourly earnings, while the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) remained unchanged.Real average weekly earnings rose 0.5 percent over the month, as a result of the increase in real average hourly earnings and a 0.3 percent rise in the average workweek. Since reaching a peak in October 2010, real average weekly earnings have fallen 1.1 percent. However, real average hourly earnings fell 0.9 percent, seasonally adjusted, from December 2010 to December 2011. A 0.6 percent increase in the average workweek, combined with the decline in real average hourly earnings, resulted in a 0.3 percent decrease in real average weekly earnings during the same period.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in December on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months, the all items index increased 3.0 percent before seasonal adjustment. Similar to last month, the energy index declined in December and offset increases in other indexes. The gasoline index declined for the third month in a row and the household energy index declined as well. The food index rose in December, with the index for food at home turning up after declining last month.

The index for all items less food and energy increased 0.1 percent in December after rising 0.2 percent in November. The indexes for shelter, recreation, medical care, and tobacco all posted increases, while the indexes for used cars and trucks, new vehicles, and apparel all declined.

The all items index has risen 3.0 percent over the last 12 months, a decline from last month's 3.4 percent figure. Recent declines in the energy index have brought its 12-month change down to 6.6 percent from 19.3 percent in September. The 12-month change in the index for all items less food and energy held at 2.2 percent, while the 12-
month change in the food index edged up from 4.6 percent to 4.7percent.

Full text of Department of Labor initial claims press release, click here. Full text of Real Earnings press release, click here. Full text of Consumer Price Index press release, click here. 01/19/2012

OBAMA SAYS "NO" TO KEYSTONE PIPELINE / ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS STILL POSSIBLE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The petroleum industry claimed the Keystone Pipeline, which would bring oil from Canadian oil sand pits, to the U-S was a shovel ready jobs project that could help the country free it self from tenuous middle eastern countries. Environmentalists panned the idea saying it did nothing to promote energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Some businesses and unions, involving railroads and petroleum trucking companies that already haul the bulk of supplies in this country, saw it as an expensive end run around them, with no benefit for consumers, and no help for the county's current crumbling infrastructure. Congressional Republicans had hoped to force Obama into approving the project before the end of the year as the President had hoped. The President gave him his decision today. It was a decisive, "No". In a statement outlining administration concerns, White House officials claim that since 2008 U-S oil production has increased while imports have decreased. And that,

• In 2011, U.S. crude oil production reached its highest level since 2003, increasing by an estimated 90,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) over 2010 levels to 5.57 million bbl/d.   
• U.S. natural gas production grew by an estimated 7.4 percent in 2011– the largest year-over-year volumetric increase – and easily eclipsed the previous all-time production record set in 1973. 
• Overall, oil imports have been falling since 2008, and net imports as a share of total consumption declined from 57 percent in 2008 to 45 percent in 2011 – the lowest level since 1995.

In his own statement rejecting the proposal, President Obama wrote,

"Earlier today, I received the Secretary of State’s recommendation on the pending application for the construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline.  As the State Department made clear last month, the rushed and arbitrary deadline insisted on by Congressional Republicans prevented a full assessment of the pipeline’s impact, especially the health and safety of the American people, as well as our environment.  As a result, the Secretary of State has recommended that the application be denied.  And after reviewing the State Department’s report, I agree.  This announcement is not a judgment on the merits of the pipeline, but the arbitrary nature of a deadline that prevented the State Department from gathering the information necessary to approve the project and protect the American people.  I’m disappointed that Republicans in Congress forced this decision, but it does not change my Administration’s commitment to American-made energy that creates jobs and reduces our dependence on oil.  Under my Administration, domestic oil and natural gas production is up, while imports of foreign oil are down.  In the months ahead, we will continue to look for new ways to partner with the oil and gas industry to increase our energy security –including the potential development of an oil pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma to the Gulf of Mexico – even as we set higher efficiency standards for cars and trucks and invest in alternatives like biofuels and natural gas.  And we will do so in a way that benefits American workers and businesses without risking the health and safety of the American people and the environment". Full text of President Obama's statement, click here. Additional White House statement, click here . MUST SEE YOUTUBE VIDEO OF STORY FROM PBS NEWSHOUR (BELOW) 01/18/2012

FEDERAL RESERVE SAYS 4TH QUARTER 2011 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION UP

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Federal Reserve today reported industrial production increased 0.4 percent in December after having fallen 0.3 percent in November. For the fourth quarter as a whole, industrial production rose at an annual rate of 3.1 percent, its 10th consecutive quarterly gain. In the manufacturing sector, output advanced 0.9 percent in December with similarly sized gains for both durables and nondurables. The output of utilities fell 2.7 percent, as unseasonably warm weather reduced the demand for heating; the output of mines moved up 0.3 percent. At 95.3 percent of its 2007 average, total industrial production in December was 2.9 percent above its level of a year earlier. The capacity utilization rate for total industry rose to 78.1 percent, a rate 2.3 percentage points below its long-run (1972--2010) average.

Manufacturing production climbed 0.9 percent in December to a level 3.7 percent above that of 12 months earlier; gains in December were widespread among the major industry groups. The factory operating rate moved up 0.6 percentage point to 75.9 percent, but it was still 3.1 percentage points below its long-run average of 79.0 percent. For the fourth quarter, manufacturing production increased at an annual rate of 3.9 percent.

The output of durable goods rose 0.9 percent in December. The indexes for wood products, primary metals, and machinery registered gains of more than 2 percent; the only major industries that recorded substantial decreases were nonmetallic mineral products, aerospace and miscellaneous transportation equipment, and furniture. For the fourth quarter, the output of durables moved up at an annual rate of 6.3 percent, with gains of nearly 10 percent or more in wood products; primary metals; electrical equipment, appliances, and components; motor vehicles and parts; and aerospace and miscellaneous transportation equipment.

The production of nondurable goods advanced 0.8 percent in December. The indexes for textile and product mills, for petroleum and coal products, for chemicals, and for plastics and rubber products all gained 1.0 percent or more, while the indexes both for paper and for apparel and leather fell. The output of nondurables increased at an annual rate of 1.5 percent in the fourth quarter. The index for other manufacturing (non-NAICS), which consists of publishing and logging, jumped 2.3 percent in December after having dropped 1.9 percent in November.

Full text of Federal Reserve press release, click here. 01/18/2012

FEDERAL RESERVE SAYS ECONOMY REGISTERED MODEST TO MODERATE GROWTH DURING END OF 2011 / MOODY'S PROJECTS IMPROVING JOB CREATION

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Today's Beige Book report on the U-S economy from the Federal Reserve shows national economic activity expanded at a modest to moderate pace during the reporting period of late November through the end of December. Seven districts characterized growth as modest; of the remaining five, New York and Chicago noted a pickup in the pace of growth, Dallas and San Francisco reported moderate growth, and Richmond indicated that activity flattened or improved slightly. Compared with prior summaries, the reports on balance suggest ongoing improvement in economic conditions in recent months, with most Districts highlighting more favorable conditions than identified in reports from the late spring through early fall. Consumer spending picked up in most Districts, reflecting significant gains in holiday retail sales compared with last year’s season, and activity in the travel and tourism sector expanded in most areas.
Demand strengthened further for non financial services, including professional and transportation services.
Manufacturing activity generally continued to expand, although the pace of growth has slowed for
selected sub sectors such as technology products. Agricultural producers and extractors of natural
resources reported generally robust conditions. Activity stayed sluggish in residential real estate markets,
and conditions in commercial real estate markets remained somewhat soft overall but showed signs of
ongoing improvement in several Districts. Reports from financial institutions generally indicated a slight
up tick in loan demand by businesses, along with improvements in overall credit quality.
Upward price pressures and price increases remained quite limited for most categories of final
goods and services, as the effects of prior increases in the costs of selected inputs have eased. Upward
wage pressures were modest overall, although a few Districts noted substantial compensation increases
for workers with specialized skills in selected sectors and regions. Also today, Moody's analyst Mark Zandi issued a jobs forecast for 2012. Although he doesn't expect 2012 to be a breakout year, Zandi projects job gains of about 130,000 a month — about 1.6 million for the year — in line with 2011.

Moody's also predicts:

•Three categories — professional and business services, education and health care, and leisure and hospitality — will lead job gains, collectively producing more than 1 million. The booming energy sector will also continue to hire.

•Sun Belt states hammered by the recession — Florida, Arizona, Georgia and Nevada — will rebound some as an easing of the foreclosure crisis lets homeowners move more easily. All four are projected to be among the 10 fastest-growing job markets.

•Rust Belt manufacturing bastions such as Illinois, Ohio and Indiana will generate jobs more slowly as the European financial crisis hampers exports.

Driving the improvement in overall job growth is a pickup in hiring and confidence among small businesses as banks modestly ease credit standards. Small firms, particularly start-ups, typically account for two-thirds of the new jobs created in a recovery. Also, productivity gains that have allowed companies to do more with fewer workers are slowing, government reports show.

Full text of Federal Reserve Beige Book report , click here. Zandi and Moody's article, click here. 01/12/2012

SUPREME COURT GIVES CHURCH MINISTERIAL EXEMPTION FROM JOB BIAS LAWS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A woman who sued a Michigan church over her firing is not protected by job bias laws. That's the decision of the U-S Supreme Court, which says religious organizations are exempt from job bias laws involving "ministerial" jobs.

Cheryl Perich was a 4th grade teacher at the Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church in Redford, Michigan. Perich claims the school fired her when she tried to return to her job after battling narcolepsy and told her she was unfit for her job after she threatened to sue school officials. Perich claimed the school violated the Americans with Disabilities Act.

School officials admitted they felt she was unfit for her job, and the Supreme Court sided with the school saying the school must "be free to chose" those who are involved with ministerial work for the church.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission had backed Perich in her lawsuit, claiming the school's action was illegal.

The court rendered a surprising unanimous decision in the case, believing the rights of religious organizations to determine their staffs involved with religious teachings should not be subject to the ADA. Text of actual Supreme Court decision (HOSANNA-TABOR EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
CHURCH AND SCHOOL v. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION), click here. 01/11/2012

JOB OPENINGS AND LABOR TURNOVER IMPROVING CHANCES FOR JOB SEEKERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The number of job openings in November was 3.2 million, unchanged from October. Although the number of job openings remained below the 4.4 million openings when the recession began in December 2007, the level in November was 1.0 million higher than in July 2009 (the most recent trough for the series). The number of job openings has increased 30 percent since the end of the recession in June 2009.The number of job openings in November (not seasonally adjusted) was little changed over the year for total nonfarm, total private, and government. Several industries saw increases in the number of job openings over the year, while the number of job openings decreased for finance and insurance, professional and business services, and federal government. The Midwest and South regions had increases in the number of job openings and the West experienced a decline over the year.

In November, the hires rate was little changed at 3.2 percent for total nonfarm. The hires rate was essentially unchanged over the monthin all industries and regions. The number of hires in November was 4.1 million, up from 3.6 million in October 2009 (the most recent trough) but below the 5.0 million hires recorded when the recession began in December 2007. The number of hires has increased by 15 percent since the end of the recession in June 2009. Over the past 12 months, the hires rate (not seasonally adjusted) was little changed for total nonfarm, total private, and government. The hires rate increased over the year in arts, entertainment, and recreation and was essentially unchanged in every other industry. The hires rate was essentially unchanged in all four regions.

The number of layoffs and discharges for total nonfarm was 1.7 million in November, down from a peak of 2.5 million in February 2009. For the 16 months ending in November 2011, the number of layoffs and discharges has been at or below 1.8 million—the level at the start of the recession.

Full text of Bureau of Labor Statistics press release, click here. 01/10/2012

ANOTHER SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT FOR UNEMPLOYMENT RATE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Both the number of unemployed persons (13.1 million) and the unemployment rate (8.5 percent) continued to trend down in December. The unemployment rate has declined by 0.6 percentage point since August.
Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men decreased to 8.0 percent in December. The jobless rates for adult women (7.9 percent), teenagers (23.1 percent), whites (7.5 percent), blacks (15.8 percent), and Hispanics (11.0 percent) showed little change. The jobless rate for Asians was 6.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was little changed at 5.6 million and accounted for 42.5 percent of the unemployed. The civilian labor force participation rate (64.0 percent) and the employment-population ratio (58.5 percent) were both unchanged over the month. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) declined by 371,000 to 8.1 million in December. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. About 2.5 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force in December, little different from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. Among the marginally attached, there were 945,000 discouraged workers in December, a decrease of 373,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.6 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in December had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

Full text of BLS press release, click here. 01/06/2012

BOEING TO CLOSE WICHITA KANSAS PLANT / LOSS OF 2,160 EMPLOYEES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom - Boeing has announced it is closing the Wichita, Kansas plant which will bring an end to an estimated 2,160 jobs there. Operations at the plant will be taken over by other plants in San Antonio, Texas, Everett, Washington and Oklahoma City. That will mean additional hiring in those cities.

In a statement released by the company, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, Vice President and General Manager Mark Bass said, "In this time of defense budget reductions, as well as shifting customer priorities, Boeing has decided to close its operations in Wichita to reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and drive competitiveness," said Bass. "We will begin program transitions in the coming months, with the complete closure of the site scheduled for the end of 2013. We do not anticipate job reductions as a result of this decision until early in the third quarter of 2012".

Boeing Wichita is the base for the company's Global Transport & Executive Systems business and its B-52 and 767 International Tanker programs. The facility also provides support for flight mission planning and integrated logistics.

Future aircraft maintenance, modification and support work will be placed at the Boeing facility in San Antonio. Engineering work will be placed at the Boeing facility in Oklahoma City. Although work on the KC-46 tanker will now be performed in Puget Sound, Wash., the 24 Kansas suppliers on the program will be providing vital elements of the aircraft as originally planned.

"The company spent more than $3.2 billion with approximately 475 Kansas suppliers in 2011, spanning its commercial and defense businesses, making it the fourth largest state in Boeing's supplier network," said Bass. "Based on Boeing Commercial Airplanes growth projections for the next few years, Boeing anticipates even more growth for suppliers in Kansas. Boeing values its long-term partnership with Kansas,
and we will continue to work with all of our stakeholders in Kansas in support of a robust aerospace industry in the state".

Full text of Boeing statement, click here . Wichita Eagle story on community impact, click here. 01/05/2012

351 OF 372 METRO AREAS HAVE LOWER JOBLESS RATES OVER 2010

More from the Emeritus Newsroom-Unemployment rates were lower in November than a year earlier in 351 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 16 areas, and unchanged in 5 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Eight areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 25 areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred thirty-nine metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in non farm payroll employment, 127 reported decreases, and 6 had no change. The national unemployment rate in November was 8.2 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from9.3 percent a year earlier. In November, 58 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least 10.0 percent, down from 112 areas a year earlier, while 129 areas posted rates below 7.0 percent, up from65 areas in November 2010. El Centro, Calif., and Yuma, Ariz., recorded the highest unemployment rates in November 2011, 27.2 and 23.7 percent, respectively. The six remaining areas with jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent were located in California. Bismarck, N.D., registered the lowest unemployment rate, 2.8 percent. The areas with the next lowest rates were Fargo, N.D.-Minn., and Lincoln, Neb., 3.1 and 3.2 percent,respectively. A total of 224 areas recorded November unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 8.2 percent, 137 areas reported rates above it, and 11 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.

Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. 01/03/2012

VIDEO: THE PROMISE AND PITFALLS OF JOB RETRAINING / JOB LOSS AMONG THE LONG TERM EMPLOYED

More in video below from the Brookings Institution (7 Minutes)- 12/18/2011

OBAMA EXTENDS OVERTIME AND MINIMUM WAGE RULES FOR HOME CARE WORKERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The White House announced today proposed rule changes that would provide minimum wage and overtime protections for nearly two million workers who provide in-home care services for the elderly and infirmed.

According to a statement from the White House, many of these workers provide critical in-home health care services such as tube feeding, wound care, or assistance with physical therapy, and deserve the protections provided under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Today’s announcement is the latest in a series of executive actions the Obama Administration is taking to strengthen the economy and move the country forward because we can’t wait for Congress to act. 

Currently, workers classified as ‘companions’ are exempt from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime pay requirements. When established in 1974, such exemptions were meant to apply to casual babysitters and companions for the elderly and infirm, not workers whose vocation was in-home care service, and who were responsible for their families’ support. With an aging American population, there has been increased demand for long-term in-home care, and as a result the in-home care industry has grown substantially.  Today’s 1.79 million home care workers are professional caregivers, not mere companions.  In view of this changed landscape, the proposed regulation reconsiders whether the current exemption is now too broad. Of the 1.79 million home care workers, 1.59 million are employed by staffing agencies of which over 92% are women, nearly 30% are African American, 12% are Hispanic and close to 40% rely on public benefits such as Medicaid and food stamps.

Today’s proposed rule would expand minimum wage and overtime protections by ensuring that all home care workers employed by third parties, like staffing agencies, will receive protections. It would also ensure that those employed by families and performing skilled in-home care work, such as medically related tasks for which training is typically a prerequisite, are covered. However, those employed by families and truly engaged in tasks related to fellowship and protection- such as visiting with friends and neighbors or engaging in hobbies- would still be considered ‘companions’ and will not be subject to wage protections.

This issue gained national attention when, in 2007, the Supreme Court ruled that Evelyn Coke, a home care worker who worked as much as 70 hours a week, was not entitled to overtime pay under existing regulations. Thus, any change to these rules requires action by Congress or the Department of Labor. There have been bills introduced in numerous Congresses to address this issue (including legislation that then-Senator Obama co-sponsored in the 110th Congress) but these bills have not moved forward. The Department of Labor is therefore now proposing regulations to change these rules and ensure that home care workers like Evelyn Coke will have basic wage protections.

The Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division is responsible for enforcing the Fair Labor Standards Act that was passed in 1938 to provide minimum wage and overtime protections for workers, to prevent unfair competition among businesses based on subminimum wages, and to spread employment by requiring employers whose employees work excessive hours to pay employees at one-and-one-half times the regular rate of pay for all hours worked over 40 in a week. Upon publication of the proposed rule, interested parties will be invited to submit comments at www.regulations.gov. More information, including the proposed rule and fact sheet is available on the Department's Companionship Webpage at www.dol.gov/whd/flsa/companionNPRM.htm.

Full text of White House statement, click here- 12/15/2011

ACTIVISTS FOR POOR PUSH BACK AGAINST REPUBLICAN PROPOSALS TO CUT UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS / VIDEO: STATES CONTINUE TO BORROW MONEY TO PAY BENEFITS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- According to legislative experts at the National Employment Law Project, the leadership of the House of Representatives wants to slash the federal UI programs and also do substantial harm to the basic state UI system. The current benefits run out December 31st.

The statement from NELP explains,

"These misguided and mean-spirited proposals are contained in a bill sponsored by the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Representative Dave Camp (R-MI). The Camp bill (H.R. 3630) abandons millions of U.S. workers and those communities hardest hit by the most severe jobs crisis since the Great Depression, including Rep. Camp’s own constituents in Michigan, while inflicting irreparable damage on the nation’s UI safety net. Rather than negotiate across party lines to forge consensus to maintain the critical lifeline of benefits that now serves more than six-and-a-half million U.S. workers and their families, the Camp bill cuts the federal UI program by more than half in 2012, eliminating 40 weeks of benefits. Perversely, the most severe and immediate cuts are directed at those states with the highest rates of unemployment. Cutting benefits so drastically for those workers and communities who have been impacted the worst by the recession and slow recovery is a draconian measure, even to the most jaded observer of politics in today’s Congress. Taking into account the documented impact of UI, which has generated up to $2 in economic activity for every $1 the federal government has spent on UI during this recession,1 NELP estimates that the House leadership’s proposal would result in as much as $22 billion in lost economic growth to the nation’s economy, which also translates into a loss of at least 140,000 jobs next year. The reduced level of income support provided by federally-funded unemployment benefits will, in turn, further strain state and local budgets due to the loss of payroll taxes, sales taxes and other revenue generated by spending on local goods and services. At a time when more than a third of the nation’s unemployed have been jobless for a year or more, eliminating over half of the unemployment benefits available for the long-term unemployed will also drive these workers and their families to greater reliance on dwindling state, local and community resources like food pantries and shelters. In addition to slashing the federal jobless benefit programs, H.R. 3630 also takes direct aim at the core principles of the basic state UI program, which have been honored by every Congress since the program was created in response to the Great Depression. Without providing any additional funding, except out of the pockets of the unemployed, the bill imposes extreme burdens and requirements on the state agencies that administer the UI programs and undermines the primary authority delegated to the states by the Social Security Act of 1935 to determine eligibility for unemployment benefits. Of special significance, H.R. 3630 imposes a high school diploma or GED requirement as a condition of eligibility on all recipients of state unemployment benefits, which unfairly penalizes workers in those communities that already have the least access to quality education and training. In addition, the bill opens the door to “means testing” in the UI program by imposing income limits on the benefits. Perhaps most disturbing, the Camp bill promotes state drug testing for workers to qualify for unemployment benefits—a deep affront to the character of millions of Americans who desperately want get back to work. Devising new ways to insult the unemployed only distracts from the current debate over how to best restore the nation’s economy to strong footing and the discussion over how to best support the unemployed and get them back to work. H.R. 3630 takes partisan politics to a new level, while sacrificing the critical needs of today’s unemployed families and the struggling economy.Full text of NELP statement, click here. See video below of NELP expert on status of unemployment benefits throughout the U-S. 12/13/2011

NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT LAW PROJECT PROMOTES FUNDRAISING DRIVE, VIDEO TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST WORKER RIGHTS EROSION

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The National Employment Law Project is undertaking a large scale fund raising campaign to save unemployment benefits and create jobs. NELP has completed and uploaded a video explaining their goals. The link is available at end of this article. The video tells the stories of two workers—Melissa from Michigan, and Debra from Brooklyn—and how NELP is making a difference for them and for millions of other workers across America.   

Executive Director Christine Owens, in an e-mail sent to supporters, states, "Our nation has overcome enormous challenges before, in ways that made us stronger, fairer, and more prosperous.  NELP believes that today, as well, we can restore the promise of economic opportunity for all who work in America—and to ensure a brighter future for our nation, we must do so".   

See video below of NELP campaign - NELP Campaign donation page, click here- 12/10/2011

UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS .4 PER CENT IN NOVEMBER / POTENTIAL TROUBLE STILL LIES BELOW SURFACE / VIDEO REPORTS FROM PBS AND VOICE OF AMERICA / INTERVIEW WITH PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON ON HIS BOOK, "BACK TO WORK"

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Employment improved more than expected in November with signals job market is still far from settled. According to the U-S Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate fell by 0.4 percentage point to 8.6 percent in November, and nonfarm payroll employment rose by 120,000, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment continued to trend up in retail trade, leisure and
hospitality, professional and business services, and health care. Government employment continued to trend down.

In November, the unemployment rate declined by 0.4 percentage point to 8.6 percent. From April through October, the rate held in a narrow range from 9.0 to 9.2 percent. The number of unemployed persons, at 13.3 million, was down by 594,000 in November. The labor force, which is the sum of the unemployed and employed, was down by a
little more than half that amount.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men fell by 0.5 percentage point to 8.3 percent in November. The jobless rate for whites (7.6 percent) also declined, while the rates for adult women (7.8 percent), teenagers (23.7 percent), blacks (15.5 percent), and Hispanics (11.4 percent) showed little or no change. The jobless rate for Asians was 6.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

In November, the number of job losers and persons who completed temporary jobs declined by 432,000 to 7.6 million. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) was little changed at 5.7 million and accounted for 43.0 percent of the unemployed.

The civilian labor force participation rate declined by 0.2 percentage point to 64.0 percent. The employment-population ratio, at 58.5 percent, changed little.

The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) dropped by 378,000 over the month to 8.5 million. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.

In November, 2.6 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, about the same as a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey.

Among the marginally attached, there were 1.1 million discouraged workers in November, a decrease of 186,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.5 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in November had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

Analysis of today's announcement seemed largely cautious. Gary Burtless, Senior Fellow, Economic Studies , The Brookings Institution, concluded, "The drop in the size of the labor force, even if it is only temporary, should serve as a reminder that there are millions of adults who would be looking for work or gainfully employed if we were nearer to full employment. Since the end of the last economic expansion the labor force participation rate has fallen 2.0 percentage points; it now stands at 64%. The current participation rate is only 0.1% above a 27-year low, one that was attained in July of this year. In a healthier job market the participation rate would be at least 1.5% higher. Even though the job market is healthier than it was earlier this year, it is still a long way away from robust health".

Full text of Bureau of Labor Statistics press release, click here- Gary Burtless online analysis, click here- 12/02/2011

PRESIDENT SIGNS VETERANS JOBS BILL

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- One of the few bi-partisan legislative actions of this congress is the recent passage of , "The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011". Today, President Obama signed the act into law, saying,

"While we've added more than 350,000 private sector jobs over the last three months, we've got 850,000 veterans who can't find work.  And even though the overall unemployment rate came down just a little bit last month, unemployment for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan continued to rise.  And that isn’t right.  These men and women are the best that America has to offer.  They are some of the most highly trained, highly educated, highly skilled workers that we have.  If they can save lives on the battlefield, then they can save a life in an ambulance.  If they can manage convoys moving tons of equipment over dangerous terrain, they can manage a company’s supply chain.  If they can track millions of dollars of assets in Iraq, they can balance the books of any company here in the United States".

The House approved the act last month, the Senate passed it earlier this month and the House approved changes made in the Senate. Specifics of the act can be seen in the story below from November 10, 2011 (Senate passes Veterans Jobs Bill).

Text of President's speech, click here- Video of President's speech and bill signing below- 11/21/2011

VIDEO: START UPS ARE THE KEY TO JOB GROWTH- BROOKINGS INSTITUTION (6 MINUTES)- 11/21/2011

WORKERS REAL EARNINGS DROP 1.6% FROM OCTOBER 2010 TO OCTOBER 2011

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Real average hourly earnings for all employees rose 0.3 percent from September to October, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This increase stems from a 0.2 percent increase in average hourly earnings and a 0.1 percent decline in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). Real average weekly earnings rose 0.3 percent over the month, as a result of the increase in real average hourly earnings combined with the unchanged average workweek.

Real average hourly earnings fell 1.6 percent, seasonally adjusted, from October 2010 to October 2011.
An unchanged average workweek combined with the decline in real average hourly earnings resulted in a
1.7 percent decrease in real average weekly earnings during the same period.

Full text of Bureau of Labor Statistics press release and more detailed analysis, click here. 11/15/2011

SENATE PASSES VETERANS JOBS BILL

More from the Emeritus News Employment Page- The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011 passed the Senate today on a vote of 95-0, in a rare show of bipartisanship. The House passed it last month 405-16, but needed to approve changes made in the Senate. The act provides tax credits to businesses that hire veterans who are out of work — $5,600 for each veteran and $9,600 for each disabled veteran. According to proponents of the measure, provisions of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act, once signed into law, will include:

•Tax credit of up to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been looking for a job for more than six months, as well as a $2,400 credit for veterans who are unemployed for more than four weeks, but less than six months.

• Tax credit of up to $9,600 for hiring veterans with service-connected disabilities who have been looking for a job for more than six months.

• Makes the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) — an interagency workshop coordinated by the departments of Defense, Labor and Veterans Affairs — mandatory for service members moving on to civilian life to help them secure meaningful jobs through resume-writing workshops and career counseling.

• Expands education and training opportunities for older veterans by providing 100,000 unemployed veterans of past eras and wars with up to one year of additional Montgomery GI Bill benefits for education or training programs at community colleges and technical schools.

• Provides disabled veterans up to one year of additional vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits.

• Allows service members to start looking for federal jobs before separating from active duty in order to facilitate a truly seamless transition from the military to jobs at federal agencies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs says the unemployment rate for about a quarter-million veterans who have returned from Iraq and Afghanistan stands at 12.1 percent. Of the estimated one million jobless veterans in America, two-thirds of them fall within the 35-64 age group. Details of VOW Act from Thomas bill summary, click here. 11/10/2011

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS SLIGHTLY / 80,000 JOBS ADDED IN OCTOBER

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Nonfarm payroll employment continued to trend up in October (+80,000),
and the unemployment rate was little changed at 9.0 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment in the private sector rose, with modest job growth continuing in professional and businesses services, leisure and hospitality, health care, and mining. Government employment continued to trend down. Household Survey Data. Both the number of unemployed persons (13.9 million) and the unemployment rate (9.0 percent) changed little over the month. The unemployment rate has remained in a narrow range from 9.0 to 9.2 percent since April. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate declined for blacks (15.1 percent) in October, while the rates for adult men (8.8 percent), adult women (8.0 percent), teenagers (24.1 percent), whites (8.0 percent), and Hispanics (11.4 percent) showed little or no change. The jobless rate for Asians was 7.3 percent, not seasonally
adjusted. In October, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) declined by 366,000 to 5.9 million, or 42.4 percent of total unemployment. The civilian labor force participation rate remained at 64.2 percent in October, and the employment-population ratio was little changed at 58.4 percent.

The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) decreased by 374,000 to 8.9 million in October. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.

In October, 2.6 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, about the same as a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had
not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey.

Among the marginally attached, there were 967,000 discouraged workers in October, a decrease of 252,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.6 million persons marginally attached to the
labor force in October had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. 11/04/2011

WHY RECENT GOVERNMENT REPORTS OFFER FUEL FOR THE "OCCUPY WALL STREET" MOVEMENT

More in this MUST READ article from the Economic Policy Institute, click here- Congressional Budget Office October 2011 report on distribution of income, click here- Census Bureau October 2011 report on income inequality, click here- 11/01/2011

WHIRLPOOL TO CUT 5,000 JOBS WORLDWIDE / TO CLOSE FT. SMITH ARK. PLANT

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- About 10% of the total workforce at Whirlpool Corporation will be eliminated due to weak demand for the company's products. In a statement today, the company said, "Third-quarter operating profit totaled $136 million compared with $234 million in the prior year.  Weaker global demand and higher raw material and oil-related costs during the quarter offset the benefits of ongoing productivity, cost reduction initiatives and previously announced price increases.

To compensate for those conditions, the company announced:

These actions are expected to result in $400 million in annual cost savings by the end of 2013. The combination of these plans with announced price increases are expected to accelerate margin growth beginning in 2012. Restructuring expenses totaling approximately $500 million will be incurred over the period beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011 through 2013. The company now anticipates recording restructuring expenses of approximately $160 million in 2011 compared with its previous estimate of $75 million to $100 million.

Whirlpool received $19 million as part of the stimulus legislation passed by congress in 2008-2009.

Full text of Whirlpool statement, click here. 10/28/2011

JOB SEEKERS, FEDS, UPSET OVER USA-JOBS WEBSITE CRASH

More in this article from the Washington Post, click here- 10/27/2011

REPORT FINDS LAGGING ECONOMY DUE TO WEAK CONSUMER DEMAND / NOT REGULATIONS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A report from the Economic Policy Institute, a think tank supported by organized labor, claims weak consumer demand is behind the lagging economy, not uncertainly and over regulation. EPI President Larry Mishel says the report finds that while data depicting a lack of demand are clear (even using conservative assumptions, per capita demand is “8.5 percent lower than we would expect” at this point in the recovery), data suggesting a significant role for regulatory uncertainty is altogether absent. Investment and employment trends are in line with, or by some comparisons more favorable than, trends in other recent recoveries. In this recovery, investment in equipment and software has grown faster than during the previous three recoveries, and private sector employment has grown much faster than during the last recovery. There are no mysterious lags that might be explained by regulatory uncertainty.

Further, the lack of demand means companies do not have to use a substantial amount of resources they already have at their fingertips; presumably, they would use these resources more fully before they would increase investment or hiring, and substantial unused capacity (not regulatory uncertainty) explains why job growth has not been faster. Companies are not fully using their capital stock; EPI’s Josh Bivens found that the capacity utilization rate (the degree to which current factories and equipment are being used) is still well below its average from 1979 to 2007. Similarly, companies are not fully utilizing their current employees, with the average number of hours employed individuals are working each week still below the pre-recession level.

Mishel says several business group surveys about perceived levels of regulation fail to prove that regulation has significantly hindered commerce. Mishel claims survey results from the leading small business association (National Federation of Independent Business) are also inconsistent with the story that regulations are now the main or a new factor holding back the economy and job creation. Summarizing the results from nine presidential terms, he finds that the percent of small businesses reporting that regulations are the single most important problem they face has not been out of its historical range during the Obama administration; for instance, the proportion reporting this concern is lower than it was during the Clinton years, when employment growth was rapid. What is unusual now is that the most common problem cited by far is “poor sales” (an indicator of the lack of demand); during the Obama administration, the average share of small businesses citing “poor sales” as the most important problem they face is more than double the average cited in any other presidential term examined.

Text of EPI report, click here. 10/5/2011

OBAMA SAYS JOBS ACT AND COMPANIES PROMISE 25,000 JOBS FOR VETS AND FAMILIES / STUMPS ON BUS TOUR IN VIRGINIA

More from the Associated Press, click here - YouTube video below of Michelle and President Obama on vet jobs announcement. 10/19/2011

RISING RATIO OF APPLICANTS FOR FEWER JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Economic Policy Institute employment analyst Heidi Shierholz says the number of jobs available for those unemployed has remained basically the same for the last three years.

According to Shierholz, the total number of unemployed workers in August was 14.0 million. The ratio of unemployed workers to job openings was thus 4.6-to-1 in August, a deterioration from the July ratio of 4.3-to-1. By comparison, in December 2000 the job seeker’s ratio was 1.1-to-1. Furthermore, the highest this ratio ever got in the early 2000s downturn was 2.8-to-1. August marks three years straight that the job seeker’s ratio has been at or above 3-to-1. Put another way: we’ve exceeded the highest level reached in the early 2000s recession for the last three years straight. And we’ve been substantially above 4-to-1 for the last two years and eight months.  A job seeker’s ratio of more than 4-to-1 means that for more than three out of four unemployed workers, there simply are no jobs. Two years and eight months—139 weeks—of a job seeker’s ratio above 4-to-1 is why the current extended unemployment insurance benefits, which last a maximum of 99 weeks, remain crucial.

Must read full text of Shierholz report, click here. 10/12/2011

U-S ECONOMY NETS 1.2 MILLION MORE JOBS SINCE AUGUST 2010

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A comparison of August 2010 to August 2011 shows a NET gain of 1.2 million jobs in the U-S over a twelve month period.

Results from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate the economy continues a slow recovery, though not fast enough to improve the nation's unemployment rate. BLS reports there were 3.1 million job openings on the last business day of August, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The hires rate (3.1 percent) and separations rate (3.0 percent) were essentially unchanged over the month. The job openings rate has trended upward slowly since the end of the recession in June 2009 (as determined by the National Bureau of Economic Research).

Large numbers of hires and separations occur every month. Over the 12months ending in August 2011, hires totaled 47.9 million and separations totaled 46.7 million, yielding a net employment gain of 1.2 million based on not seasonally adjusted data. These figures include workers who may have been hired and separated more than once during the year.

Full text Bureau of Labor Statistics report, click here. 10/12/2011

10,000 WALL STREET JOBS MAY BE LOST BY END OF 2012

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A projection released today by New York State Controller Thomas DiNapoli expects thousands of jobs to be lost between now and the end of 2012, due to profit losses. According to a statement from DiNapoli,

“Excessive risk-taking on Wall Street was a major factor leading to the financial crisis and the recession,” DiNapoli said. “Regulatory changes that reduce risk and focus attention on long-term profitability rather than short-term gains will enhance stability. Despite the weaknesses we are seeing, the securities industry remains profitable and is a key component of the economies of New York City and New York State.”

NEW "MADE IN AMERICA" TV SERIES STARTS

More in this article from American Rights at Work, click here- 10/11/2011

NATION'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STAYS AT 9.1%

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Labor Department reports nonfarm payroll employment edged up by 103,000 in September, and the unemployment rate held at 9.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The increase in employment partially reflected the return to payrolls of about 45,000 telecommunications workers who had been on strike in August. In September, job gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, and construction. Government employment continued to trend down.

The number of unemployed persons, at 14.0 million, was essentially unchanged in September, and the unemployment rate was 9.1 percent. Since April, the rate has held in a narrow range from 9.0 to 9.2 percent. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (8.8 percent), adult women (8.1 percent), teenagers (24.6 percent), whites (8.0 percent), blacks (16.0 percent), and Hispanics (11.3 percent) showed little or no change in September. The jobless rate for Asians was 7.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) was 6.2 million in September. These individuals accounted for 44.6 percent of the unemployed.

Both the labor force and employment increased in September. However, the civilian labor force participation rate, at 64.2 percent, and the employment-population ratio, at 58.3 percent, were little changed.

The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) rose to 9.3 million in September. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.

In September, about 2.5 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, about the same as a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed
because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey.

Among the marginally attached, there were 1.0 million discouraged workers in September, down by 172,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.5 million persons marginally attached
to the labor force in September had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

Full text of Department of Labor statement, click here. 10/07/2011

OBAMA SAYS JOBS BILL NEEDED NOW TO STABILIZE NATIONAL AND WORLD ECONOMY

More in video below from Voice of America, click here - 10/06/2011

FORD PLANS 12,000 MORE U-S JOBS / $6.2 BILLION INVESTMENT IN AMERICAN PRODUCTION

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Ford has announced it has reached agreement with the United Auto Workers on a new contract that boosts pay, provides $5,000- $6,000 in ratification bonuses, if the rank and file approves, and boosts by 12,000, the number of jobs the company is planning to create or move from international plants to the U-S.

In a statement released by Ford today, the company says the tentative four year agreement affects approximately 41,000 UAW-represented employees in the United States. It calls for the 12,000 hourly jobs to be added in Ford's U.S. manufacturing facilities through the term of the contract in 2015.

The new jobs commitment includes additional IN-sourcing from Mexico, China and Japan, and is nearly double the company's previous commitment to add jobs in the U.S..

The agreement includes $16 billion in U.S. investments -- including $6.2 billion for Ford plants in the U.S. -- all to design, engineer and produce more new and upgraded vehicles and components by 2015.

"We are pleased that, by working together with the UAW, we reached a deal that is fair to our employees and that improves Ford's competitiveness in the U.S.," said John Fleming, Ford's executive vice president of Global Manufacturing and Labor Affairs. "This agreement allows us to make even more progress on our One Ford plan and our focus on the great products, stronger business and better world that will deliver continued profitable growth for all."

The UAW will share details of the agreement with its local leaders and members in the coming days as part of the ratification process. Ford will discuss more specifics once the agreement becomes final.

News of the announcement left the UAW home page so flooded with hits that it would not load on most browsers this afternoon.

Ford announcement from PR Newswire , click here. 10/04/2011

BERNANKE WARNS MORE SLUGGISH JOB GROWTH AHEAD / SUGGESTS MORE STIMULUS MIGHT BE NEEDED IN VIEW OF WORLD ECONOMIC ISSUES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- As Greece and the European Union deal with critical fiscal and monetary issues, U-S Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has come out with his strongest words yet, that the U-S should consider additional stimulus measures. While Bernanke admits the country's debt and long term fiscal picture must change, in stronger terms, he made it clear congress and President Obama must do more to stabilize our economy.

During a speech today before the Joint Economic Committee at the Capitol, Bernanke offered some encouragement that, "...the functioning of financial markets and the banking system in the United States has improved significantly. Manufacturing production in the United States has risen nearly 15 percent since its trough, driven substantially by growth in exports; indeed, the U.S. trade deficit has been notably lower recently than it was before the crisis, reflecting in part the improved competitiveness of U.S. goods and services. Business investment in equipment and software has continued to expand, and productivity gains in some industries have been impressive. Nevertheless, it is clear that, overall, the recovery from the crisis has been much less robust than we had hoped. Recent revisions of government economic data show the recession as having been even deeper, and the recovery weaker, than previously estimated; indeed, by the second quarter of this year--the latest quarter for which official estimates are available--aggregate output in the United States still had not returned to the level that it had attained before the crisis. Slow economic growth has in turn led to slow rates of increase in jobs and household incomes".

Bernake pointed to more recent international factors affecting the U-S economy, "... political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa, strong growth in emerging market economies, and other developments contributed to significant increases in the prices of oil and other commodities, which dampened consumer purchasing power and spending; and the disaster in Japan disrupted global supply chains and production, particularly in the automobile industry".

Overall, Bernanke said, "Probably the most significant factor depressing consumer confidence, however, has been the poor performance of the job market. Over the summer, private payrolls rose by only about 100,000 jobs per month on average--half of the rate posted earlier in the year. Meanwhile, state and local governments have continued to shed jobs, as they have been doing for more than two years. With these weak gains in employment, the unemployment rate has held close to 9 percent since early this year. Moreover, recent indicators, including new claims for unemployment insurance and surveys of hiring plans, point to the likelihood of more sluggish job growth in the period ahead. Other sectors of the economy are also contributing to the slower-than-expected rate of expansion. The housing sector has been a significant driver of recovery from most recessions in the United States since World War II. This time, however, a number of factors--including the overhang of distressed and foreclosed properties, tight credit conditions for builders and potential home buyers, and the large number of "underwater" mortgages (on which homeowners owe more than their homes are worth)--have left the rate of new home construction at only about one-third of its average level in recent decades".

Full text of Bernanke Speech, click here. 10/04/2011

EEOC ACTIONS IN THREE CASES / CHARGES INCLUDE DISCRIMINATION AGAINST OLDER WORKERS, HISPANICS AND WHITE EMPLOYEES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- In an unusual case involving reverse discrimination, The EEOC has filed a lawsuit against a suburban Denver Hampton Inn franchisee for holding stereotypical views of caucasian and non hispanic employees.

According to the EEOC filing, Century Shree Corporation and Century Rama, Inc. illegally terminated employees beginning in August onwards because of their race.

The agency says employees, including Wendy Buckley, Ashlee Flannery, and Dewetta McKnight, were discharged from the Hampton Inn at Craig, Colorado, because the owners of the companies believe that White or non-Hispanic workers were indolent (lazy or reluctant to work hard). Employers are prohibited from discharging employees because of their race or national origin, including if the action is informed by negative myths and stereotypes, as this action violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC filed suit, Case No. 11-cv-2558-REB-CBS, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado after the agency first attempted to reach a pre-litigation settlement with the companies.

“An employer cannot discharge or refuse to hire an individual based on derogatory beliefs about that person’s race or national origin,” said Mary Jo O’Neill, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Phoenix District Office. “Employers cannot choose employees based on the color of their skin or their ancestry. This form of blatant discrimination clearly violates federal law.”

The Commission is pursuing back pay and compensatory damages on behalf of Buckley, Flannery, McKnight, and all other employees adversely affected by Century Shree Corp. and Century Rama, Inc.’s conduct. The EEOC is also prioritizing non-economic relief in the lawsuit, including seeking a permanent injunction against the employers that will prohibit them from discriminating in the future, and requiring the owners, managers, and supervisors of the two companies to undergo training on federal antidiscrimination laws.

Denver EEOC Field Director Nancy Sienko explained, “Non-economic relief is central to the Commission’s mission. The EEOC seeks to eradicate discrimination from the workplace so that individuals can find and maintain work based on their skills and performance and not on their race and national origin.”

ANOTHER CASE ANNOUNCED TODAY involves a lawsuit against Texas Roadhouse, a national, Kentucky-based restaurant chain, for allegedly engaging in a nationwide pattern or practice of age discrimination in hiring hourly, “front of the house” employees.The EEOC alleged that Texas Roadhouse has hired significantly few “front of the house” employees 40 or older in age. In addition, Texas Roadhouse allegedly instructed its managers to hire younger job applicants. For example, Texas Roadhouse emphasized youth when training managers about hiring employees for its restaurants. All of the images of employees in its training and employment manuals are of young people.

The Commission also alleged that Texas Roadhouse’s hiring officials have told older unsuccessful applicants across the nation that “there are younger people here who can grow with the company;” “you seem older to be applying for this job” and “do you think you would fit in?” Officials also said that the restaurant was “a younger set environment;” “we are looking for people on the younger side... but you have a lot of experience;” and “how do you feel about working with younger people?”

Age discrimination violates the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process. The agency seeks monetary relief for all applicants denied employment because of their age, the adoption of strong policies and procedures to remedy and prevent age discrimination by Texas Roadhouse, training on discrimination for its managers and employees, and more.

“Restaurants may not refuse to consider older workers as applicants merely because of their age,” said Elizabeth Grossman, Regional Attorney for the New York District Office.

The third case involves an EEOC lawsuit filed against logistics company, DHL Global. The agency says Hispanic employees at DHL’s Dallas warehouse were constantly subjected to taunts and derogatory names such as “wetback”, “beaner,” “stupid Mexican” and “Puerto Rican b---h”. According to the EEOC, Hispanic workers, who included persons of Mexican, Salvadoran and Puerto Rican heritage, were often ridiculed by DHL personnel with demeaning slurs which included referring to the Salvadoran worker as a “salvatrucha,” a term referring to a gangster. Other workers were identified with derogatory stereotypes by being told they should be outside the facility “mowing the grass” or that their “homies” were on a television show about prison. The EEOC further asserts that harsh admonitions to bilingual employees about use of their Spanish language were motivated by prejudice, unnecessary and unrelated to the effective performance of the job duties. 

DHL Global officials ignored the complaints of employees even after the discriminatory conduct was reported to management. The suit also alleges that DHL retaliated against Troy Petty, a union steward, by terminating his employment after he reported the mistreatment of Hispanic employees to DHL officials on several occasions.

National origin discrimination in the workplace, including national origin harassment, and retaliation for complaining about it violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Full test of Hampton Inn case press release, click here. Full text of Texas Roadhouse case press release, click here. Full text of DHL case press release, click here. 10/03/2011

WHISTLE BLOWERS PREVAIL IN DEPARTMENT OF LABOR CASES AGAINST EMPLOYERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Bank of America and the CEO of Bond Laboratories have been cited by the U-S Department of Labor for violation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Whistle Blower Protection Act.

According to the DOL,Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America Corp. was found in violation of the whistle blower protection provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for improperly firing an employee. The bank has been ordered to reinstate and pay the employee approximately $930,000, which includes back wages, interest, compensatory damages and attorney fees. The findings follow an investigation by OSHA's San Francisco Regional Office, which was initiated after receiving a complaint from the Los Angeles-area employee.

"It's clear from our investigation that Bank of America used illegal retaliatory tactics against this employee," said OSHA Assistant Secretary Dr. David Michaels. "This employee showed great courage reporting potential fraud and standing up for the rights of other employees to do the same."

The employee originally worked for Countrywide Financial Corp., which merged with Bank of America in July 2008. The employee led internal investigations that revealed widespread and pervasive wire, mail and bank fraud involving Countrywide employees. The employee alleged that those who attempted to report fraud to Countrywide's Employee Relations Department suffered persistent retaliation. The employee was fired shortly after the merger.

"Whistle blowers play a vital role in ensuring the integrity of our financial system, as well as the safety of our food, air, water, workplaces and transportation systems," added Michaels. "This case highlights the importance of defending employees against retaliation when they try to protect the public from the consequences of an employer's illegal activities."

Both the complainant and Bank of America can appeal the monetary damages to the Labor Department's Office of Administrative Law Judges within 30 days of receiving the findings.

OSHA enforces the whistle blower provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and 20 other statutes protecting employees who report violations of various airline, commercial motor carrier, consumer product, environmental, financial reform, food safety, health care reform, nuclear, pipeline, public transportation agency, railroad and maritime laws. Under these laws enacted by Congress, employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who raise various protected concerns or provide protected information to the employer or to the government.

The DOL also found that Bond Laboratories Inc. and former CEO Scott Landow in violation of the whistle blower protection provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act for improperly firing an employee. The company and Landow have been ordered to re-hire the employee and pay approximately $500,000 in back wages, interest and compensatory damages. The findings follow an investigation by OSHA's San Francisco Regional Office, which was initiated after receiving a complaint from the employee.

Landow and Bond Laboratories, formerly based in Solana Beach, allegedly terminated the complainant, an officer, for objecting to the manipulation of sales figures that misrepresented the company's value to potential investors. OSHA determined that the complainant repeatedly objected to this practice between March and October 2008, and that the objections contributed to the decision to terminate the complainant.

"This corporate officer tried to do the right thing when asked to break the law," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Dr. David Michaels. "It is essential that America's workers do not have to fear retaliation when reporting wrongdoing. The Labor Department will continue to protect whistle blowers from retaliation by holding corporations, and when appropriate, CEOs, accountable."

DOL press release on Bank of America case, click here. DOL press release on Bond Laboratories case, click here. 09/20/2011

CONSULTING GROUP RATES BEST STATES TO START A BUSINESS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina are viewed as having the best business climates among the 50 states, according to a new survey of U.S. corporate executives released here today. The poll pinpointed California, New York and Illinois as the U.S. states with the least favorable business climates. Conducted by Development Counselors International (DCI) every three years, the "Winning Strategies in Economic Development Marketing" survey has tracked trends in economic development since its inception in 1996.

"With the battle for business more intense than ever, states and their economic development organizations need to pay close attention to the results of this survey," said DCI President Andrew T. Levine. "Whether accurate or misguided, perceptions about a location's business climate often play a crucial role in site selection decisions and where companies invest money and create jobs."  

Nearly half (46%) of the 322 corporate executive who responded to the survey indicated that their firm would make a location decision in the next 24 months – whether a move, expansion or consolidation of a manufacturing plant, offices, distribution center or other facilities. More than half (51%) said that they would outsource a portion of the site selection process to a real estate broker or site selection consultant.

Texas was the clear-cut favorite among the respondents to the survey, with 49.4% naming the Lone Star state as having one of the most favorable business climates in the nation. North Carolina ranked second with 27.8%; South Carolina has 14.3% of the votes. Texas and North Carolina have consistently landed in the top spots since the survey began more than a decade ago. Texas has held the #1 ranking since 1999, while North Carolina has been #2 since 2002. South Carolina, Tennessee and Florida have frequently traded top positions in the survey and 2011 marks the return of South Carolina to the #3 slot.  

When asked why they selected the states they did as being best for business, the corporate executives frequently cited low operating costs and a pro-business climate. In the 2008 survey, more executives pointed to the availability of a strong workforce than they did in 2011.

For the fourth consecutive time, California was deemed as having the least favorable business climate, with 70.5% of the responses. New York was named second most frequently with 46.5%, followed by Illinois (24.4%) Taxes, high costs and "anti-business climate/regulation" spurred most of the negative opinions.

The comprehensive survey also asked a series of questions to divine the most effective economic development marketing tools, the leading sources of information that influence executive perceptions of a community's business climate and the most important factors in business location decisions.

According to the Census Bureau, Texas, North Carolina and South Carolina rank 27th, 37th, and 40th, respectively, in median family incomes from a 2008 calculation. Census Bureau stats, click here.

Full text of survey, click here. 09/19/2011

PRESIDENT USES WEEKLY ADDRESS TO PUSH FOR/DETAIL PROPOSED JOBS ACT

WEEKLY INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS UP 11,000

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The stagnant job market remains mired in weekly new jobless claims above the 400,000 mark. According to the Labor Department, in the week ending September 10, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 428,000, an increase of 11,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 417,000. The 4-week moving average was 419,500, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week's revised average of 415,500.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending September 3, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate.

Labor Department press release, click here. 09/15/2011

OBAMA OUTLINES JOBS PROPOSAL / CALLS ON REPUBLICANS TO PASS BIPARTISAN PROPOSALS ALREADY SUPPORTED BY OTHER REPUBLICANS

More from the Voice of America- President Barack Obama has begun trying to build public support for his plan to ease unemployment and boost the U.S. economy.  The president started the campaign Friday in nearby Richmond, Virginia.  

Hours after laying out his $447 billion jobs plan to a joint session of Congress, President Obama took his case directly to the public.

“So this is the American Jobs Act," said  President Obama. "It will lead to new jobs for construction workers, teachers, veterans, young people and the long-term unemployed.  [It will] provide tax credits to businesses and workers.  And it will not add to the deficit.  It will be paid for.”

Virginia is considered one of the “swing states” where next year’s election could be decided.

Richmond is the home city of the number-two House Republican, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, one of Mr. Obama’s fiercest critics.

The president invited Cantor to join him in his appearance at the University of Richmond, but the lawmaker declined, attending a separate event nearby.

However, in an opinion piece in Friday’s Richmond Times-Dispatch newspaper, Cantor indicated that he is willing to support some parts of Mr. Obama’s plan, and to discuss others.

The president welcomed Cantor’s response.

“To their credit, I was glad to hear some Republicans, including your congressman, say that they see room for us to work together," said Obama. "They said that they are open to some of the proposals to create American jobs.”

Since Mr. Obama took office in 2009, Republicans in Congress have rejected almost all of his economic proposals, objecting to increased spending and deficits.  

In July, what is usually a routine agreement to raise the amount of money the government can borrow turned into a weeks-long legislative battle.  Afterward, the S&P credit agency downgraded the rating for U.S. government debt for the first time in history.

Public opinion polls show that a vast majority of Americans are unhappy about the way Democrats and Republicans in Washington are handling economic issues.  

Mr. Obama’s approval ratings are the lowest of his presidency, and polls show that Republicans have a realistic chance of defeating his re-election bid next year.

A stagnant economy, a jobless rate stuck around nine percent, and a public perception that Mr. Obama is helpless to solve them are contributing to his political problems.

In Richmond, with the fervor of a political campaign, the president demanded action from Congress on his jobs plan.

“If you want a tax break, pass this bill," he said. "Prove you will fight as hard for tax cuts for workers and middle-class people as you do for oil companies and rich folks.  Pass this bill.  Let’s get something done.”  

He also urged his supporters to put pressure on their lawmakers to pass the initiative.

The visit to Richmond was the first of what will likely be many presidential trips around the country to promote the jobs legislation.

The second will be next Tuesday in Columbus, Ohio, the capital of another swing state.  Congressional reaction, click here. Text of President's Speech, click here. YouTube Video of President's speech, click here. 09/09/2011

NEW REGULATIONS FORCE EMPLOYERS TO POST EMPLOYEE RIGHTS TO UNIONIZE / AGENCY ORDERS NEWSPAPER TO REHIRE FIRED EMPLOYEES WHO WANTED UNION / PROTECTIONS FOR EMPLOYEES COMMENTS ON SOCIAL NETWORKS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- In one of the most significant decisions on labor relations to come from the National Labor Relations Board in recent years, employers have until November 14th, to post employees rights to unionize. The NLRB announced today that private-sector employers (including labor organizations) whose workplaces fall under the National Labor Relations Act will be required to post the employee rights notice where other workplace notices are typically posted. Also, employers who customarily post notices to employees regarding personnel rules or policies on an internet or intranet site will be required to post the Board’s notice on those sites. Copies of the notice will be available from the Agency’s regional offices, and it may also be downloaded from the NLRB website. 

The notice, which is similar to one required by the U.S. Department of Labor for federal contractors , states that employees have the right to act together to improve wages and working conditions, to form, join and assist a union, to bargain collectively with their employer, and to refrain from any of these activities. It provides examples of unlawful employer and union conduct and instructs employees how to contact the NLRB with questions or complaints. 

The Board received approximately 6,500 comments during the 60-day comment period following publication of the Proposed Rule in the Federal Register, and accepted an additional 500 that arrived after the deadline. In response to the comments, some parts of the rule were modified. For example, employers will not be required to distribute the notice via email, voice mail, text messaging or related electronic communications even if they customarily communicate with their employees in that manner, and they may post notices in black and white as well as in color. The final rule also clarifies requirements for posting in foreign languages. Similar postings of workplace rights are required under other federal workplace laws. 

Board Chairman Wilma B. Liebman and Members Mark Gaston Pearce and Craig Becker approved the final rule, with Member Brian Hayes dissenting. 

The rule will be published in the Federal Register tomorrow, and will take effect 75 days later. A fact sheet with further information about the rule is available here.

The NLRB has made a number of bold decisions this summer affecting employee rights to unionize. One of the most recent examples was their unanimous order for a Santa Barbara newspaper to rehire eight employees who were fired for their desire to organize a union. The agency says the decision largely upholds a 2007 ruling by Administrative Law Judge William G. Kocol, which the publisher appealed.

“The judge found that the Respondent engaged in an extensive campaign of retaliatory conduct against employees because they exercised their rights to seek union representation and to join together for their mutual aid or protection. Our order remedies that unlawful conduct,” the decision states.

The union organizing campaign began in the summer of 2006 after 15 journalists resigned from the newspaper to protest what they claimed was interference with their reporting of the news. An election petition was filed in August of 2006 by the Graphics Communications Conference, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, and employees voted overwhelmingly in favor of the Union. The decision covers the period following the petition filing.

The Board ordered the News-Press to cease and desist from the illegal activity, and to take the following affirmative remedial steps: offer reinstatement to eight employees, including six who hung a banner from a footbridge urging motorists to cancel their newspaper subscription and two others who were ostensibly fired for ‘biased reporting’; rescind discriminatory evaluations of four union supporters; rescind suspension notices sent to eleven employees; and make all discriminated employees whole with backpay awards.

In another case this month, an NLRB administrative law judge found that a Louisiana salt mining operation committed numerous unfair labor practices in dealing with its union employees, including making unlawful threats of termination, persistently refusing to bargain in good faith, and unlawfully implementing new working conditions without bargaining.

And the agency, also this month, handed down a report on 14 cases involving employees rights to comment on social networks, such as, Facebook and Twitter, with protection against reprisals from employers. Generally speaking, employees are covered under free speach provisions if their comments are responses to fellow workers, but protections disappear when employees make their comments are meant for those who are "Non-Employees". NLRB report, click here. Analysis of NLRB report from the blog, Labor Relations Counsel, click here.

Actual PDF download of NLRB ruling, click here. NLRB release on Santa Barbara newspaper case, click here. NLRB Louisiana mining case release, click here. 08/25/2011

TEXAS JOB "MIRACLE"REVEALED TO BE FEDERAL SPENDING AND FEDERAL JOBS

More in this article from the Washington Post, click here- 08/21/2011

MEN EARNING LITTLE MORE THAN THEIR COUNTERPARTS COMPARED TO 1950'S

More in this video from the Brookings Institution (6 Minutes)- 08/21/2011

PRESIDENT OBAMA SAYS BUSINESS NEEDS TO COMMIT TO HIRING VETERANS

Click on Pentagon Channel Report below (1 Minute) - Click here for entire speech (12 Minutes) YouTube playback. Text of President's speech, click here. 08/05/2011

SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT IN U-S UNEMPLOYMENT

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Expectations by employment analysts were the July unemployment figures would be more bad news in a string of weak economic reports for the week. This mornings figures released by the Labor Department for July were much better than anticipated. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 117,000 in July, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 9.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred in health care, retail trade, manufacturing, and mining. Government employment continued to trend down.

The number of unemployed persons (13.9 million) and the unemployment rate (9.1 percent) changed little in July. Since April, the unemployment rate has shown little definitive movement. The labor force, at 153.2 million, was little changed in July.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men(9.0 percent), adult women (7.9 percent), teenagers (25.0 percent), whites (8.1 percent), blacks (15.9 percent), and Hispanics (11.3 percent) showed little or no change in July. The jobless rate for Asians was 7.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted. The number of persons unemployed for less than 5 weeks declined by 387,000 in July, mostly offsetting an increase in the prior month. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over), at 6.2 million, changed little over the month and accounted for 44.4 percent of the unemployed.

Full text of Department of Labor jobs report for July, click here. See Voice of America YouTube playback of story below. 08/05/2011

STATES MAKING DEEP CUTS TO UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Those unemployed through the end of the year into 2012 will have fewer unemployment benefits in many states with others likely to follow. According to a report released by the National Employment Law Project, state lawmakers in 10 states used the 2011 session to push through a range of unprecedented cuts and new restrictions in their unemployment insurance programs, according to an analysis of state legislation released today by the National Employment Law Project. Some of the most severe cuts occurred in states hit hardest by unemployment and the recession.

“It’s disconcerting that these lawmakers would expend so much energy making cuts to state unemployment insurance programs when more people are out of work for longer than any other period on record,” said Christine Owens, executive director of the National Employment Law Project. “Rather than adopting responsible financing practices and doing the hard work of fostering job creation, far too many state lawmakers have taken the easy out of cutting workers’ unemployment insurance benefits.”

Most states will require federal legislation to restore the solvency of their unemployment insurance programs, avoid sudden tax hikes on employers, and maintain the unemployment insurance programs for out-of-work Americans. President Obama included a proposal in his FY 2012 budget, and Senator Durbin introduced the Unemployment Insurance Solvency Act of 2011 (S.386) earlier this year. NELP issued a proposal in February.
NELP’s new analysis shows that in 2011, six states cut the maximum number of weeks that jobless workers can receive unemployment insurance to less than 26 weeks—a threshold that had served as a standard for all 50 states for more than half a century, until this year. Michigan, Missouri, and South Carolina cut their available weeks down to 20; Arkansas and Illinois cut down to 25; and Florida cut to between 12 and 23 weeks, depending on the state’s unemployment rate. Double-digit unemployment in Michigan, South Carolina, and Florida did not discourage lawmakers there from making the cuts.

Other states slashed weekly benefit amounts or instituted onerous eligibility requirements meant to discourage workers from applying for benefits. Indiana changed the formula it uses to calculate weekly benefit amounts so that the average unemployment check will drop from $283 to $220 a week. Starting in August, claimants in Florida must take a 45-question online skills-assessment before they can receive a first payment, and then must provide documentation that they have contacted at least five employers for each week they file for benefits. Full PDF text of NELP press release, click here. 08/03/2011

TWO JOBS REPORTS OUT WITH SHARPLY DIFFERENT RESULTS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Two jobs reports, one from payroll giant ADP, the other from Challenger, Gray and Christmas paint very different pictures of jobs reports in July. First, the ADP report shows private-sector employment increased by 114,000 from June to July on a seasonally adjusted basis, The estimated advance in employment from May to June was revised down modestly to 145,000, from the initially reported 157,000. According to the ADP Report, employment in the service-providing sector rose by 121,000 in July, marking 19 consecutive months of employment gains.  Employment in the goods-producing sector decreased by 7,000 in July, the second decline in three months.  Manufacturing employment decreased 1,000 in July, which has seen growth in seven of the past nine months.

“Today’s report shows modest job creation for the month of July at a rate of half what is needed for meaningful employment and economic recovery,” said Gary C. Butler, Chief Executive Officer of ADP.  “Construction lost 11,000 jobs this month, and manufacturing and financial services were nearly flat with losses of 1,000 each.

“However,” continued Butler, “the professional business services, education and healthcare sectors had good growth. Another bright note is that small businesses showed positive job growth for the 20th straight month, averaging 69,000 jobs a month for the past year.”

The Challenger Gray and Christmas report has a dour tone. According to the company, a sudden and unexpected burst in private-sector downsizing pushed the number of announced job cuts to a 16-month high of 66,414 in July, according the latest report on downsizing activity released Wednesday by global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. The 66,414 job cuts last month were up 60 percent from the previous month, when employers announced plans to shed 41,432 workers. The July
figure was 59 percent higher than the 41,676 layoffs recorded in July 2010. It was the largest monthly total since March 2010, when 67,611 job cuts were announced by the nation’s employers. The July job-cut surge was dominated by a flurry of large layoffs by a handful of private-sector employers, including Merck & Co., Borders, Cisco Systems, Lockheed Martin and Boston Scientific. The job cuts from these five companies alone accounted for 38,100 or 57 percent of the July total.

Click here for full text of ADP press release. Click here for full text of Challenger, Gray and Christmas report. 08/03/2011

FAA SHUTDOWN RESULT OF DISPUTE OVER AIRLINE SUBSIDIES AND UNION VOTING RULES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A partial shutdown of the FAA has continued since July 29th. What the American public has been told is that it has effectively furloughed more than 4,000 FAA staffers and more than 70,000 other people connected to air system related construction projects, including FAA control towers and various airport construction projects. What much of the public has not seen are reports explaining WHY the shutdown has taken place. Republicans say Democrats are holding up an agreement due to subsidies being cut to smaller airports trying to retain marginal or unprofitable air service. Democrats say the agreement is being held up over Republican demands to change rules involving workers votes to unionize. See MSNBC video below. Washington Post backgrounder. YouTube video of Republican Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson describing shutdown as irresponsible. 08/03/2011

WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT FILINGS DOWN / BUT FOUR WEEK AVERAGE ABOVE 400,000

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Weekly initial jobless filings for the week ending July 23d were down more than 22,000, but still not enough to make much of a dent in the four week moving average. The Labor Department's advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 398,000, a decrease of 24,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 422,000. The 4-week moving average was 413,750, a decrease of 8,500 from the previous week's revised average of 422,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending July 16, a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the prior week's revised rate of 3.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 16 was 3,703,000, a decrease of 17,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,720,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,721,000, a decrease of 5,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,726,250.

In fact, the number of first time filings last week was about the same as it was last year, at this time. There were 413,679 initial claims in the comparable week in 2010.

The stats also show the advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 366,578 in the week ending July 23, a decrease of 103,503 from the previous week.

The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent during the week ending July 16, unchanged from the prior week's unrevised rate. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,735,896, a decrease of 47,420 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 3.6 percent and the volume was 4,554,316.

The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending July 9 was 7,645,601, an increase of 320,152 from the previous week.

Full text of the Department of Labor press release., click here. 07/28/2011

GROUP PUSHES CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TO END HIRING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE UNEMPLOYED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The increasingly common practice of employers not considering those who are unemployed, has provoked the ire of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, legislators, and employment rights groups. So far, no legal remedy is seen in the current environment to protect the unemployed. The National Employment Law Project is pushing a bill now before congress to change that.

NELP says U.S. employers of all sizes, staffing agencies and online job posting firms are using recruitment and hiring policies that expressly deny employment to the unemployed—simply because they are not currently working. In other words, at a time when the competition for jobs is extraordinarily intense—with more than nearly five unemployed job seekers for each new job opening—some businesses and recruitment firms are telling would-be job seekers that they can’t get a job unless they already have a job. Despite considerable media coverage since the practice was first reported, a recent informal sampling of online job postings conducted by NELP documents that the practice of excluding unemployed job seekers persists. NELP conducted its review over the four-week period that commenced on March 9, 2011 and ended on April 5, 2011. A NELP researcher reviewed job postings during that period that appeared on four of the nation’s most prominent online job listing web sites: CareerBuilder.com, Indeed.com, Monster.com, and Craigslist.com. The online research sought information on both employers and
staffing firms that were specifically identified by name (often, job listings are posted anonymously), while also seeking a diverse sample from across the United States.

NELP says the most recent figures available show that during the month of May 2011, there
were more than nearly five unemployed workers for every one job opening—the exact ratio stood at
4.7-to-13. May 2011 marked the 29th consecutive month during which there was only one opening
for at least every four unemployed workers.

The group explains their endorsement of the proposed Fair Employment Opportunity Act of 2011, which would outlaw this type of discrimination. The legislation does not make the unemployed a “protected class” under anti discrimination laws. It is far more targeted, focusing solely on the process of recruiting and hiring, and applies only to decisions that are based on individuals’ employment status. Under the bill, it is unlawful for an employer to:

(1) Refuse to consider for employment or refuse to offer employment to someone because the person is unemployed, or (2) Include in any job advertisement or posting a provision that unemployed persons will not
be considered or hired, or (3) Direct or request that an employment agency take into account an individual’s
unemployed status in screening or referring applicants for employment.

Full text of report, INCLUDING MUST SEE SAMPLES OF EMPLOYERS ADS IN NELP REPORT, CLICK HERE. 07/26/2011

CALIFORNIANS MOVING OUT OF STATE / MOST MOVE TO TEXAS / TEXANS MOVING TO CALIFORNIA

More in this Voice of America Report, click on YouTube video below- 07/25/2011

EEOC TO HOLD HEARING TOMORROW ON CRIMINAL RECORD BARRIERS TO EMPLOYMENT

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) will hold a public meeting at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) Tuesday, July 26, focusing on employment barriers faced by individuals with arrest and conviction records.

The meeting will be held at EEOC headquarters, 131 M Street, N.E. In accordance with the Sunshine Act, the meeting is open for public observation of the Commission’s deliberations.

The Commission will hear from invited panelists. The meeting agenda includes:

Panel 1: Best Practices for Employers 

Panel 2: An Overview of Local, State and Federal Programs and Policies

Panel 3: Legal Standards Governing Employers’ Consideration of Criminal Arrest and Conviction Records

A brief question-and-answer session with EEOC Commissioners will follow each panel discussion.

Seating is limited and it is suggested that visitors arrive 30 minutes before the meeting in order to be processed through security and escorted to the meeting room. The Commission agenda is subject to revision. Additional information about the hearing, when available, will be posted at http://www.eeoc.gov/eeoc/meetings/index.cfm.

The EEOC will hold open the July 26, 2011, Commission meeting record for 15 days, and invites audience members, as well as other members of the public, to submit written comments on any issues or matters discussed at the meetings. Public comments may be mailed to Commission Meeting, EEOC Executive Officer, 131 M Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20507, or emailed to Commissionmeetingcomments@eeoc.gov. All comments received will be made available to members of the Commission and to Commission staff working on the matters discussed at the meetings. Comments will also be placed in the EEOC library for public review. 07/25/2011

LAYOFFS RISE IN WEAK LABOR MARKET

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Labor Department, in its weekly report of previous week unemployment filings, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims the week of July 16th, was 418,000, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 408,000. The 4-week moving average was 421,250, a decrease of 2,750 from the previous week's revised average of 424,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending July 9, a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the prior week's un revised rate of 3.0 percent.The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 9 was 3,698,000, a decrease of 50,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,748,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,720,500, a decrease of 4,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,724,500.

The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 464,865 in the week ending July 16, a decrease of 9,022 from the previous week. There were 502,065 initial claims in the comparable week in 2010. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent during the week ending July 9, a 0.2 percentage point increase from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,761,025, an increase of 226,332 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 3.6 percent and the volume was 4,562,782.

Full text of Department of Labor press release, click here. 07/21/2011

LOCKHEED OFFERS BUYOUTS TO SHED 6,500 JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- In an attempt to shed jobs before making involuntary cuts, Lockheed Martin has announced it will offer voluntary severance packages to 6,500 employees. The company announcement explains that the program will be extended to U.S. based salaried employees at all levels in the Corporate Headquarters and Enterprise Business Services organizations are eligible for the voluntary program. Under the terms of the program, volunteers are offered a competitive severance package to leave the company in the fall. The company says this action follows the recently announced workforce reductions of up to 1,500 employees at Aeronautics, 1,200 employees at Space Systems and the Voluntary Executive Separation Program (VESP) taken by 600 Lockheed Martin senior executives earlier this year. The VESP program resulted in a total reduction of 350 executive positions and is expected to reduce net costs by approximately $350M over the next 5 years and $105M per year, each year thereafter.

Lockheed Martin has about 126,000 employees worldwide and is base in Bethesda, Maryland. Full text of Lockheed Martin statement, click here. 07/20/2011

LA TIMES ENDORSES NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD RULE CHANGES / SUBJECT OF HEARING THIS WEEK

Click here for Op-ED from the LA TImes - Proposed NLRB changes, click here - 07/19/2011

BORDERS TO CLOSE ALL REMAINING BOOKSTORES / 10,700+ EMPLOYEES TO BE TERMINATED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Borders has announced it will be selling all it's assets and closing their remaining 399 stores. A statement released by the company states,

".... in accordance with the terms of its financing agreement, the Company will submit to the Court for approval the previously-announced proposal from Hilco and Gordon Brothers to purchase the store assets of the business and administer the liquidation process. Borders said that, in the absence of a formal proposal from a going concern bidder, it did not require an auction prior to presenting the proposal to the Court at a scheduled hearing on Thursday, July 21, 2011. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060208/BORDERSGRPLOGO)

"Following the best efforts of all parties, we are saddened by this development," said Borders Group President Mike Edwards. "We were all working hard towards a different outcome, but the headwinds we have been facing for quite some time, including the rapidly changing book industry, eReader revolution, and turbulent economy, have brought us to where we are now," he added.

"For decades, Borders stores have been destinations within our communities, places where people have sought knowledge, entertainment, and enlightenment and connected with others who share their passion. Everyone at Borders has helped millions of people discover new books, music, and movies, and we all take pride in the role Borders has played in our customers' lives," Edwards continued, "I extend a heartfelt thanks to all of our dedicated employees and our loyal customers."

Borders currently operates 399 stores and employs approximately 10,700 employees. Subject to the Court's approval, under the proposal, liquidation is expected to commence for some stores and facilities as soon as Friday, July 22, with a phased rollout of the program which is expected to conclude by the end of September. Borders intends to liquidate under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code and, as a result, Borders expects to be able to pay vendors in the ordinary course for all expenses incurred during the bankruptcy cases.

Full text of Borders statement, click here. 07/19/2011

WEEKLY INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS DOWN BUT STILL ELEVATED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The job market is still struggling though the number of initial claims for unemployment benefits went down last week. The Labor Department says seasonally adjusted initial claims was 405,000, a decrease of 22,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 427,000. The 4-week moving average was 423,250, a decrease of 3,750 from the previous week's revised average of 427,000.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending July 2, unchanged from the prior week's revised rate of 3.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 2 was 3,727,000, an increase of 15,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,712,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,719,250, a increase of 6,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,713,000.

The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 470,671 in the week ending July 9, an increase of 45,031 from the previous week. There were 515,991 initial claims in the comparable week in 2010. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.8 percent during the week ending July 2, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,514,148, a decrease of 41,683 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 3.5 percent and the volume was 4,384,591. The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending June 25 was 7,484,894, an increase of 25,333 from the previous week.

Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. 07/14/2011

10,000 JOBS TO BE CUT FROM CISCO COMPUTER NETWORK OPERATIONS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Cisco Systems announced today it was shedding 10,000 jobs, with at least 7,000 of those positions to be dropped in August. The company has suffered a sharp fall in its sales of data routers and switchers, due to increasing competition from both American and overseas competitors. The company hopes to reduce the number of actual jobs lost through early retirements. Various media reports the early retirement packages include a year's pay plus medical benefits, which were offered to more than 3,000- 5,000 employees. More including video from Reuters, click here. Bloomberg report, click here. 07/12/2011

LATEST LABOR DEPARTMENT COUNT SHOWS RISING QUIT RATE ON JOBS WITH HIGHEST HIRING DEMAND

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- In the latest job openings and turnover survey from the Labor Department, the May 2011 hires rate (3.1 percent) equaled the separations rate (3.1 percent), which showed little change from the April 2011 report. This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, and separations for the total nonfarm sector by industry and by geographic region. Essentially, it means that an equal amount of workers are leaving their jobs as there are coming into the workforce. But the latest survey did show an increasing quits rate in jobs most mentioned for increased hiring.

The number of quits (not seasonally adjusted) in May 2011 was higher than 12 months earlier for total nonfarm, total private, and government. Several industries experienced a rise in the number of quits over the year, and federal government experienced a decline. In the regions, the number of quits rose in the South but was little changed in the other three regions.

Job sectors with the highest quits rate for May 2011 were, accommodation and food services, 3.1%; retail trade, 2.7%;professional and business services, 2.1%.

By region, the quits rate in the south was highest at 1.7%, followed closely by the midwest and west and 1.7%. Northeast states quit rate was lowest at 1.2%.

As for translation of the numbers, the rise in quits in private sector trades was in contrast to the decline in quits among government workers, showing that government workers separations for employment are due to layoffs with some private sector separations from employment increasingly due to an employee's choice to leave, for whatever reason.

some experts are privately pointing to surveys showing growing unrest among workers who feel they are underpaid, overworked and under appreciated in the workplace, which likely will open a floodgate of departures when the economy improves. See "Despite Fewer Jobs" story from June 26th. Also see Manpower survey from December 29th, 2010.

Full text of Department of Labor press release, click here. 07/12/2011

U-S UNEMPLOYMENT EDGES UP

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Unemployment in the U-S continues to plague the recovery with the June national rate moving up slightly to 9.2%. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment
in most major private-sector industries changed little over the month. Government employment
continued to trend down. The number of unemployed persons (14.1 million) and the unemployment rate (9.2 percent) were essentially unchanged over the month. Since March, the number of unemployed persons has increased
by 545,000, and the unemployment rate has risen by 0.4 percentage point. The labor force, at 153.4
million, changed little over the month. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (9.1 percent), adult women (8.0 percent), teenagers (24.5 percent), whites (8.1 percent), blacks (16.2 percent), and Hispanics (11.6 percent) showed little or no change in June. The jobless rate for Asians was 6.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted. The number of persons unemployed for less than 5 weeks increased by 412,000 in June. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) was essentially unchanged over the
month, at 6.3 million, and accounted for 44.4 percent of the unemployed. The civilian labor force participation rate was little changed in June at 64.1 percent. The employment-population ratio decreased by 0.2 percentage point to 58.2 percent. Full text of BLS press release. 07/08/2011

PEW SAYS UNEMPLOYED MEN GETTING JOBS FASTER THAN WOMEN / MEN ARE STILL HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF UNEMPLOYED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- From the end of the recession in June 2009 through May 2011, men gained 768,000 jobs and lowered their unemployment rate by 1.1 percentage points to 9.5%. 1 Women, by contrast, lost 218,000 jobs during the same period, and their unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 8.5%, according to a new Pew Research Center analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These post-recession employment trends are a sharp turnabout from the gender patterns that prevailed during the recession itself, when men lost more than twice as many jobs as women. Men accounted for 5.4 million, or 71%, of the 7.5 million jobs that disappeared from the U.S. economy from December 2007 through June 2009. Employment trends during the recovery have favored men over women in all but one of the 16 major sectors of the economy identified in this report. In five sectors, notably in retail trade, men have gained jobs while women have lost them. In five other sectors, including education and health services and professional and business services, men gained jobs at a faster rate than women. And in an additional five sectors, such as construction and local governments, men lost jobs at a slower rate than women. The sole exception to these patterns is state government, a sector of the economy in which women have added jobs during the recovery while men have lost them. The Great Recession itself was harder on men. During the recession—from December 2007 to June 2009—men lost 5.4 million jobs and women lost 2.1 million. Job growth for men since the end of the recession has fallen well short of a full recovery. From December 2007 to May 2011, employment of men has fallen by 4.6 million. Their unemployment rate has increased from 5.1% to 9.5%. For women, 2.4 million jobs have been lost since December 2007, and their unemployment rate has increased from 4.9% to 8.5%. Thus, over the full arc of the recession and recovery to date, the weakness in the economy has been harder on men. Full text of Pew Research report, click here. 07/07/2011

DESPITE FEWER JOBS, MORE WORKERS MAKING PLANS TO BOLT FROM EMPLOYERS

More in this article from the Arizona Republic, click here- More in this article from the Huffington Post, click here. Must Read! Deloitte Report, click here. 06/26/2011

CONNECTICUT MAY LAYOFF 7,500 STATE WORKERS / SOME UNIONS REJECT DEAL WITH LAWMAKERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- In an effort to save $1.6 billion in the state budget, state lawmakers the Governor and union leaders approved a deal that includes a wage freeze for two years and workers picking up a larger share of insurance and pension payments. However, the deal needed to be approved by 14 of the 15 unions in the bargaining coalition. Two of the unions rejected it, even though 60% of the total union membership voted in favor. The governor has called a special session of the legislature next week to determine what to do next. Statement from Gov. Dannel Mulloy, click here. AFSCME statement critical of the proposal, click here. More in this article from the Hartford Courant, click here. 06/24/2011

FIRST TIME JOBLESS CLAIMS UP

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Initial unemployment claims were up again last week. According to the Labor Department. The four week average is also up. The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 429,000, an increase of 9,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 420,000. The 4-week moving average was 426,250, unchanged from the previous week's revised average of 426,250.The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending June 11, unchanged from the prior week's un revised rate of 2.9 percent.The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 11 was 3,697,000, a decrease of 1,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,698,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,709,500, a decrease of 5,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,714,750. The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 394,925 in the week ending June 18, a decrease of 5,683 from the previous week. There were 427,080 initial claims in the comparable week in 2010. The advance unadjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.8 percent during the week ending June 11, unchanged from the prior week. The advance unadjusted number for persons claiming UI benefits in state programs totaled 3,475,301, a decrease of 12,192 from the preceding week. A year earlier, the rate was 3.4 percent and the volume was 4,306,402. The total number of people claiming benefits in all programs for the week ending June 4 was 7,538,448, an increase of 137,220 from the previous week.

Full text of the Labor Department press release, click here. 06/23/2011

FED REVISES U-S ECONOMIC OUTLOOK / SAYS LABOR MARKET WEAKER THAN ANTICIPATED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Federal Reserve today, despite the slowing economy, continues to push their belief that employment will rebound this year. The Fed statement reads as follows:

Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in April indicates that the economic recovery is continuing at a moderate pace, though somewhat more slowly than the Committee had expected.  Also, recent labor market indicators have been weaker than anticipated.  The slower pace of the recovery reflects in part factors that are likely to be temporary, including the damping effect of higher food and energy prices on consumer purchasing power and spending as well as supply chain disruptions associated with the tragic events in Japan.  Household spending and business investment in equipment and software continue to expand.  However, investment in nonresidential structures is still weak, and the housing sector continues to be depressed.  Inflation has picked up in recent months, mainly reflecting higher prices for some commodities and imported goods, as well as the recent supply chain disruptions.  However, longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable.

Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability.  The unemployment rate remains elevated; however, the Committee expects the pace of recovery to pick up over coming quarters and the unemployment rate to resume its gradual decline toward levels that the Committee judges to be consistent with its dual mandate.  Inflation has moved up recently, but the Committee anticipates that inflation will subside to levels at or below those consistent with the Committee's dual mandate as the effects of past energy and other commodity price increases dissipate.  However, the Committee will continue to pay close attention to the evolution of inflation and inflation expectations. 

To promote the ongoing economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at levels consistent with its mandate, the Committee decided today to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent.  The Committee continues to anticipate that economic conditions--including low rates of resource utilization and a subdued outlook for inflation over the medium run--are likely to warrant exceptionally low levels for the federal funds rate for an extended period.  The Committee will complete its purchases of $600 billion of longer-term Treasury securities by the end of this month and will maintain its existing policy of reinvesting principal payments from its securities holdings.  The Committee will regularly review the size and composition of its securities holdings and is prepared to adjust those holdings as appropriate. 

The Committee will monitor the economic outlook and financial developments and will act as needed to best foster maximum employment and price stability. Full text of Federal Reserve statement, click here. 06/22/2011

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD PROPOSES NEW RULES TO SPEED WORKPLACE VOTES ON UNIONS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom - The National Labor Relations Board announced today, it will publish in the Federal Register tomorrow, a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, which proposes amendments to its existing rules and regulations governing procedures in representation cases. The proposed amendments are intended to reduce unnecessary litigation, streamline pre- and post-election procedures, and facilitate the use of electronic communications and document filing. 

“One of the most important duties of the NLRB is conducting secret-ballot elections to determine whether employees want to be represented by a labor union,” said Chairman Wilma B. Liebman in a statement. “Resolving representation questions quickly, fairly, and accurately has been an overriding goal of American labor law for more than 75 years.”

If finally adopted after a public notice-and-comment process, the proposed amendments would:

Full text of press release and direct links to full proposal and other information, click here. 06/21/2011

INCOME GAP WIDENING BETWEEN RICH AND POOR

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Details of an income distribution study based on income tax returns, shows the gap between rich and poor widening. It shows the top .1% of wage earners income shot up when middle class wage earners faced nearly stagnant income growth, during the same period.

The study was conducted by Jon Bakija, Economist, Williams College, Adam Cole, Tax Analyst from the U-S Department of the Treasury and Bradley Heim, Economist, Indiana University School of Public Affairs.

According to the researchers, the data demonstrate that executives, managers, supervisors, and financial professionals account for about 60 percent of the top 0.1 percent of income earners in recent years, and can account for 70 percent of the increase in the share of national income going to the top 0.1 percent of the income distribution between 1979 and 2005. During 1979 to 2005 there was substantial heterogeneity in growth rates of income for top earners across occupations, and significant divergence in incomes within occupations among people in the top 1 percent. According to the researchers, one explanation for rising income inequality emphasizes that it coincided with advancing globalization, as indicated for example by increasing shares of imports and exports in GDP. This may increase the demand for the labor of high skill workers in the U.S., because they can now sell their skills to a wider market, and highl skilled workers are scarcer in the rest of the world than in the U.S. Globalization may similarly depress wages for lower skilled workers, because they now have to compete with abundant low skill
workers from the rest of the world.

The authors say a second hypothesis is skill biased technical change. Technology has arguably changed over time in ways that complement the skills of highly skilled workers, and substitute for the skills of low skilled
workers.

A third hypothesis, closely related to the previous two, is the superstarh theory suggested by Sherwin Rosen (1981). In this theory, compensation for the very best performers in each field rises over time relative to compensation for others, because both globalization and technology are enabling the best to sell their skills to a
wider and wider market over time, which displaces demand for those who are less than the best. This is easiest to see for entertainers, but could easily apply to other professions as well, according to the authors.

A fourth hypothesis, that the increasing inequality may be explained to some extent by executive compensation practices. A large share of executive pay comes in the form of stock options, and almost all stock options are treated as wage and salary compensation on tax returns when they are exercised (Goolsbee 2000). Because of this, the values of stock options exercised by employees are generally counted in the measures of income used in the income inequality literature. It is clear that executive compensation has increased greatly over time, but there is a raging debate over why this has happened, and whether there are enough executives for this to explain much of the rise in top income shares.

Another hypothesis in the report, is that social norms and institutions in the United States may be changing over time in a way that reduces opposition to high pay (see, e.g., Piketty and Saez 2006). For example, perhaps the “outrage constraint”, once played and important role in preventing executives and their peers on the board from colluding to grant excessively high pay, but social norms against high pay have weakened over time so this constraint no longer binds.

Prior to TRA86, according to the researchers, top personal income tax rates exceeded the top corporate income rate by a wide margin, so there was a strong incentive to organize ones business as a C]corporation, because it enabled one to defer paying high personal tax rates on ones income as long as it was retained within the corporation, at the cost of paying the lower corporate rate right away. After TRA86 (Tax Reform Act of 1986) , the top personal rate was reduced below the top corporate rate, which created an incentive to change ones business to a pass]through]entity such as an S]corporation, the income of which is taxed only once at the personal level. This has important implications for the income inequality and taxable income elasticity literatures, because it suggests that part of the difference in top incomes before and after 1986 does not reflect the creation of new income, but rather income that was previously not reported in the data (which is derived from personal income tax returns) and now is.

Full text of report summary, click here. 06/20/2011

WORLDWIDE HIRING PROJECTIONS UP / U-S FORECAST ALSO UP IN MANPOWER SURVEY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Better prospects for job creation appear in the latest employer survey from Manpower.

According to the company, their third quarter Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released today shows positive yet careful hiring intentions are expected to persist in the U.S. throughout the summer, according to the latest Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released today by ManpowerGroup. According to the seasonally adjusted survey results, the Net Employment Outlook for Quarter 3 2011 is +8%, up from +6% during the same period last year and consistent with the +8% Outlook during Quarter 2 2011. Although positive, the Outlook of +8% is softer than the mostly double-digit Outlooks reported during previous decades.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110519/CG05115LOGO)

This quarter's survey indicates the following trends:

"Although employers are not signaling dramatic upswings in hiring plans, there does seem to be hiring energy developing based on sustained year-over-year growth," said Jonas Prising, ManpowerGroup president of the Americas. "This is also the eleventh consecutive quarter with a single-digit Net Employment Outlook, indicating a level of caution not seen among employers in the last 30 years of data. This fact, along with many clouds still on the economic horizon, may explain the tepid labor market growth we have seen so far."

Of the more than 18,000 employers surveyed, 20 percent anticipate an increase in staff levels in their Quarter 3 2011 hiring plans, while 8 percent expect a decrease in payrolls, resulting in a Net Employment Outlook of +12%. When seasonally adjusted, the Net Employment Outlook becomes +8%. Sixty-nine percent of employers expect no change in their hiring plans. The final 3 percent of employers indicate they are undecided about their hiring intentions.

"Our data shows that one in five employers plan to add staff in the next three months, the highest ratio we've seen since the recovery started," said Prising. "As more employers shift to hiring mode, we are starting to see talented job seekers receive multiple employment offers, and also negotiate for higher salaries. As hiring momentum slowly builds, the talent supply and demand challenges of the Human Age will impact hiring trends. Employers may want to hire, but they will struggle to find the right person, in the right place, which will bring a level of urgency to developing new recruiting and training strategies."

Hiring Outlooks for Industry Sectors and Regions

Employers in 11 of the 13 industry sectors surveyed have a positive Outlook for Quarter 3 2011: Leisure & Hospitality (+27%), Mining (+25%), Wholesale & Retail Trade (+20%), Professional & Business Services (+19%), Durable Goods Manufacturing (+17%), Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (+16%), Transportation & Utilities (+14%), Construction (+11%), Information (+11), Financial Activities (+11%) and Other Services (+7%). Employers in two industry sectors have a slightly negative Outlook: Government (-1%) and Education & Health Services (-2%). Employers in 10 industry sectors expect prospects to increase quarter-over-quarter, with employers in Wholesale & Retail Trade anticipating the largest increase quarter-over-quarter, with a gain of eight percentage points. Employers in the Other Services industry sector look to keep staff levels stable compared to three months ago at this time, while Government employers expect the hiring pace to slightly decrease and Educational Health Services employers anticipate a moderate decrease.

Employers in all four U.S. geographic regions surveyed anticipate a positive seasonally adjusted Outlook. The third quarter 2011 hiring Outlook is brightest in the Northeast, where a slight increase in hiring plans is expected compared to the second quarter of 2011 and to one year ago at this time. Compared to one year ago, a slight increase in employment prospects is also expected in the Midwest, South and West, although the three regions are all relatively stable quarter-over-quarter.

The next Manpower Employment Outlook Survey will be released on September 13, 2011, to report hiring expectations for the fourth quarter of 2011. To receive e-mail notification when the survey is available each quarter, visit http://press.manpower.com/signup.

*The Net Employment Outlook, often shortened to simply Outlook or NEO, is derived by taking the percentage of employers anticipating an increase in hiring activity and subtracting from this the percentage of employers expecting a decrease in hiring activity.

About the Survey

ManpowerGroup's quarterly Manpower Employment Outlook Survey measures employers' intentions to increase or decrease the number of employees in their workforce during the next quarter. It is the only forward-looking survey of its kind, unparalleled in size, scope, longevity and area of focus.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted using a validated methodology in accordance with the highest standards in market research. In the U.S., the survey is conducted by an independent, third-party research firm and includes a select sample of more than 18,000 U.S. employers. This sample represents the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas based on business establishment count and all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The mix of industries within the survey follows the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Supersectors and is structured to be representative of the U.S. economy. With this number of interviews, the overall U.S. survey carries a margin of error of +/-0.61%, with a 90% confidence index.

The complete results from the U.S. national Manpower Employment Outlook Survey are available for download at press.manpower.com, where you will also find the survey results for the 100 MSAs, 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico.

Full text of Manpower U-S Survey, click here. Full text of Manpower worldwide survey, click here. 06/14/2011

CAREER BUILDER STUDY SHOWS DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE REMAINS FOR WOMEN, MINORITIES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Career Builder, the online employment site, surveyed more than 1,300 workers, in the top 20 most populous metropolitan areas, earlier this year. According to the company, the survey findings point to continued inequalities between diverse and non-diverse segments in pay, career advancement and feelings of discrimination. Women and Hispanic workers were twice as likely to hold an administrative or clerical entry-level job as non-diverse workers. African American workers were nearly twice as likely. More than half of women, Hispanics and workers with disabilities reported earning less than $50,000 compared to three-in-ten non-diverse workers. At the same time, certain diverse segments ranked higher than non-diverse workers in compensation, reflecting a movement toward better equality in the workplace. LGBT workers were the most likely of all segments to earn six figures, while both Asian and LGBT workers were the most likely to earn $50,000 or more. “The U.S. workplace has experienced fundamental shifts over the last two decades that have had a major impact on business, including economic downturns, the introduction of new technology and the strengthening of laws designed to promote equality,” said Dr. Sanja Licina, Senior Director, Talent Intelligence & Consulting at CareerBuilder. “While companies have made strides in creating an inclusive workplace for all workers, there is still work to be done, especially in the areas of hiring, compensation, and career advancement.”

Full text of Career Builder survey, click here. 06/09/2011

TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES SUED FOR $1 MILLION IN BACKPAY FOR CASE WORKERS AND INVESTIGATORS / SUIT FILED BY U-S DEPT. OF LABOR

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- At least 800 employees of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services' Child Protective Services Division (DFPS) (CPS), will be receiving back pay from their employer, totaling more than $1 million. According to the U-S Department of Labor, the case was filed in the U.S. District Court of the Western District of Texas, Austin Division. After an in-depth investigation into CPS' practices statewide, the department's Wage and Hour Division determined that the employees were working "off the clock" rather than compensated for all hours worked. Additionally, supervisors were instructing employees not to record all of their hours worked. Further, required record keeping was not maintained.

"Civil servants entrusted with the important job of protecting Texas' children were forced to relinquish their wage protections," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The Labor Department's job is to protect workers from such violations of the law, and we are taking the necessary actions to ensure these employees are properly paid."

The investigation by the Wage and Hour Division's San Antonio office, covering the three-year period from June 2008 to the present, found that CPS willfully violated the FLSA by failing to pay employees for all hours worked over 40 in a week.

In 2000, the Labor Department filed a similar lawsuit against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice over pay to parole officers. After extensive litigation, the state ultimately paid $2 million to settle that case.

The FLSA requires that covered employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 for all hours worked, plus time and one-half their regular rates of pay, including commissions, bonuses and incentive pay, for hours worked beyond 40 per week. Employers must also maintain accurate time and payroll records.

Full text of Department of Labor statement, click here. 06/09/2011

ASTRA ZENECA PAYS FEMALE EMPLOYEES $250,000 FOR PAY DISCRIMINATION SETTLEMENT

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A lawsuit initiated by the Labor Department against drug maker AstraZeneca has been settled for $250,000. The Labor Department sided with 124 female employees at the company, who were subjected to pay discrimination while working at the corporation's Philadelphia Business Center in Wayne, Pa. The action resolves a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Labor in May 2010 alleging that the company discriminated against female sales specialists by paying them salaries that were, on average, $1,700 less than their male counterparts.

The department's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs conducted a scheduled compliance review of the business center in 2002 and found that AstraZeneca had violated Executive Order 11246 by failing to meet its obligations as a federal contractor to ensure employees were paid fairly without regard to sex, race, color, religion and national origin. AstraZeneca holds a contract valued at more than $2 billion with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to provide pharmaceutical products to hospitals and medical centers around the country.

"Forty-eight years after President Kennedy signed the Equal Pay Act, women are still fighting for fundamental fairness when it comes to how we are paid," said OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu, a member of President Obama's National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force. "I am glad AstraZeneca finally has agreed to pay its employees what they've earned. More importantly, we look forward to working with the company's management to make sure this does not happen again to anyone who works for AstraZeneca."

Under a consent decree and order filed with the department's Office of Administrative Law Judges, in addition to making financial restitution, the company has agreed to work with OFCCP to conduct a statistical analysis of the base pay of 415 individuals employed full time as "primary care" and "specialty care" level III pharmaceutical sales specialists in Alabama, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. If the analysis concludes that female employees continue to be underpaid, the company will adjust salaries accordingly.

Finally, AstraZeneca has agreed to develop and annually update its affirmative action plan and keep all supporting documentation as required by law. If the company fails to comply with the consent decree, it may be subject to sanctions, including cancellation of its current federal contract and debarment from acquiring future ones.

Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. 06/08/2011

UNEMPLOYMENT UP TO 9.1% / LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAYOFFS AMONG FACTORS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The employment picture for may, just revealed this morning by the Labor Department, shows meager job growth and greater job losses as local government layoffs escalate. The report on May unemployment shows 54,000 jobs were created in in May, far below expectations. The unemployment rate rose one tenth percent to 9.1 percent. Job gains continued in professional and business services, health care, and mining. Employment levels in other major private-sector industries were little changed, and local government employment continued to decline.

The Labor Department May report also shows the number of unemployed persons (13.9 million) and the unemployment rate (9.1 percent) were essentially unchanged in May. The labor force, at 153.7 million, was little changed over the month. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (8.9 percent), adult women (8.0 percent), teenagers (24.2 percent), whites (8.0 percent), blacks (16.2 percent), and Hispanics (11.9
percent) showed little or no change in May. The jobless rate for Asians was 7.0 percent, not seasonally
adjusted.

In May, the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) increased by 361,000 to 6.2 million; their share of unemployment increased to 45.1 percent. The civilian labor force participation rate was 64.2 percent for the fifth consecutive month. The employment-population ratio remained at 58.4 percent in May.
The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was essentially unchanged in May at 8.5 million. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. In May, 2.2 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, about the same as a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. Among the marginally attached, there were 822,000 discouraged workers in May, a decrease of 261,000 from a year earlier.

Employment in local government continued to decline over the month (-28,000). Local government has
lost 446,000 jobs since an employment peak in September 2008.

Full text of Labor Department May report, click here. 06/03/2011

WORKER PRODUCTIVITY UP / WAGE INCREASES OFFSET BY INFLATION

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today non farm business sector labor productivity increased at a 1.8 percent annual rate during the first quarter of 2011. According to the survey, the gain in productivity reflects increases of 3.2 percent in output and 1.4 percent in hours worked. (All quarterly percent changes in this release are seasonally adjusted annual rates.) From the first quarter of 2010 to the first quarter of 2011, output increased 3.2 percent while hours rose 1.9 percent, yielding an increase in productivity of 1.3 percent.

However, the improved performance for workers and businesses did little to help the average wage earner. The BLS found unit labor costs in non farm businesses rose 0.7 percent in the first quarter of 2011, as a 2.5 percent increase in hourly compensation outpaced the 1.8 percent gain in productivity. Unit labor costs also rose 0.7 percent from the same quarter a year ago. In the first quarter of 2011, the consumer price series increased at a 5.3 percent annual rate, resulting in a decline of 2.6 percent in real hourly compensation.

Full text of BLS press release, click here. 06/02/2011

JOB CREATION STILL SHAKY / TWO REPORTS SHOW UNSTELLAR RESULTS / MANUFACTURING STEADY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Two major employment reports, one from payroll data firm ADP, the other from Challenger, Gray and Christmas, present different, yet troubling perspectives of second quarter job creation. The ADP report shows the U-S economy created only 38,000 jobs in May 2011, which was more than 100,000 less than expected.“Although we continue to see jobs being added to the economy, this month’s job figures show that employers believe we are not out of the woods yet when it comes to decisions on hiring,” said Gary C. Butler, President and Chief Executive Officer of ADP. ADP job graph below.

The report from Challenger, Gray and Christmas showed employers laid off more than 37,135 workers last month, which was less than May 2010. When considered together, the reports indicate there was little net gain in jobs the past month. Employers have now announced 204,374 job cuts in 2011, 21 percent fewer than the 258,319 planned layoffs reported in the first five months of 2010.The government and non-profit sector continues to dominate monthly job-cut announcements, with these employers reporting 14,755 in May or nearly 40 percent of all job cuts announced during the month. Government cutbacks are bleeding into the private sector, where job cuts in the aerospace and defense industry have experienced a mini-surge. These firms announced 5,778 job cuts in May, bringing the year-to-date total to 17,570. While the five-month total is still relatively low by historical standards, it marks a dramatic increase from a year ago. In fact, the 2011 five month total is now just 1,580 fewer than the 2010 year-end total of 19,150.

By contrast, the manufacturing report from the provides a more optimistic tone for manufacturing in May. Economic activity in the manufacturing sector expanded in May for the 22nd consecutive month, and the overall economy grew for the 24th consecutive month, say the nation's supply executives in the latest Manufacturing ISM Report On Business®.The report was issued today by Bradley J. Holcomb, CPSM, CPSD, chair of the Institute for Supply Management™ Manufacturing Business Survey Committee. "The PMI registered 53.5 percent and indicates expansion in the manufacturing sector for the 22nd consecutive month. This month's index, however, registered 6.9 percentage points below the April reading of 60.4 percent, and is the first reading below 60 percent for 2011, as well as the lowest PMI reported for the past 12 months. Slower growth in new orders and production are the primary contributors to this month's lower PMI reading. Manufacturing employment continues to show good momentum for the year, as the Employment Index registered 58.2 percent, which is 4.5 percentage points lower than the 62.7 percent reported in April. Manufacturers continue to experience significant cost pressures from commodities and other inputs."Of the 18 manufacturing industries, 14 are reporting growth in May, in the following order: Nonmetallic Mineral Products; Petroleum & Coal Products; Machinery; Transportation Equipment; Computer & Electronic Products; Textile Mills; Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components; Primary Metals; Miscellaneous Manufacturing; Paper Products; Chemical Products; Plastics & Rubber Products; Apparel, Leather & Allied Products; and Fabricated Metal Products. The three industries reporting contraction in May are: Printing & Related Support Activities; Furniture & Related Products; and Food, Beverage & Tobacco Products. Some of the opinions from various company executives surveyed:

• "Chemical prices are under increasing cost pressure, driven by feedstock and transportation costs." (Chemical Products)
• "Continued growth through beginning of second quarter, with strong backlog and outlook for at least the next three months." (Electrical Equipment, Appliances & Components)
• "Business levels remain strong — better than last year by 20+ percent, but not back to 2008 or early 2009 levels." (Fabricated Metal Products)
• "Demand remains strong; however, inflation is evident everywhere in virtually every material purchased." (Paper Products)
• "Bad weather is impacting retail business." (Printing & Related Support Activities)
• "Business is still strong, but we are more aware of a possible softening than previously." (Machinery)

The Labor Department's employment report for May is expected Friday. Full text of ADP report, click here. Full text of Challenger Gray and Christmas report, click here. Full text of ISM report, click here. 06/01/2011

NEW CLAIMS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT SHARPLY DOWN / PRODUCER PRICES UP / WORKERS WAGES STILL LAG

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Department of Labor today reported last week's first time filings for unemployment were sharply down, In the week ending May 7, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 434,000, a decrease of 44,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 478,000. The 4-week moving average was 436,750, an increase of 4,500 from the previous week's revised average of 432,250.The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending April 30, unchanged from the prior week's un revised rate of 3.0 percent.The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 30 was 3,756,000, an increase of 5,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,751,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,718,500, an increase of 13,250 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,705,250.

Rising fuel costs are largely to blame for a dramatic rise in the Producer Price Index, although economists also cite consumers who are still willing to pay the higher prices. The Producer Price Index for finished goods rose 0.8 percent in April, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This advance followed increases of 0.7 percent in March and 1.6 percent in February. At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by manufacturers of intermediate goods climbed 1.3 percent in April, and the crude goods index rose 4.0 percent. On an unadjusted basis, prices for finished goods moved up 6.8 percent for the 12 months ended April 2011,
the largest year-over-year gain since an 8.8-percent increase in September 2008.

Heidi Shierholz, analyst for the Economic Policy Institute, states in her May 6th essay that, average hourly wages were relatively flat in April (+3 cents), and have grown at a 1.6% annualized rate over the last three months and a 1.9% rate over the last year, which is far below the wage growth rate in the period before the recession started. Given that hours and wages were fairly flat, weekly wages were only up slightly in April, by $1.03. Click here for Shierholz essay. Click here for MUST SEE Shierholz You Tube video on long term unemployment.

Weekly Unemployment claims for week of May 7th, click here. Producer Price Index full text, click here. 05/12/2011

GM TO HIRE 4,200 WORKERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- During what can be described as a company rally at a transmission plant in Toledo, Ohio, GM announced it would make more than $2 billion in investments that would result in hiring more than 4,200 more workers.

“We are doing this because we are confident about demand for our vehicles and the economy,” GM Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said during an event at the 54-year-old Toledo Transmission Plant. “This new investment is on top of $3.4 billion and more than 9,000 jobs that GM has added or saved since mid-2009”.

GM’s U.S. sales through the first four months of the year are up 24.8 percent over 2010, and the company last week reported its fifth-consecutive profitable quarter since emerging from bankruptcy reorganization in July 2009.

"The UAW's goal has been to return all laid-off workers to active status and see the company begin hiring again,” said Joe Ashton, UAW vice president – GM Department. “These announcements will create and retain thousands of jobs and bring General Motors back to full employment of our hourly workforce."

The first of the new investments -- $131 million and about 250 additional jobs in Bowling Green, Ky., -- was announced last week. Plant improvements and installation of new equipment to make the next generation Chevrolet Corvette will begin soon while the current-generation Corvette is assembled for at least the next two model years.

Over the next few months, GM says it will make specific facility investment announcements dependent on successful completion of state and local incentives in some communities. According to the nonprofit Center for Automotive Research, the ripple effect of the planned investments would add almost $2.9 billion to the U.S. Gross Domestic Product and create or retain more than 28,000 jobs.

Full text of GM announcement, click here. White House response to GM announcement, click here. 05/10/2011

FEMALE WORKER PAY DISPARITY GREATER IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Government Accountability Office studied the pay patterns of women in the federal workforce along with the private sector workforce. Although the agency found the gender pay gap in the federal workforce narrowed as differences in occupation, education, and experience diminished, it also found pay disparity among women workers was less a factor in government positions than in the private sector. Among the most notable findings:

• From 1988 to 2007, the gender pay gap—the difference between men’s and women’s average pay before controlling for other factors— narrowed from 28 cents to 11 cents on the dollar.
• For each year we analyzed, all but about 7 cents of the gap was accounted for by differences in measurable factors—predominantly the occupations of men and women and, to a lesser extent, other factors such as experience and education.
• Factors that we could not measure may have accounted for some or all of the unexplained 7 cent gap.

• For the entire U.S. workforce: • Previously, GAO found that after accounting for certain measurable
differences such as years of experience and part-time work status, women earned about 20 cents less for every dollar earned by men in 2000

• For the federal workforce:
• Research shows that the gap dropped significantly between 1976 and 1995, but in 1995 white women still earned 14 cents less for every dollar earned by white men, and African-American women earned 8 cents less for every dollar earned by African-American men after accounting for differences in measurable factors between men and
women.

PDF download of GAO report, click here. 05/10/2011

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SAYS JOB GROWTH ABOVE EXPECTATIONS IN APRIL

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A much different report than the earlier ADP report, the Department of Labor today announced that job creation in April was robust relative to the recession, but the unemployment rate actually went up due to more people entering the workforce looking for a job.

Non farm payroll employment rose by 244,000 in April, and the unemployment rate edged up to 9.0
percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred in several service providing
industries, manufacturing, and mining.

Employment in state government and local government continued to trend down in April.  Both have been losing jobs
since the second half of 2008.

The number of unemployed persons, at 13.7 million, changed little in April. The unemployment rate
edged up from 8.8 to 9.0 percent over the month but was 0.8 percentage point lower than in November.
The labor force also was little changed in April. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (8.8 percent), adult women (7.9 percent), teenagers (24.9 percent), whites (8.0 percent), blacks (16.1 percent), and Hispanics (11.8 percent) showed little change in April. The jobless rate for Asians was 6.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted. The number of persons unemployed for less than 5 weeks increased by 242,000 in April. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) declined by 283,000 to 5.8 million;
their share of unemployment declined to 43.4 percent.The civilian labor force participation rate was 64.2 percent for the fourth consecutive month. That is among the lowest participation rates in the last 25 years. The employment-population ratio, at 58.4 percent, changed little in April. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was little changed over the month, at 8.6 million. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. In April, 2.5 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, about the same as a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted
and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not
counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey.
Among the marginally attached, there were 989,000 discouraged workers in April, a decline of
208,000 from a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons
not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.5
million persons marginally attached to the labor force in April had not searched for work in the 4 weeks
preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. Full text of Department of labor press release, click here. 05/06/2011

ADP SAYS APRIL JOB GROWTH BELOW EXPECTATIONS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Employer services and payroll data firm, ADP today released a preview of what could come Friday from the U-S Department of Labor. The company says Employment in the non farm private business sector rose 179,000 from March to April on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the latest ADP National Employment Report® released today. The estimated change of employment from February 2011 to March 2011 was revised up to 207,000 from the previously reported increase of 201,000. Today’s ADP National Employment Report shows that labor market conditions continued to improve in April, but only at a moderate pace. The increase of 179,000 is close to consensus expectations both for today’s report and for Friday’s jobs report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While employment accelerated sharply around the turn of the year, the monthly gains have been holding fairly steady around 200,000 since then. Employment growth at this pace is consistent with only modest declines in the unemployment rate. April’s ADP Report estimates employment in the service-providing sector rose by 138,000, marking 16 consecutive months of employment gains. Employment in the goods-producing sector rose 41,000, the sixth consecutive monthly gain, while manufacturing employment rose 25,000, the seventh consecutive monthly gain. Employment among large businesses, defined as those with 500 or more workers, increased by 11,000, while employment among medium-size businesses, defined as those with between 50 and 499 workers, increased by 84,000. Employment for small businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 workers, rose 84,000 in April. In April, employment in the construction industry increased 9,000, only the second monthly increase since June 2007. Since December 2010, however, construction employment has, on balance, risen, suggesting that finally employment in this sector has bottomed out. The total decrease in construction employment since its peak in January 2007 is 2,115,000. Full PDF text of the ADP report for April, click here. 05/04/2011

U-S ECONOMY LOST 6.4 MILLION PRIVATE SECTOR JOBS FROM MARCH-SEPTEMBER 2010

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A Bureau of Labor Statistics breakdown of job losses last year, has produced some interesting results. From June to September 2010 the number of gross job gains from opening and expanding private sector establishments decreased to 6.6 million, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over this period, gross job losses from closing and contracting private sector establishments increased to 6.4 million. Firms in all size classes experienced a decrease in gross job gains and an increase in gross job losses in the third quarter of 2010. The change in the number of jobs over time is the net result of increases and decreases in employment that occur at all businesses in the economy. Business Employment Dynamics (BED) statistics track these changes in employment at private business units from the third month of one quarter to the third month of the next. Gross job gains are the sum of increases in employment from expansions at existing units and the addition of new jobs at opening units. Gross job losses are the result of contractions in employment at existing units and the loss of jobs at closing units. The difference between the number of gross job gains and the number of gross job losses is the net change in employment. (See the Technical Note for more information.) The BED data series include gross job gains and gross job losses at the establishment level by industry sub sector and for the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, as well as gross job gains and gross job losses at the firm level by employer size class. Full text of BLS press release PDF download, click here. BLS graphic of results below. 05/03/2011

GDP AND LATEST WEEKLY JOBLESS CLAIMS POINT TO SLOWING ECONOMY

More in this article from the LA Times, click here- 04/28/3011

MOST STATES EXPECTED TO INCREASE UNEMPLOYMENT TAX ON BUSINESS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- With most states borrowing money to pay unemployment benefits. a survey, from the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, finds most will boost taxes on businesses to pay future benefits. The recent recession exhausted most states funds for paying those benefits, caused in part, by some states lowering tax rates over a 30 year period, with little expectation of a downturn that emerged in 2008. As of March, 2011, workers classified as long term unemployed, remain about 45% of the total number of those receiving jobless benefits, with millions more not receiving benefits and not included in the statistics. According to Federal Reserve Chairman, Ben Bernanke, the number of long term unemployed is the highest since the Great Depression.

With states facing the toughest budget years iu recent memory and the federal government not likely to make up the difference for depleted unemployment funds, a survey shows most workforce administrators favor raising taxes on employers.

For the second consecutive year, NASWA has found the majority of states project their UI tax revenue will increase this year. The increases projected by states for 2011 range from 0.1% to 135.0%, with a weighted average state UI tax revenue increase of approximately 16.5%. The most common ways this occurs is through some combination of an increase in experience rated taxes on employers, an increase in tax rates by moving employers to a higher tax schedule, and an increase in the taxable wage base. The first two increases are automatic, while increasing the taxable wage base can be either automatic through indexing or through legislation. Increases in tax revenue can also occur as the economy recovers and wages increase, even without a change in tax rates or taxable wage bases.
In addition to higher UI tax revenue, another consequence of increasing UI benefit outlays is that over 30 state unemployment trust funds are insolvent, requiring states to borrow either from the federal government or private capital markets. To deal with this, many states have or will enact legislation addressing UI financing. In 2010, nine states enacted legislation that addressed UI financing; another 15 states expect to do so in 2011. In addition, seven states reported considering borrowing from the private sector to pay back their loans from the federal government. Despite the increases in UI tax rates and tax revenue that many states anticipate for 2011, the average tax rate on total wages paid by employers still is relatively low by historical standards (see Figure 1 in the Appendix). Since the program began, while the average national UI tax rate as a percent of TAXABLE wages has remained relatively constant, the average national UI tax rate on TOTAL wages has gradually declined. In 1938, across the nation there was an average tax rate of 2.69 percent of total wages; in 2010, the latest year for which data are available, the average tax rate was 0.98 percent of total wages, 64 percent less than at the beginning of the program.

Full PDF text NASWA report, click here. 04/28/2011

EEOC FILES LAWSUITS AGAINST ALLEDGED ABUSIVE LABOR TRAFFICKING GROUPS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Several lawsuits have been filed by the Equal Opportunity Commission against firms accused of abusive labor trafficking. According to the commission, a labor broker in California, farms in Hawaii and Washington, and a marine services company in Mississippi and Texas subjected foreign workers and minorities to severe abuse and discrimination after they were trafficked into this country. The EEOC’s Los Angeles district office filed suit in Hawaii (Civ. No. CV-11-00257-DAE-RLP) against Global Horizons, the labor broker, and six farms there; and a separate suit filed in Washington (Civ No. 2:11-cv-03045-EFS), against Global Horizons and two farms in that state, alleging that Global brought more than 200 Thai men into the country to work as farm workers on the promises of high-paying wages and temporary visas. Once in the country, the workers had their passports confiscated and were threatened with deportation if they complained.  They were employed on the eight farms named in the two lawsuits, where they received low wages - far less than promised, forced into vermin-ridden housing, denied the opportunity to leave the premises, and subjected to harassment, including physical assaults, by their  overseers.  Further, the workers had to pay large sums to Global as recruitment fees, putting them and their families back in Thailand severely in debt, making it impossible for them to leave, even had they been permitted to.

In a separate suit, the Birmingham, Ala., office of the EEOC filed suit in Mississippi charging that Signal International, a marine services company with facilities along the Gulf Coast, subjected at least 500 Indian welders and pipe-fitters at its Mississippi and Texas locations to segregated facilities and discriminatory terms and conditions of employment.  These workers, brought into the country by a separate entity not part of the lawsuit, were forced to live in Signal’s substandard, unsanitary accommodations, for which they were charged an inordinate amount, given unwholesome food, demeaned by being referred to by numbers instead of their names, and at least two of them were retaliated against for complaining about the substandard conditions and discrimination.

“The EEOC is committed to the protection of all workers. The lawsuits we have filed today seek to remedy systemic discriminatory practices against a particularly vulnerable class of workers,” said P. David Lopez, General Counsel of the EEOC. “When necessary, the EEOC will file such cases to protect victims of discrimination and ensure all workplaces comply with the law."

All three lawsuits were brought under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race and national origin as well as retaliation.  The EEOC filed suit in each instance after attempting to resolve the matter through settlement.  In all, the Commission will seek back pay, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to prevent future discrimination.

Full text of EEOC statement on labor trafficking lawsuits, click here. 04/25/2011

LABOR DEPARTMENT SAYS ECONOMY HAD FEWEST MASS LAYOFFS SINCE 2007

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- According to the Labor Department, Employers took 1,286 mass layoff actions in March involving 118,523 workers, seasonally adjusted, as measured by new filings for unemployment insurance benefits during the month, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Each mass layoff involved at least 50 workers from a single employer. The number of mass layoff events in March decreased by 135 from February, and the number of associated initial claims decreased by 12,295. These were their lowest levels since September 2007 and May 2007, respectively. In March 253 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector,
seasonally adjusted, resulting in 27,619 initial claims. Manufacturing events decreased by 38 from the prior month to the lowest level on record, while associated initial claims increased by 1,559 from a
program low in February (data begin in April 1995). Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. 04/22/2011

AMERICAN WORKERS LOSING REAL EARNINGS / LABOR DEPARTMENT SAYS COST OF LIVING MOSTLY TO BLAME

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Statistics released today by the Labor Department show real average hourly earnings for all employees declined by 0.6 percent from February to March, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This decrease stemmed from the 0.5 percent increase in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U), while average hourly earnings remained unchanged. Real average weekly earnings declined by 0.5 percent over the month, as a result of the decrease in real average hourly earnings combined with no change in the average workweek.

PERHAPS MOST SOBERING, real average weekly earnings decreased 0.5 percent over the month, as a 0.3 percent increase in the average workweek combined with the decrease in real average hourly earnings.Real average hourly earnings fell 1.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, from March 2010 to March 2011. A 0.9 percent increase in the average workweek combined with the decrease in real average hourly earnings resulted in a 0.2 percent decrease in real average weekly earnings during this period.

The stats also show real average hourly earnings fell by 1.0 percent, seasonally adjusted, from March 2010 to March 2011. A 0.6 percent increase in average weekly hours combined with the decrease in real average hourly earnings resulted in a 0.4 percent decrease in real average weekly earnings during this period. Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. 04/15/2011

WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT FIGURES UP AGAIN

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- After recent weeks where the weekly unemployment numbers have improved, its another step back for unemployed workers. According to the Labor Department, the week ending April 9, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 412,000, an increase of 27,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 385,000. The 4-week moving average was 395,750, an increase of 5,500 from the previous week's revised average of 390,250.The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 2.9 percent for the week ending April 2, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's un revised rate of 3.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending April 2 was 3,680,000, a decrease of 58,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,738,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,728,750, a decrease of 20,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,749,500.

The highest insured unemployment rates in the week ending March 26 were in Alaska (6.2 percent), Pennsylvania (4.8), Puerto Rico (4.8), Oregon (4.7), Montana (4.6), Rhode Island (4.6), Wisconsin (4.6), Idaho (4.5), New Jersey (4.4), and California (4.3).

The largest increases in initial claims for the week ending April 2 were in Massachusetts (+2,575), Pennsylvania (+1,606), Ohio (+1,094), Illinois (1,013), and Georgia (+625), while the largest decreases were in California (-8,095), Texas (-2,913), Florida (-1,731), Missouri (-898), and Oregon (-733). Labor Department press release, click here. 04/14/2011

AARP SAYS UNEMPLOYED WORKERS AGE 60+ , HIGHEST EVER

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A fact sheet from AARP states, in the U.S., 18.8 percent of people 50+ live below the poverty level; in Puerto Rico, 42 percent do. In the U.S., 51 million Americans (18.5 percent) face the threat of hunger, including 6 million age 60+ U.S. unemployment among older people is at its highest level in 60 years. Worse, once people 50+ lose a job, it takes them 12 weeks longer than younger people to find a new one. In December 2010, 9.4 percent were unemployed in the U.S.; in Puerto Rico, unemployment was 15.7 percent.

Full text of AARP fact sheet, click here. 04/14/201

LABOR DEPARTMENT CRACKS DOWN ON MINES WITH REPEATED SAFETY VIOLATIONS / LAUNCHES AID FOR OUT OF WORK MINERS AND OTHERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Recent actions by the U-S Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) underscore the Obama Administration's determination to take action following last year's mine disaster in West Virginia that claimed 29 lives. The Upper Big Branch Mine, where the incident took place, April 5, 2010, is one of several mines with repeat safety violations. Now that mine and others have come under increasing legal pressure to change or be closed.

The MSHA has issued a notice of a pattern of violations to two coal mining operations under Section 104(e) of the federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Bledsoe Coal Corp.'s Abner Branch Rider Mine in Leslie County, Ky., and The New West Virginia Mining Co.'s Apache Mine in McDowell County, W.Va., are the first mines in the history of the Mine Act to be subject to the full effect of this enforcement action, which targets mines with chronic and persistent health and safety violations.

Last November, the agency put 13 mines on notice that each had a potential pattern of violations. A 14th mine received similar notification in December, after an agency audit revealed that the mine operator had failed to report a dozen injuries. All 14 mines that received potential POV notices implemented corrective action programs to reduce their significant and substantial, known as S&S, issuance rates.

Subsequent to the potential POV notifications, two of the 14 mines were temporarily idled. One ceased production. One has not completed the evaluation process. Between Jan. 3 and March 21, 2011, MSHA conducted inspections of the 10 remaining mines. Of those, eight met the prescribed S&S goals, and the two operations now receiving the POV notices failed to meet their goals by a significant margin.

MSHA previously implemented major reforms to its POV process, including new screening criteria and a new review process that improves the agency's ability to identify problem mines. Although the Upper Big Branch Mine met the new criteria and also received a potential POV notification, further actions have been postponed until MSHA's investigation into the April 2010 explosion there has been completed.

"We take this law and our obligation to enforce it very seriously," said Joseph A. Main, assistant secretary of labor for mine safety and health. "While we believe most mine operators in this country do as well, it is clear that some do not. If we are to prevent death, injury and illness in the nation's mines, these enforcement actions are necessary to rein in chronic and persistent violators of safety and health laws".

The federal investigation into the Upper Big Branch Mine disaster is still incomplete and a case before an appeals court in Washington DC appears likely to rule that the federal government illigally took control of the mine after the disaster. Massey Energy owns the mine. The company filed suit claiming it was prevented from completing its own probe of the investigation by federal officials. Federal officials claim they had to take over the mine, due to repeated safety violations and little corrective action done in good faith, to protect the miners.

The Labor Department also announced an 808,316 National Emergency Grant to assist about 128 workers affected by multiple small dislocations at 77 companies throughout eastern Kentucky. The companies from which workers have been laid off represent a variety of industries, including construction, mining, auto parts, computer/IT services, trucking, manufacturing, tax services, education, health, law, banking, retail and pharmacy, among others.

"Today's grant will help the citizens of Kentucky get back on their feet and back to work," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Whenever I meet with workers, they tell me they're not looking for a hand out. They want a hand up. That's what this grant is about — providing them with the training and re-employment services crucial for finding new jobs in growing industries."

Awarded to the commonwealth of Kentucky, this community impact grant will be operated by the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet to provide the affected workers with a full range of re-employment and training services. Community impact grant projects are designed to assist workers in a primarily rural workforce investment area where multiple small dislocations over a six-month period have a significant impact on the local unemployment rate.

Full text of Department of Labor MSHA press release, click here. Article on appeals court case, click here. 04/13/2011

UNEMPLOYMENT LOWER IN 308 OF 372 METRO AREAS IN THE U-S

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Most metropolitan areas in the U-S have registered job gains between February 2010 and February 2011. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment rates were lower in February than a year earlier in 308 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 52 areas, and unchanged in 12 areas, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Fifteen areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, while 7 areas registered rates of less than 5.0 percent. Two hundred eighty-four metropolitan areas reported over-the-year increases in non farm payroll employment, 77 reported decreases, and 11 were unchanged. The national unemployment rate in February was 9.5 percent, not seasonally adjusted, down from 10.4 percent a year earlier.

In February 138 metropolitan areas reported jobless rates of at least10.0 percent, down from 188 areas a year earlier, while 49 areas posted rates below 7.0 percent, up from 42 areas in February 2010. El Centro, Calif., recorded the highest unemployment rate, 26.9 percent in February 2011. Three other areas had rates above 20.0 percent. Among the 15 areas with jobless rates of at least 15.0 percent, 12 were located in California. Lincoln, Neb., registered the lowest unemployment rate, 4.2 percent. The next lowest rates were posted in Bismarck, N.D., 4.6 percent; and Ames, Iowa; Fargo, N.D.-Minn.; and Iowa City, Iowa, 4.7 percent each. All of these areas are located in the West North Central census division. A total of 208 areas recorded February unemployment rates below the U.S. figure of 9.5 percent, 159 areas reported rates above it, and 5 areas had rates equal to that of the nation.

Full text of BLS press release, click here. 04//08/2011

NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED MEN AGES 25-54, REMAINS HIGHEST SINCE DEPRESSION

More from the New York Times, click here- 04/08/2011

LABOR DEPT. NAILS SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR HIRING FOREIGN TEACHERS ON VISA PROGRAM AT LOWER PAY / MUST PAY NEARLY $6 MILLION IN BACK WAGES AND FINES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Prince Georges County Public Schools (Maryland) has been cited by the U-S Department of Labor for hiring teachers from foreign countries on the H-1B temporary foreign worker visa program and willfully paying them less.

The Labor Department claims PGCPS illegally reduced the wages of 1,044 foreign teachers hired under the H-1B program by requiring the payment of $4,224,146 in fees. The Labor Department is responsible for ensuring H-1B workers are paid in accordance with the law and that employers do not misuse visa programs in ways that adversely affect U.S. workers. The H-1B program allows employers to hire foreign professionals to work temporarily in the U.S. So that the wages of similarly employed U.S. workers are not adversely affected, workers hired under the H-1B program must be paid at least the same wage rates and benefits as those paid to U.S. workers doing the same job in the same area. "All employers, including school systems, are required to follow the law. That includes the legal duty to pay every teacher hired the full wages he or she is owed," said Nancy J. Leppink, acting administrator of the Wage and Hour Division. Due to the willful nature of some of the violations, PGCPS has been assessed $1,740,000 in civil money penalties and may be debarred from filing new petitions, requests for extensions or requests for permanent residency for foreign workers under any employment-based visa program. Violations are willful when an employer knew or acted in reckless disregard for whether its actions were impermissible. The H-1B visa program requires that employers pay certain fees incurred when they utilize the program. Instead of paying these fees, PGCPS required the foreign teachers to pay them. As a result, the teachers' earnings were reduced below the amount legally required to be paid. Full text of Department of Labor press release, click here. 04/05/2011

WAGES FAIL TO KEEP PACE WITH INFLATION

More in this article from the Washington Post, click here- 05/05/2011

DO UNPAID COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS HELP COMPANIES AVOID LABOR LAWS?

More in this article from the New York Times, click here- 04/03/2011

U-S UNEMPLOYMENT DROPS AGAIN / MAJORITY OF NEW JOBS STILL LOW PAY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The U-S economy picked up more than 216,000 new jobs in March and the nation's unemployment rate fell by another tenth of a percent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, this morning, released their latest estimates on the March job picture, show nonfarm payroll employment increased by 216,000 in March, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 8.8 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Job gains occurred in professional and business services, health care, leisure and hospitality, and mining. Employment in manufacturing continued to trend up. The number of unemployed persons (13.5 million) and the unemployment rate (8.8 percent) changed little in March. The labor force also was little changed over the month. Since November 2010, the jobless rate has declined by 1.0 percentage point. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (8.6 percent), adult women (7.7 percent), teenagers (24.5 percent), whites (7.9 percent), blacks (15.5 percent), and Hispanics (11.3 percent) showed little change in March. The jobless rate for Asians was 7.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

The report still shows where the problems in the labor force remain. The BLS report estimates the number of job losers and persons who completed temporary jobs, at 8.2 million, was little changed in March but has fallen by 1.3 million since November 2010. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) was 6.1 million in March; their share of the unemployed increased from 43.9 to 45.5 percent over the month. (See tables A-11 and A-12.) In March, the civilian labor force participation rate held at 64.2 percent, and the employment population ratio, at 58.5 percent, changed little. (See table A-1.) The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was little changed in March, at 8.4 million. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. (See table A-8.) In March, 2.4 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, up slightly from a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not among the marginally attached, there were 921,000 discouraged workers in March, little changed from a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.5 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in March had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

In his summation of the statistics, Keith Hall, Commissioner,  Bureau of Labor Statistics, pointed out, "Since the start of the recent recession in December 2007, health care employment has risen by 902,000, while total nonfarm employment has declined by 7.2 million".The jobless rate has declined by one percentage point since November 2010.  Over that period, unemployment declined by nearly 1.5 million, and employment rose by 1.4 million, leaving the labor force nearly unchanged on net (after accounting for the population adjustment in January).  In March, the labor force participation rate held at 64.2 percent, and the employment-population ratio, at 58.5 percent, was little changed.  The number of long-term unemployed remained high at 6.1 million, 45.5 percent of total unemployment.  Over the month, the number of individuals who were working part time although they would have preferred
full-time work was 8.4 million, down from 9.0 million a year earlier. Full text of BLS report for March 2011, click here. Full text of Commissioner Hall Statement, click here. 04/01/2011

ADVOCACY RESEARCH GROUP SAYS MORE PARENTS DROPPING BELOW FINANCIAL SECURITY LEVEL / WARNS CONGRESS NOT TO CUT SAFETY NET

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The group, Wider Opportunities for Women says the replacement of higher wage jobs with those that are lower paying, is pushing more single parent families into poverty. According to a report called the, "Basic Economic Security Tables TM (BEST) Index", single workers need $30,012 a year – nearly twice the federal minimum wage – to cover basic expenses. Single-parents require nearly twice the income ($57,756) to support two children, while dual-income households with children require $67,920. “Too few American families are living in economically secure households, with most workers unable to stretch their incomes over basic expenses and savings,” said Joan Kuriansky, WOW’s Executive Director. “The American Dream of working hard to support your family is being re-written by the growth of low-paying industries and rising expenses”. Full text of press release for , "Basic Economic Security Tables TM (BEST) Index", click here. Full report click here. 04/01/2011

OHIO LEGISLATURE PASSES LAW STRIPPING UNIONS OF BARGAINING RIGHTS / GOVERNOR WILL SIGN

More in this article from the New York Times, click here- 03/30/2011

SUPREME COURT JUSTICES REFLECT CONCERN OVER COMPLICATIONS FROM WAL-MART CLASS ACTION SEX DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

More in this article and related videos from the Washington Post, click here- 03/29/2011

SUPREME COURT HEARS WAL-MART SEX DISCRIMINATION CASE TOMORROW

More from the Emeritus Newsroom-The U-S Supreme Court will begin hearing arguments in the Dukes Vs. Wal-Mart sex discrimination case. The case came from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals which ruled in favor of those who want to expand it into a class action lawsuit that could involve over a million current and former female employees of the company. More in this article from the Washington Post, click here. Supreme Court docket sheet, click here. Ruling by Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, click here. Must Read Review of case from Equal Rights Advocates, click here. 03/28/2011

WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS DROP AGAIN / POSTAL SERVICE WILL DROP 30,000 MORE JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom - Initial un employment claims dropped by more than 5,000 last week from the previous week, which amounts to four straight weeks of decreasing weekly insurance claims. According to the Labor Department, the week ending March 19, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 382,000, a decrease of 5,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 387,000. The 4-week moving average was 385,250, a decrease of 1,500 from the previous week's revised average of 386,750. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending March 12, unchanged from the prior week's un revised rate of 3.0 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending March 12 was 3,721,000, a decrease of 2,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,723,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,755,250, a decrease of 28,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,783,250.

The Federal Times is reporting that the United States Postal Service, will announce a cut of 7,500 supervisory, administrative and post master jobs tomorrow (March 25th). The announcement won't stop there. USPS is also expected to announce the cuts are part of an larger effort to cut a total of 30,000 postal jobs this year, offering $20,000 retirement severance bonuses with other benefits, along with closing 3,000 post offices through next year. Postal service employees will soon have to pay a share of their health insurance.

Full text of Department of Labor press release, click here. Full text of Postal Service story from the Federal Times, click here. 03/24/2011

EMPLOYEE WINS U-S SUPREME COURT CASE TO PURSUE TIME CLOCK COMPLAINT, RETALIATION FIRING

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- In a 6-2 decision, the U-S Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a plastics company employee, who complained about location of a time clock and was later fired. The company. Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation of Wisconsin, says it fired employee Kevin Kasten for reasons unrelated to the complaint, but Kasten sued. Kasten told the company the time clock was positioned after the point, at which employees had to apply special equipment required for their jobs. Kasten's position was labor law specified that since the special clothing and equipment was required for the job, the clock should be positioned BEFORE the clothing and equipment change location. He filed a grievance over the issue and was later fired by the company, which Kasten claimed was retaliation for the complaint. The question over Kasten's lawsuit came down to a dispute over whether he properly notified the employer in writing before he filed a lawsuit. But, the Supreme Court ruled in Kasten's favor stating that since he gave CLEAR ORAL notification to the company, then filed a grievance, the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 would apply and that Kasten's oral complaint and grievance, effectively satisfied "written" requirements of the law.

In the majority opinion, written by Justice Stephen Breyer, Breyer stated, "A narrow interpretation would undermine the Act’s basic objective, which is to prohibit labor conditions detrimental to the
maintenance of the minimum standard of living necessary for health, efficiency, and general well-being of workers”.

In sizing up arguments from both sides, Breyer concluded, "Kasten adds that he “raised a concern” with his shift supervisor that “it was illegal for the time clocks to bewhere they were” because of Saint-Gobain’s exclusion of “the time you come in and start doing stuff”; he told a human resources employee that “if they were to get challenged on” the location in court, “they would lose”; he told his lead operator that the location was illegal and that he“was thinking about starting a lawsuit about the placement of the time clocks”; and he told the human resources manager and the operations manager that he thought the location was illegal (Cite as: 563 U. S. ____ (2011) 3 Opinion of the Court) and that the company would “lose” in court. Record in No. 3:07–cv–00686–bbc (WD Wis.), Doc.87–3, pp. 31–34 (deposition of Kevin Kasten). This activity, Kasten concludes, led the company to discipline him and, in December 2006, to dismiss him. Saint-Gobain presents a different version of events. It denies that Kasten made any significant complaint about the time clock location. And it says that it dismissed Kasten simply because Kasten, after being repeatedly warned, failed to record his comings and goings on the timeclock. For present purposes we accept Kasten’s version of these contested events as valid".

Breyer finished, "We conclude that the Seventh Circuit (appeals court) erred in determining that oral complaints cannot fall within the scope of the phrase “filed any complaint” in the Act’s anti retaliation provision. We leave it to the lower courts to decide whether Kasten will be able to satisfy the Act’s notice requirement. We vacate the Circuit’s judgment and remand the case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion".

Actual Supreme Court decision on Kasten, click here. 03/23/2011

ANOTHER EXTENSION FOR MILITARY STOP-LOSS PAY FILING DEADLINE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The deadline for eligible service members, veterans and their beneficiaries to apply for special retroactive pay as compensation for involuntary extensions of their military service contracts has been extended to April 8 according to the Defense Department. The deadline extension is included in the continuing resolution President Barack Obama signed March 18 that provided funding for government operations through April 8. The Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay was established to compensate for the hardships military members encountered when their service was involuntarily extended under Stop Loss authority between Sept. 11, 2001, and Sept. 30, 2009. Eligible members or their beneficiaries may submit a claim to their respective military services to receive the benefit of $500 for each full or partial month served in a Stop Loss status. When the special pay program began on Oct. 21, 2009, the services estimated 145,000 service members, veterans and beneficiaries were eligible for this benefit. Because the majority of those eligible had separated from the military, the services have engaged in extensive and persistent outreach efforts to reach them and remind them to apply, officials said. Outreach efforts -- such as using direct mail, social networks and media outlets and engaging military and veteran service organizations -- will continue through April 8, officials added.To apply for Stop Loss pay or for more information, including submission requirements and service-specific links, go to http://www.defense.gov/stoploss. Video of Pentagon Channel story below. 03/23/2011

FEWER AMERICANS BELIEVE HARD WORK MAKES YOU RICH / FEWER AMERICANS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THEIR EARNINGS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Periodic polling by the Rasmussen Report finds increasing doubt among Americans that hard work will be rewarded and that an Ivy League education is no guarantee for making a better worker.

The most recent Rassmussen poll shows only three percent (3%) of those polled say individuals who go to Ivy League schools are better workers than those who go to other schools. A new Rasmussen Reports telephone survey finds that 79% do not think Ivy League students make better workers. Eighteen percent (18%) are undecided.

The poll also shows a declining number of Americans believe hard work will make you rich. the most recent poll, conducted March 9-10 shows 28% of Americans believe that people who work harder generally make more money, which is down two points from the last survey on that question. Most adults (58%) disagree with the hard work link to financial success, while 14% are undecided.

Only one out of three (33%) workers nationwide expects to earn more money a year from now, marking the lowest level of optimism in nearly two years. An increasing percentage, 43% of Employed Americans expect to earn about the same amount in a year’s time, while just 14% expect to earn less.

Full Text of Rassmussen Report, click here. 03/15/2011

WISCONSIN GOVERNOR SIGNS BILL LIMITING UNION WORKER RIGHTS / UNION SAYS BATTLE NOT OVER

More in this article from Madison.com- 03/13/2011

RETROACTIVE STOP-LOSS PAY DEADLINE FOR VETERANS EXTENDED TO MARCH 18

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Pentagon officials have announced that soldiers, veterans and legally designated beneficiaries held under Stop-Loss between Sept. 11, 2001 and Sept. 30, 2009, may qualify for $500 for each month held in a Stop-Loss status. The Army's Retroactive Stop Loss Special Pay Office began accepting claims on Oct. 21, 2009. Since the program's inception, more than 100,000 unique claims have been initiated. However, many eligible for the pay have yet to apply, officials said. The last day to submit claims for the special pay is March 18. Video below of President Obama on stop-loss pay extension. Stop-loss pay special Pentagon website, click here. 03/09/2011

NATION'S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DIPS TO 8.9% / DISPLACED WORKERS REMAIN DRAG ON RECOVERY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- It's the best showing in three years. The nation's unemployment rate dipped again in February to 8.9% from January's 9.0%. Though a slight improvement, it was welcome news for a country battling back from the 2008 financial collapse. Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 192,000 in February, and the unemployment rate was little changed at 8.9 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics re-ported today. Job gains occurred in manufacturing, construction, professional and business services, health care, and transportation and warehousing. Household Survey Data. The number of unemployed persons (13.7 million) and the unemployment rate (8.9percent) changed little in February. The labor force was about unchanged over the month. The jobless rate was down by 0.9 percentage point since November 2010.(See table A-1.)Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rates for adult men (8.7 percent),adult women (8.0 percent), teenagers (23.9 percent), whites (8.0 percent), blacks(15.3 percent), and Hispanics (11.6 percent) showed little or no change in February.The jobless rate for Asians was 6.8 percent, not seasonally adjusted. (See tablesA-1, A-2, and A-3.)The number of job losers and persons who completed temporary jobs, at 8.3 million,continued to trend down in February and has fallen by 1.2 million over the past 12months.

Workers who dropped from the unemployment ranks due to dim job prospects, remain a big issue, though their numbers have stabilized. The fact remains the ratio of out of work applicant for every job is still, at least, 4 to 1. And long term unemployed are still just under half of those listed as unemployed.

In its February report, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more)was 6.0 million and accounted for 43.9 percent of the unemployed. Both the civilian labor force participation rate, at 64.2 percent, and the employment-population ratio, at 58.4 percent, were unchanged in February. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was essentially unchanged at 8.3 million in February. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cutback or because they were unable to find a full-time job. In February, 2.7 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, up from 2.5 million a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. (See table A-16.) Among the marginally attached, there were 1.0 million discouraged workers in February, a decrease of 184,000 from a year earlier. (These data are not seasonally adjusted). Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining 1.7 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in February had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities. BLS press release on jobs figures, click here. 03/04/2011

JOB MARKET CLAWING ITS WAY BACK / LABOR DEPT. SAYS JOBLESS FILINGS ARE DOWN, PRODUCTIVITY UP / SOME WORKERS MORE PRODUCTIVE, MAKING LESS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Weekly initial jobless claims were down last week and worker productivity is up. The reports could signal the country is slowly emerging from its jobless recovery. The Labor Department reports initial jobless claims for the week ending Feb. 26, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 368,000, a decrease of 20,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 388,000. The 4-week moving average was 388,500, a decrease of 12,750 from the previous week's revised average of 401,250. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.0 percent for the week ending Feb. 19, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's revised rate of 3.1 percent.The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb.19 was 3,774,000, a decrease of 59,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,833,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,863,750, a decrease of 40,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,904,250.

As for the nation's productivity, workers continue to produce more with little to show in increased wages for the latest quarter. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, non farm business sector labor productivity increased at a 2.6 percent annual rate during the fourth quarter of 2010, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. The gain in productivity reflects a 4.0 percent increase in output and a 1.4 percent increase in hours worked.

Unit labor costs in non farm businesses fell 0.6 percent in the fourth quarter of 2010, due to productivity increasing faster than hourly compensation. Unit labor costs edged down 0.1 percent from the same quarter a year ago (table A). The annual average index of unit labor costs declined 1.5 percent from 2009 to 2010. Labor Department jobless claims press release, click here. BLS press release on productivity, click here. 03/03/2011

JOB CREATION UP / SO ARE MASS LAYOFFS, HIGHEST IN A YEAR

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The February jobs report from the Labor Department is expected on Friday. If two reports out today are any indication, the economy is still in slow growth mode. The payroll firm ADP says private-sector employment increased by 217,000 from January to February on a seasonally adjusted basis. According to ADP, small and medium businesses continue to lead the way in job creation in the latest report.

Small businesses +100,000

Medium businesses** +104,000

Large businesses*** +13,000

Goods-producing sector: +15,000

Service-providing sector: +202,000

The news was not good from employment consulting firm, Challenger, Gray and Christmas. Their latest report shows the number of planned job cuts announced by U.S.-based companies increased for the second consecutive month in February, rising to 50,702, the highest total since March 2010,
according to the latest report on monthly job cuts released Wednesday by global outplacement consultancy Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. The 50,702 job cuts announced last month was up 32 percent from January’s 38,519. It was 20 percent higher than the 42,090 planned layoffs announced in February 2010. This marks the first year-over-year increase in monthly job cuts since May 2009 when job cuts totaling 111,182 surpassed the 103,522 layoffs announced the same month a year earlier by seven percent.

ADP report, click here. Challenger, Gray and Christmas report. click here. 03/02/2011

THEATER CHAINS FINED FOR CHILD LABOR VIOLATIONS / BUSY MONTH FOR LABOR DEPARTMENT RECOVERING BACK PAY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Three major U-S theater chains have been fined by the Labor Department for /child labor violations. It's been a busy month for federal labor investigators, who have recovered hundreds of thousands of dollars in back wages and judgments in other unrelated cases.

In a statement released today, the Labor Department reports it has assessed a total of $277,475 in civil money penalties against three movie theatre companies, Marcus Theatre Corp., Regal Cinemas Inc. and Wehrenberg Inc., for allowing dozens of teens to perform hazardous jobs and work longer hours than allowed by the youth employment provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The Labor Department's Wage and Hour Division, through a strategic enforcement initiative aimed at curbing violations in an industry found to have a high rate of non-compliance with child labor laws, discovered approximately 160 minors were being required to perform hazardous jobs — such as operating paper balers and trash compactors, operating motor vehicles, using power driven mixers and baking — in theatres owned by the three chains. Marcus Theatre Corp. also allowed youth to work beyond permitted hours. The 27 theatres where the minors were employed are in nine states: California, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Carolina and Wisconsin."The penalties imposed as a result of these violations should serve as a wake-up call to movie theatre owners and other employers," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Businesses that employ minors are legally and ethically obligated to abide by child labor standards and ensure youth are protected on the job." In addition to paying civil money penalties, the companies agreed to implement comprehensive internal compliance and training programs. They also will assist the Wage and Hour Division in promoting industry-wide compliance. For example, Regal Cinemas is showing a child labor public service announcement on workplace safety at all 458 of its digital cinema locations in 39 states.Wage and Hour Division investigators determined that Knoxville, Tenn.-based Regal Cinemas Inc., which operates Regal Cinemas, Edwards Theatres and United Artist Theatres, violated child labor laws by employing minors to load and operate trash compactors. Regal Cinemas has paid $158,400 in civil money penalties. Investigators determined that Milwaukee, Wis.-based Marcus Theatres Corp. violated child labor laws by employing minors to load and operate trash compactors, operate motor vehicles and operate a dough mixer. The company also employed minors under the age of 16 to perform baking and allowed them to work beyond hours permitted under the FLSA. Marcus Theatres has paid $93,995 in civil money penalties. Investigators also determined that St. Louis, Mo.-based Wehrenberg Inc. allowed minors to load and operate trash compactors, and to operate motor vehicles. The company has paid $25,080 in penalties. The FLSA identifies 17 hazardous occupations prohibited for workers under the age of 18, which include operating and unloading scrap paper balers and paper box compactors. Loading is permitted only if certain specific conditions are met. There are also hours, times and occupation restrictions for employees under age 16. Fourteen- and 15-year-olds may work in certain occupations outside school hours, but not before 7 a.m. or later than 7 p.m., or 9 p.m. from June 1 until Labor Day. They may not work more than three hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week, or eight hours on a non-school day and 40 hours in a week when school is not in session.

Full text of Labor Department statement on movie theaters, click here.

In other action in February, the Labor Department recovered millions of dollars in back pay for workers, who were victims of discrimination, not properly compensated or denied pay. According to Labor Department reports, federal contractor InterCall, a phone conferencing service, will pay $700,000 in back wages, interest and benefits to 151 minority job applicants who were subjected to discrimination by the company. The settlement follows an investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, which found that 103 black, 28 Asian and 20 Hispanic job applicants were systemically rejected for sales associate positions at the company's Chicago offices in 2006 and 2007. In addition to financial compensation, InterCall will extend a total of 14 offers of employment to affected applicants as positions become available. Full Text of InterCall settlement, click here.

Labor Department investigators also recovered $780,000 in back wages and liquidated damages for 40 employees of Martino's Pizzeria Inc., doing business as Mama's Pizzeria and Restaurant, in Copiague, N.Y., resolving a lawsuit filed against the company for violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The court's judgment prohibits the company and owners Gaetano and Grace Pinello from future violations of the FLSA; orders the immediate payment of $390,000 in minimum wage and overtime back wages, and another $390,000 in liquidated damages; and requires an additional $20,000 in civil money penalties be paid to the government for willful violations of the law. Full text of Martino's settlement, click here. 03/02/2011

PERSONAL INCOME UP / MAINLY DUE TO SOCIAL SECURITY TAX REDUCTION

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The reduction in social security tax withdrawals helped boost personal income by 1% in January. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Personal income increased $133.2 billion, or 1.0 percent, and disposable personal income (DPI)increased $78.3 billion, or 0.7 percent, in January, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) increased $23.7 billion, or 0.2 percent.  In December,personal income increased $56.6 billion, or 0.4 percent, DPI increased $48.5 billion, or 0.4 percent,and PCE increased $56.5 billion, or 0.5 percent, based on revised estimates. Real disposable income increased 0.4 percent in January, compared with an increase of 0.1 percent in December.  Real PCE decreased 0.1 percent, in contrast to an increase of 0.3 percent. The January change in DPI was affected by the expiration of the Making Work Pay provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which boosted personal current taxes and reduced DPI (personal current taxes are a subtraction in the calculation of DPI).  Excluding these two special factors, which are discussed more fully below, DPI increased $11.4 billion, or 0.1 percent, in January, following an increase of $48.5 billion, or 0.4 percent, in December. Private wage and salary disbursements increased $14.8 billion in January, compared with an increase of $20.8 billion in December.  Goods-producing industries' payrolls increased $10.0 billion, compared with an increase of $2.5 billion; manufacturing payrolls increased $7.0 billion, compared with an increase of $2.6 billion. Services-producing industries' payrolls increased $4.8 billion, compared with an increase of $18.2 billion. Government wage and salary disbursements increased $1.9 billion, compared with an increase of $1.0 billion. Full text of BLS press release, click here. 02/28/2011

CURRENT JOBLESS RECOVERY WORSE THAT 2001 / HIGH PAYING JOBS ONLY 14% OF TOTAL NEW JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Statistics from the Labor Department show most of the new job growth is in low wage jobs. According to a report from the National Employment Law Project,

In the private sector, there is a striking imbalance between where the recession’s job losses occurred, and where the growth of the past 12 months was concentrated:
 Lower-wage industries constituted 23 percent of job loss, but fully 49 percent of recent growth
 Mid-wage industries constituted 36 percent of job loss, and 37 percent of recent growth
 Higher-wage industries constituted 40 percent of job loss, but only 14 percent of recent growth
The current recovery looks worse than the “jobless” recovery of the 2001 recession, on several fronts:
 After a year of positive job growth, the private sector after the 2001 recession had recovered almost half (47 percent) of the jobs it had lost. By contrast, to date the private sector has recovered only 14 percent of the jobs it lost during 2008 and 2009.
 The early job growth following the 2001 recession was more balanced than the early job growth following the 2008 recession, with significantly more growth in higher-wage industries.

In short, it is too early to predict whether the pattern of unbalanced, bottom-heavy growth will continue.
But these findings do suggest that for unemployed workers, as well as for those seeking to move up in the labor market or entering it for the first time, the current distribution of job opportunities has deteriorated, compared to before the recession.

Current private sector job levels are still 6.6 percent below pre-recession levels – and the labor force has grown during this time period, with millions of new workers entering the job market, making the The real jobs deficit even bigger.

The NELP report also details those industries which continue to lose jobs during the recovery and those which are adding. Full text of NELP report, click here. 02/25/2011

UNLIKELY REPORT FROM GOLDMAN SACHS SAYS REPUBLICAN BUDGET CUTS WILL HURT RECOVERY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Financial giant Goldman Sachs has released a report showing proposed Republican budget cuts could take up to 2% of the GDP growth from the U-S economy in 2011. The report appears to back up much of what opposition Democrats are saying as they battle with a House proposal to cut more than 61 billion from the 2011 budget. The Senate has refused to sign on to the proposal, not ruling out some budget cuts though no where near the Republican proposal. More in this report from Reuters, click here. 02/24/2011

EEOC PURSUES SEX DISCRIMINATION AND RETALIATION CASES AGAINST CHRYSLER AND PET PRODUCTS MAKER

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Chrysler has lost an attempt in federal court to throw out a retaliation lawsuit brought by the EEOC. the EEOc claims female employees at a Chrysler parts distribution center were subject to retaliation for complaining they were not considered for jobs given to males with less seniority. According to the EEOC, District Judge William F. Callahan, Jr., held that the EEOC’s claims of retaliation on behalf of two women employed in the company’s national parts distribution center in Milwaukee should go forward. (EEOC v. Chrysler Group, LLC, E.D.Wis. No. 08-C-1067, Decision & Order, 2/17/2011, D.J. Callahan.)

The claims were brought by the EEOC under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 in a lawsuit filed in December 2009. According to the EEOC, one of the women was taken off what the court described as a “coveted position” driving a power sweeper and assigned to more physically demanding work “picking” parts to satisfy a “hot order” in the “back order area” of the warehouse. The EEOC said that when the woman and a coworker complained that a male employee with less seniority should have been assigned to that job, they were accused of “disrupting the workforce” subjected to verbal harassment and threatened with discipline up to and including termination.

Chrysler urged the court to summarily reject EEOC’s claims because the women were neither discharged nor suffered any other tangible loss such as a loss of pay, benefits, or position. According to Chrysler, “the alleged verbal harassment and intimidation is simply not the kind of actionable harm which Title VII contemplates.”

The court rejected that line of reasoning. “An adverse employment action [necessary to sustain a claim for retaliation] need not be tangible,” Judge Callahan wrote. The court then reviewed the circumstances surrounding the statements to the women, finding that “the manner in which [the manager] delivered his message to each woman matters. If he were screaming and pounding his fists on the table while threatening termination, as [the women] testified, this scenario paints a much more hostile and intimidating atmosphere than if [the manager] delivered his message in a normal tone of voice, as he contends he did.”

Because of this controversy, the court concluded, the trial should go forward to determine whether Chrysler’s behavior “would have dissuaded a reasonable worker from making a charge of discrimination.”

In the VetPharm case, the EEOC claims the South Dakota animal health products distributor violated federal civil rights laws by allegedly permitting a male employee in its Sioux Falls distribution center to sexually harass female employees, even after direct complaints were made to a manager, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit it filed Friday.

According to the EEOC’s suit, between 2007 and 2008, an employee of Vet Pharm, Inc. told sexually explicit jokes and made highly personalized sexual comments which demeaned and humiliated female employees. The EEOC’s administrative investigation indicated that complaints were made to a direct supervisor, who allegedly took no action to remedy the harassment. Further, the investigation showed that even after complaints were allegedly raised with upper management, the company failed to stop the harasser’s conduct, which was so severe that a female employee felt forced to quit her job.

Sexual harassment violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The EEOC filed its suit, which was docketed before Judge Lawrence L. Piersol, in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission v. Vet Pharm, Inc., Civil Action No. 11-4025), after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its conciliation process.

“It appears -- and we intend to prove it in court -- that Vet Pharm knew about this man’s alleged misconduct but allowed him to continue to abuse female employees by engaging in highly sexualized speech,” said John Hendrickson, the EEOC regional attorney in Chicago. “What Vet Pharm didn’t seem to get is that, under federal law, women don’t have to put up with that kind of talk to keep their jobs.”

The EEOC’s lawsuit stems from a charge of discrimination that was filed by a former employee of Vet Pharm.

In this case, the EEOC is seeking injunctive relief that will require Vet Pharm to obtain training on sexual harassment and adopt an effective sexual harassment prevention policy that complies with federal law. The EEOC will also seek back pay as well as compensatory and punitive damages on behalf of the original complainant and a class of Vet Pharm’s female employees who suffered sexual harassment.

Full text of Chrysler case from EEOC press release, click here. VetPharm case EEOC press release, click here. 02/23/2011

CONSUMER PRICE INDEX UP / SPIKE IN FIRST TIME UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Energy and food prices, again the major factors, pushing the Consumer Price Index up in January. A second blow today came from the labor Department where first time unemployment claims for last week rose more than expected.

The CPI for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent in January on a seasonally adjusted basis, the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Over the last 12 months,the all items index increased 1.6 percent before seasonal adjustment. Increases in indexes for energy commodities and for food accounted for over two thirds of the all items increase. The indexes for gasoline and fuel oil both increased in January, continuing their recent strong upward trend. The index for food at home posted its largest increase in over two years with all six major grocery store food group indexes rising. The index for all items less food and energy also rose in January.The indexes for apparel, shelter, airline fares, and recreation all posted increases. In contrast, the indexes for new vehicles and for used cars and trucks declined in January. Over the last 12 months, the food index has risen 1.8 percent with the food at home index up 2.1 percent; both 12-month changes are the highest since 2009. The energy index has increased 7.3 percent over the last 12 months, with the gasoline index up 13.4 percent. The index for all items less food and energy has risen 1.0 percent.

In the week ending Feb. 12, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 410,000, an increase of 25,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 385,000. The 4-week moving average was 417,750, an increase of 1,750 from the previous week's revised average of 416,000.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.1 percent for the week ending Feb. 5, unchanged from the prior week's un revised rate of 3.1 percent.The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Feb.5 was 3,911,000, an increase of 1,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,910,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,941,500, an increase of 3,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 3,938,000.

BLS unemployment filings report, click here. Consumer Price Index report, click here. 02/17/2011

EEOC HEARING EXAMINES HIRING DISCRIMINATION AGAINST THE UNEMPLOYED

More from the EEOC-  In a public meeting held today, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity
Commission (EEOC) examined the impact of employers considering only those currently employed
for job vacancies.

“Throughout its 45 year history, the EEOC has identified and remedied discrimination in hiring
and remains committed to ensuring job applicants are treated fairly,” said EEOC Chair Jacqueline A.
Berrien. “Today’s meeting gave the Commission an important opportunity to learn about the emerging
practice of excluding unemployed persons from applicant pools.

According to Helen Norton, Associate Professor at the University of Colorado School of Law, employers and staffing agencies have publicly advertised jobs in fields ranging from electronic
engineers to restaurant and grocery managers to mortgage underwriters with the explicit restriction
that only currently employed candidates will be considered. “Some employers may use current
employment as a signal of quality job performance,” Norton testified. “But such a correlation is
decidedly weak. A blanket reliance on current employment serves as a poor proxy for successful job
performance.”

“The use of an individual’s current or recent unemployment status as a hiring selection
device is a troubling development in the labor market,” said Fatima Goss Graves, Vice President for
Education and Employment of the National Women’s Law Center. She noted that this practice “may
well act as a negative counterweight” to government efforts to get people back to work. Women,
particularly older women and those in non-traditional occupations, are disproportionately affected by
this restriction, testified Goss Graves.

Denying jobs to the already-unemployed can also have a disproportionate effect on certain
racial and ethnic minority community members, Algernon Austin, Director of the Program on
Race, Ethnicity, and the Economy of the Economic Policy Institute, explained. Unemployment
rates for African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans are higher than those of whites.
When comparing college-educated workers, the unemployment rate for Asians is also higher. Thus,
restricting applications to the currently employed could place a heavier burden on people of color, he
concluded.

The use of employment status to screen job applicants could also seriously impact people with disabilities, according to Joyce Bender, an expert in the employment of people with
disabilities. “Given my experience, I can say without a doubt that the practice of excluding persons
who are currently unemployed from applicant pools is real and can have a negative impact on persons
with disabilities,” Bender told the Commission.

Dr. William Spriggs, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy, offered data supporting this
testimony. Spriggs presented current national employment statistics showing that African-Americans
and Hispanics are over represented among the unemployed. He also stated that excluding the
unemployed would be more likely to limit opportunities for older applicants as well as persons with
disabilities.

“At a moment when we all should be doing whatever we can to open up job opportunities to the
unemployed, it is profoundly disturbing that the trend of deliberately excluding the jobless from work
opportunities is on the rise,” said Christine Owens, Executive Director of the National Employment
Law Project. In addition to presenting statistical evidence, she recounted stories unemployed workers
have shared with her organization where they were told directly that they would not be considered for
employment due to being unemployed.

James Urban, a partner at the Jones Day law firm, who counsels employers, expressed
doubt as to the extent of the problem. Fernan Cepero, representing the Society of Human Resource
Professionals, told the Commission that his organization is not aware of this practice being in regular
use. But both Mr. Urban and Mr. Cepero noted that the automatic exclusion of unemployed persons
from consideration does not constitute “due diligence” in the screening of job applicants.

The EEOC enforces the nation’s laws prohibiting employment discrimination. Further
information about the EEOC is available at www.eeoc.gov. . Full text of MUST READ testimony from Christine Owens, National Employment Law Project. EEOC meeting press release, including testimony, click here. 02/16/2011

HOUSE KILLS FUNDING FOR F-35 EXTRA ENGINE PROGRAM

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The House today, by a vote of 233-199, has removed $450 million for the F-35 extra engine program. The money was taken from the 2011 defense budget. Pentagon Press Secretary Geoff Morrell said, "Secretary Gates welcomes today's vote and is gratified that the full House has recognized the merits of the department's position in opposing the JSF extra engine," Morrell said. "He understands this afternoon's vote is but one step, although a very important one, on the path to ensuring that we stop spending limited dollars on unwanted and unneeded defense programs." The bill still must go to the Senate, where funding for the engine could be added back. General Electric and Rolls Royce are building the engine. In 2005, then-President George W. Bush and then-Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld opposed the extra engine. In a statement issued May 28, President Barack Obama promised to veto any legislation that provided funds for the extra engine. Gates has said he will use every legal means to terminate the extra engine program, which he said is costing taxpayers $28 million a month.

But, the money is likely to be reinserted in the Senate's version. That's because killing the program will cost hundreds of jobs in Indiana and Ohio, where the engines were to be made. House Speaker John Boehner did not vote but supported the measure, which was sternly opposed by Tea Party Republicans. 02/16/2011

NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD SAVES JOBS OF WORKERS FIRED FOR BADMOUTHING EMPLOYERS

More in this article from the Chicago Tribune, click here- 02/11/2011

COMMENT PERIOD EXTENDED FOR PROPOSED RULE CHANGES TO PROTECT MINERS SAFETY AND HEALTH

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Comment on the Department of Labor's proposed mine safety changes prompted by mine disasters last year, will be extended to May 2, 2011. Proposed rule changes addressing Lowering Miners' Exposure to Respirable Coal Mine Dust, Including Continuous Personal Dust Monitors, was submitted to the public last year for comment. The proposal was originally published on October 19, 2010 (75 FR 64412). The Labor Department's Mine Safety and Health Administration Federal Register PDF download of proposed changes, click here. Department of Labor video on proposed changes, click on YouTube playback below. 02/09/2011

FEDS ORDER UNITED HEALTH TO PAY WORKERS $1 MILLION BACK WAGES FOR OVERTIME

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- An overtime pay dispute with 479 workers at the United Health operations in Hartford, Connecticut has led to a more than $1 million back pay recovery by the U-S Department of Labor. According to the DOL, the department recovered a total of $934,551 in overtime back wages for the employees of United Healthcare and $104,280 in civil money penalties after an investigation by the department's Wage and Hour Division determined that the employees had been incorrectly classified as exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act and consequently denied compensation for all hours worked. United Healthcare is the largest single health insurance carrier in the United States. This action is limited to the company's Hartford location, which specializes in the IT, finance, actuarial and underwriting operations for United Health Group Inc.

"Employers subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act's requirements, whether large or small, must ensure all of their workers are properly classified and receive the wages they are owed," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "Workers deserve to keep what they earn. It is simply unacceptable that a multi-billion dollar company misclassified its employees and failed to abide by some of the nation's most basic labor laws."

After conducting 90 employee interviews and reviewing time and payroll records for 21,000 employees, investigators determined that UnitedHealthcare incorrectly classified employees in several different occupational categories as administratively exempt from FLSA, thereby denying them overtime compensation for all hours worked over 40 in a week. The company also failed to include certain compensation for employment in workers' regular rates, on which time and one-half should have been paid. Additionally, recordkeeping violations were uncovered, as records of the number of hours worked were not properly maintained for those who had been misclassified as exempt.

The FLSA provides an exemption from both minimum wage and overtime pay for workers employed as bona fide administrative employees. To qualify for this exemption, an employee must be paid on a salary basis at a rate not less than $455 per week, must perform work directly related to the management or business operation of the employer, and must be responsible for exercising independent judgment or discretion with respect to matters of significance. In order for an exemption to apply, an employee's specific job duties and salary must meet all the requirements of the Labor Department's regulations.

The amount of civil money penalties assessed was based on multiple violations of the FLSA.

The FLSA requires that covered employees be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour as well as time and one-half their regular rates for every hour they work beyond 40 per week. The law also requires employers to maintain accurate records of employees' wages, hours and other conditions of employment, and prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who exercise their rights under the law. DOL press release on United Health case, click here. 02/09/2011

FACTORY ORDERS, INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS UP

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A big jump in the number of initial unemployment claims was higher than experts predicted and more evidence of the roller coaster projected for the rest of the year. The weekly report of initial jobless claims from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows, for the week ending Jan. 22, seasonally adjusted initial claims totaled 454,000, an increase of 51,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 403,000. The 4-week moving average was 428,750, an increase of 15,750 from the previous week's revised average of 413,000. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.2 percent for the week ending Jan. 15, an increase of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's un revised rate of 3.1 percent.The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Jan. 15 was 3,991,000, an increase of 94,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 3,897,000. The 4-week moving average was 3,975,500, a decrease of 39,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,015,250.

Although orders for durable goods rose .5%, that figure was less than experts expected. Specifically, the US Commerce Department's Census Bureau report cites orders for manufactured durable goods in December decreased $5.0 billion or 2.5 percent to $191.0 billion, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. This decrease, down four of the last five months, followed a 0.1 percent November decrease. Excluding transportation, new orders increased 0.5 percent. Excluding defense, new orders decreased 2.5 percent.
Transportation equipment, also down four of the last five months, had the largest decrease, $5.8 billion or
12.8 percent to $39.2 billion. This was due to non defense aircraft and parts, which decreased $5.0
billion. Shipments of manufactured durable goods in December, up three of the last four months, increased
$2.8 billion or 1.4 percent to $200.4 billion. This followed a 0.5 percent November increase.

BLS press release on jobless claims, click here. Dept. of Commerce goods orders press release, click here. 01/27/2011

ECONOMISTS WARN CUTTING FEDERAL SPENDING TOO SOON COULD COST 600,000 JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Economists concerned about deep cuts in federal spending this year warn it could cause more harm than good. While most believe the U- S must cut the federal debt, revealed today by the Congressional Budget Office to be $1.5 trillion, most seem to agree those deep cuts must wait until unemployment makes significant progress. The CBO says that could mean late 2012 or 2013 (See story on Financial-Pensions Page). The Economic Policy Institute, a liberal think tank, says deep federal spending cuts could cost 600,000 jobs. EPI analyst Rebecca Thiess, responding to a Republican proposal in the house, said,

"The House of Representatives will vote on a resolution to cut non-security discretionary spending back to fiscal year 2008 levels for the last seven months of this fiscal year (which is currently being funded through a temporary continuing resolution). What will this accomplish? If spread over an entire year’s worth of discretionary spending, reverting to 2008 spending levels would result in a cut of about 13% to all non-defense programs, totaling around $60 billion in cuts. But if the cut is instead squeezed into the remaining seven months of fiscal year 2011, then it grows to around 22%. What Republicans in the House fail to either understand or accept is that it is imperative that our efforts be focused on immediate job creation as opposed to immediate deficit reduction. Focusing on deficits now is not only a distraction, but actually undermines the goal of generating more jobs. In fact, making these cuts to the discretionary budget would reduce the number of jobs available significantly. Okun’s rule of thumb states that when gross domestic product (GDP) declines, there is a correlating increase in unemployment. A $60 billion cut, when assigned a fiscal multiplier of 1.5, would impact GDP by roughly $90 billion for the rest of this fiscal year alone. This would result in a decline in output by a little more than one-half of a percentage point of GDP, resulting in a loss of around 590,000 jobs".

Moody's Economist Mark Zandi agrees Federal spending needs to be cut, but not this year. Zandi is concerned that extreme federal spending cuts, coupled with troubled state and local budgets would just add more panic to a fragile recovery. In a recent report on the economy,. Zandi stated,

"It is also important to note that U.S. economic growth will be lower in 2012 than previously anticipated, as the fiscal drag expected in 2011 is pushed off a year. The economy will end in roughly the same place by mid-2013 as measured by GDP, jobs and unemployment. The compromise of tax and spending policies could have
also been better designed to maximize economic efficacy. The deal includes a range of tax cuts for households and businesses, some of which pack little bang for the buck".

Text of Zandi pdf report, click here. Text of EPI Thiess report, click here. 01/26/2011

OBAMA NAMES G-E CHAIRMAN TO JOBS COUNCIL

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- G-E Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Immelt has been named the Chairman of the new Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.The announcement today at G-E's home base in Schenectady New York will be broadcast to showcase the Obama administration's determination to crack stubborn unemployment which continues to keep an estimated 15 million workers out of the labor force. Despite most large corporations returning to profitability, few seem ready to hire in any significant numbers. While many blame uncertainty of regulatory issues, most economists say the larger issue is the staggering financial problems in some European and Asian countries, which has cut demand for products, regardless where they are made.

The White House has announced the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness will have a new composition and new mission. The Council will focus on finding new ways to promote growth by investing in American business to encourage hiring, to educate and train our workers to compete globally, and to attract the best jobs and businesses to the United States. For the past two years under the leadership of Paul Volcker, the President’s Economic Recovery Advisory Board (PERAB), has provided outside advice and counsel as the administration has taken bold steps to recover from the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. On February 6, 2011, the PERAB two-year mandate will expire, as scheduled.

Text of President's speech, click here. 01/21/2011

WEEKLY INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS UP / DECEMBER INFLATION HIGHEST OF YEAR

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Initial unemployment claims last week were up by 35,000 from the previous week. Total claims ending the week of January 8th, were 445,000. The four week moving average increased by 5,000 to 416,000. Equally of concern was the release of the produce price index, which showed December 2010 prices increased by 1.1%, the largest increase for the year. Economic analysts say the figure is enough of an increase to prompt concerns potential inflation. The previous lower inflation rates have been cited by the Federal Reserve for their continued low interest rates. The BLS reports shows the PPI advance followed increases of 0.8 percent in November and 0.4 percent in October and marks the sixth straight rise in finished goods prices. At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by manufacturers of intermediate goods moved up 1.0 percent, and the crude goods index increased 4.0 percent. On an unadjusted basis, prices for finished goods advanced 4.0 percent in 2010 after climbing 4.3 percent in 2009. Full text of BLS press release, click here. BLS press release on the producer price index, click here. 01/13/2011

TSA WORKERS AT O'HARE AIRPORT GET $1.3 MILLION BACK WAGES FROM PRIVATE CONTRACTOR

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- An estimated 140 employees of Total Enterprise Inc., a bus transportation company, will share more than $1.3 million dollars in back wages from Total Enterprise Inc., an Irving, Texas-based company with offices in Franklin Park, Ill.

According to the Department of Labor, in a statement released today, Total Enterprise President Kyong M. Kim and Vice President Frederick G. Kahl entered into a contract, in 2005, with the Transportation Security Administration to provide transportation services for TSA employees from remote parking lots to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. The Wage and Hour Division investigation determined that Total Enterprise Inc. shuttle bus drivers, parking lot attendants and bus dispatchers were not paid the required prevailing wages and fringe benefits under the contract between Dec. 31, 2005, and Nov. 7, 2009.

"This action underscores the Labor Department's commitment to ensuring that proper prevailing wages and benefits are paid to the many men and women working on federal contracts," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L.Solis. "It should be a signal to all federal contractors that, when violations are found, this department will take appropriate legal action to ensure workers receive the wages they've worked hard for and deserve."

The back wages and benefits will be paid pursuant to an agreement reached among the Department of Labor in Chicago, Total Enterprise Inc. and the TSA. Full text of Department of Labor press release, click here. 01/11/2011

DECEMBER JOBS REPORT OFFERS LITTLE HOPE FOR LONG TERM UNEMPLOYED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The U-S, at present, has no job for three out of four unemployed workers still searching for a job. This, even though the labor force is significantly lower than it was before the recession hit in December of 2007. The problem was the focus of a commentary released today by Economic Policy Institute analyst Heidi Shierholz. She says the December jobs report is, if anything, more evidence of a rocky recovery.

According to Shierholz, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS), shows job openings decreased by 80,000 in November, while revisions to earlier data reveal that there were 34,000 fewer job openings in October than previously reported.  The survey also showed other signs of weakness in November, as hires declined by 39,000, layoffs increased by 36,000, and quits decreased by 44,000.

Although the job-seeker’s ratio has been generally improving since its peak of 6.3-to-1 in July 2009.  However, at 4.6-to-1 the ratio is more than three times its 2007 average of 1.5-to-1. 

But, Shierholz believes it is important to consider the total employment picture. "....if we were to include not just the 15.0 million unemployed workers, but also the 9.0 million “involuntarily part-time” workers (part-time workers who want and are available for a full-time job, and are therefore likely job searching), the ratio would be 7.4-to-one", according to Shierholz. 

Full text of Shierholz report, including direct link to BLS survey, click here. 01/11/2011

EEOC SAYS JOB BIAS CASES HAVE REACHED RECORD

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Retaliation against employees who filed complaints with the Equal Opportunity Commission, outranked all other categories for the largest increase in filings last year. The EEOC released stats from 2010, through September 30th, showing filing increases in all major categories. The agency claims private sector workplace discrimination charges nationwide hit an unprecedented level of 99,922 during fiscal year (FY) 2010, which ended Sept. 30, 2010.

"Despite the increase in overall charges filed with the EEOC last fiscal year, the Commission dramatically slowed the growth of the charge inventory. As a result, the federal agency ended FY 2010 with 86,338 pending charges - an increase of only 570 charges, or less than one percent. Between fiscal years 2008 and 2009, the EEOC's pending inventory increased 15.9 percent".

"We are pleased to see that our rebuilding efforts are having an impact on how efficiently and effectively the Commission enforces the civil rights laws protecting the nation's workers," said EEOC Chair Jacqueline A. Berrien. "Discrimination continues to be a substantial problem for too many job seekers and workers, and we must continue to build our capacity to enforce the laws that ensure that workplaces are free of unlawful bias."

The FY 2010 data show that the EEOC filed 250 lawsuits, resolved 285 lawsuits, and resolved 104,999 private sector charges. Through its combined enforcement, mediation and litigation programs, the EEOC secured more than $404 million in monetary benefits from employers -- the highest level of monetary relief ever obtained by the Commission through the administrative process -- to promote inclusive and discrimination-free workplaces.

Full text of EEOC press release, click here. 01/11/2011

FORD SET TO HIRE 7,000 MORE WORKERS / ANNOUNCEMENT MADE DURING START OF DETROIT AUTO SHOW

More from the Emeritus Newsroom-As the International Auto Show gets underway in Detroit, Ford Motor company announced major additions to U-S manufacturing operations. It will add 7,000 new hourly and salaried jobs between this year and next in the United States.  The company says that already this year, it is adding nearly 4,000 hourly jobs at several of its U.S. plants, including 1,800 at Louisville Assembly Plant, which is preparing to launch the next-generation Ford Escape late in the year. Ford is planning 750 salaried engineering jobs in product development and manufacturing. Next year, Ford expects to add at least 2,500 more new manufacturing positions.

“Ford is committed to American manufacturing, and we are on a path to add more than 7,000 American workers over the next two years as we continue to grow our product lineup,” said Mark Fields, Ford president of The Americas. “Working with our partners, including the UAW, Ford is finding competitive ways to engineer and build even more high-quality, fuel-efficient vehicles with technologies American consumers really want.” 

Ford is recruiting salaried engineers specializing in batteries, system controls, software and energy storage to work on electric vehicles in Detroit and eight other cities including Boston; Chicago; Cincinnati; Columbus, Ohio; Milwaukee; Raleigh and Durham, N.C.; and San Jose, Calif. This recruitment launches at the 2011 North American International Auto Show during industry preview days on Jan. 12 and Jan. 13.

The Ford announcement is the boldest yet of the American based automakers. General Motors and Chrysler are making a slower return to increased production as they emerge from the 2008 economic disaster which nearly closed both of them.

Full text Ford press release, click here. 01/10/2011

JOBLESS RATE FALLS TO 9.4% / PARTIALLY DUE TO MORE JOBLESS GIVING UP THE SEARCH

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- An improved job picture emerged from the Labor Department in their report on December 2010. The nation's unemployment rate improved to 9.4% from November's 9.8%. But officials admit it was partially due to jobless giving up their search for work. The private sector added 113,000 jobs in December, with various government agencies cutting an estimated 100,000 jobs in December along with the revised November figure of 8,000 lost jobs. Strained government budgets are likely to provide more to the unemployment ranks in 2011.

Of the more than 14.5 million unemployed workers, 6.4 million have been without a job for six months or longer. Some of the long term unemployed were among the estimated 430,000 plus workers who gave up looking for a job in December.

Labor Department press release on December jobs numbers, click here. 01/07/2011

MIXED JOBS REPORTS FROM A-D-P AND LABOR DEPARTMENT

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Department of Labor today revealed another up tick in weekly initial unemployment claims, while payroll firm ADP says December was one of the best job creation months in the last ten years. The ADP report is especially encouraging and adds more suspense to tomorrow's release by the Labor Department of the December 2010 jobs report.

The Labor De4partement says, in the week ending Jan. 1, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 409,000, an increase of 18,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 391,000. The 4-week moving average was 410,750, a decrease of 3,500 from the previous week's revised average of 414,250.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.3 percent for the week ending Dec. 25, unchanged from the prior week's un revised rate of 3.3 percent.
The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Dec. 25 was 4,103,000, a decrease of 47,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,150,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,122,500, a decrease of 2,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,125,250.
The advance number of actual initial claims under state programs, unadjusted, totaled 577,279 in the week ending Jan. 1, an increase of 52,038 from the previous week. There were 645,446 initial claims in the comparable week in 2010.

ADP, which usually issues a report on the previous month's job stats, a day before the Labor Department, claims private-sector employment increased by 297,000 from November to December on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the latest ADP National Employment Report® released today. The estimated change of employment from October to November was revised down, but only slightly, from the previously reported increase of 93,000 to an increase of 92,000. This month’s ADP National Employment Report suggests non farm private employment grew very strongly in December, at a pace well above what is usually associated with a declining unemployment rate. After a mid-year pause, employment seems to have accelerated as indicated by September’s employment gain of 29,000, October’s gain of 79,000, November’s gain of 92,000 and December’s gain of 297,000. Strength was also evident within all major industries and every size business tracked in the ADP Report.

Full text of press release from Labor Department, click here. ADP jobs report, click here. 01/06/2011

MAJOR EEOC DISCRIMINATION SETTLEMENTS WITH UNITED AIRLINES AND AKAL SECURITY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- December discrimination cases involving the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission yielded more high profile settlements. Two of the biggest involved United Airlines and Akal Security.

In the Akal Security case, EEOC says the company, which is the largest provider of contract security services to the federal government, will pay $1.62 million to a class of 26 female security guards, settling a pregnancy discrimination lawsuit. According to the EEOC, in 2004 New Mexico-based Akal began a nationwide pattern and practice of forcing its pregnant employees, working as contract security guards on U.S. Army bases, to take leave and discharging them because of pregnancy. The women worked at Fort Riley, Hood, Stewart, Campbell, Lewis, Anniston, Sunny Point and Blue Grass Army Depot. Akal also subjected the women to less favorable terms and conditions of employment because of pregnancy, including preventing them from completing their annual physical agility and firearms tests or forcing them to take such tests before their certifications had expired. Akal also retaliated against an employee who complained about the discrimination by filing baseless criminal charges against her, the EEOC said.

A case against United Airlines was settled for $600,000. The EEOC claims United illegally refused to allow employees with disabilities to work reduced hourly schedules as a reasonable accommodation. In addition to paying $600,000 to a group of reservation agents with disabilities, United will end its blanket policy against reduced hourly schedules and provide training to staffers who administer United’s reasonable accommodation process, according to the terms of a three-year consent decree approved by the court (EEOC v. United Airlines, C-06-01407 TSZ). The EEOC found that prior to 2003, United had permitted reservations sales and service representatives to work reduced hourly schedules as an accommodation for employees’ various disabilities, including multiple sclerosis, DeQuervain’s tendonitis and carpal tunnel, and myasthenia gravis (a muscle condition). By suddenly abolishing its long-standing practice and policy of providing reduced hourly schedules, United required all reservation sales and service representatives who could not work their full bid schedules to either retire or go out on extended leave, and then terminated them when their leave ran out. These policies and practices violate the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) , the EEOC said.

Full text of press release in Akal Case, click here. Full text of press release in United Airlines case, click here. 12/04/2011

MANPOWER SURVEY FINDS MORE EMPLOYEES WANT NEW JOBS / 84% OF THOSE QUESTIONED WANT NEW JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- "Just be glad you have a job", is not good enough for the vast majority of American workers. Forced to do relentlessly more with less and responsible for the rise in U-S productivity, with less reward, more workers want to "move on" next year. The latest evidence comes in a survey released by the Right Management subsidiary of Manpower, a national employment services firm.

According to a Right Management press release, workers are poised for a mass exodus next year in a poll of more than 1,400 workers in North America. Employees are feeling increasingly restless and intend to leave in droves if opportunities open up in the job market.

Eighty-four percent of the employees polled say they plan to look for new jobs in 2011, up from 60% reported in Right Management’s survey a year ago. Only 5% now say they intend to remain in their current position.

Five out of six American workers are dissatisfied with their present job and want to hunt for a new one in 2011. President and Chief Operating Officer, Douglas Matthews, warned employers to watch out for their workers. He said that the survey result is a wake-up call to employers and how they take care of their employees. “This finding is more about employee dissatisfaction and discontent than projected turnover.”

Right Management press release, click here. 12/29/2010

NUMBER OF WORKERS AGE 55+ ON THE JOB, REACHES RECORD / RETIREMENT PLAN LOSSES, JOB LOSSES AMONG OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS ARE FACTORS

More in this article from USA today, click here- 12/15/2010

U-N REPORT ON WORLDWIDE WAGES ECHOES U-S REPORT

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- At the opening to a special opening day of the 17th American Regional Meeting of the International Labor Organization, taking place in Santiago, Chile, a world labor expert says developing quality jobs is the most important aspect of economic development. International Labor Organization (ILO) Director-General Juan Somavia expressed particular concern about the need to protect and create jobs for young workers, whose unemployment rate is three times higher than that of adults.The Economic Commission for Latin America (ECLAC) presented a document on Monday showing that the region’s economic output is expected to slow down from 6 per cent in 2010 to 4.2 per cent in 2011.

Another report from the ILO found that overall worldwide wage growth was up 1.6% in 2009, 1.5% in 2008. Wage growth was 2.8% before the worldwide recession hit during 2007. However, in a quarter of the countries survey, wage growth actually registered in the negative column.

UN economic and wage report, click here. 12/15/2010

STATE LABOR OFFICIAL: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING PROGRAMS IN U-S "NOT UP TO THE CHALLENGE"

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- This week's U-S Department of Labor re-employment summit has exposed the frustrations of local, state and federal officials, who are helping the long term unemployed.

“The reality is that this employment and training system, and many of us who have dedicated our lives to it, is basically not designed for the challenges we are facing today,” said Michael L.  Thurmond, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Labor.

In some cases, according to some of the experts at the conference, it may come down being one’s own boss. Self-employment.

Bonnie Elsey, director of workforce development for the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, discussed how Project GATE, a Labor Department-funded program operating in several states, creates jobs by fostering self-employment.  Project “Growing America Through Entrepreneurship” provides participants orientation, paid training and consultation with the Small Business Administration.  At the end of the most recent phase, 57 individuals started their own businesses.

At least one state agency is tapping into the ingenuity of the same people it serves.

Karen Coleman is the director of the Division of Employment and Workforce Solutions for the New York State Department of Labor.  In New York, where 525,000 people are collecting UI, a group who call themselves the “99ers” – because they have exhausted all of their benefits – publicizes weekly meetings through Facebook and holds public protests that attract media coverage.  Impressed with the group’s ability to organize, on Monday, Coleman’s staff met with the 99ers – for four hours instead of a scheduled two – to exchange ideas.  One suggestion that emerged is a “Hire Me!” campaign that could profile talented candidates for employment.

To applause, an audience member from Richmond, Va. described how her office handled an unprecedented “tsunami” of highly degreed, unemployed clients who applied for services alongside others with less education and fewer skills.  Likening herself and a co-worker to the characters of Hawkeye and Radar on the television series M*A*S*H, she talked about the conscience and vision required to serve everyone with already stretched resources. The pair enlisted volunteer clients to run workshops.  This partnership allowed the office to serve more workers during a time of great need. Project Gate home page, click here. 12/15/2010

FORD AND MACY'S TO ADD MORE THAN 3,600 WORKERS / JOB CREATION BOOSTED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Two recent major announcements from Ford and Macy's will create more than 3,600 new jobs over the next year. The Ford announcement affects the company plant in Louisville, Kentucky, where the company will invest more than $600 million to upgrade the plant to build next generation Ford Escape models. Escape is the company's smaller and most popular SUV model. The plant has been down for retooling and is set to reopen next year. the company said it would try to use workers transferred from other plants and those who were laid off before they commit to hiring new workers.

And Macy's has agreed to build at new distribution center in West Virginia, about 80 west of Washington DC, along Interstate 81. The company has said it intends to hire about 1,200 full time workers with 700 seasonal workers sometime in 2012. Terry J. Lundgren, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Marcy's, stated in a company press release, "The new Martinsburg fulfillment center will represent a significant expansion of our online capacity, and will be used in particular to prepare and ship orders to macys.com customers in Northeast and Middle Atlantic states. This center will include the very latest material handling equipment and warehouse management systems so we can fill orders quickly and efficiently".

More encouraging news was released today from the Bureau of Labor statistics, showing producer costs below earnings, meaning most producers are seeing positive cash flow. On the negative side, energy prices continues to take a bigger bite out of profits and additional hiring. According to the BLS, The Producer Price Index for Finished Goods rose 0.8 percent in November, seasonally adjusted, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. This increase followed a 0.4-percent advance in both October and September. At the earlier stages of processing, prices received by manufacturers of intermediate goods climbed 1.1 percent in November, and the crude goods index moved up 0.6 percent. On an unadjusted basis, prices for finished goods rose 3.5 percent for the 12 months ended November 2010, their smallest 12-month increase since a 3.1-percent advance in August.

About two-thirds of the November advance in the finished goods index can be traced to prices for
energy goods, which rose 2.1 percent. Also contributing to the broad-based November increase in the
finished goods index, prices for consumer foods and for goods other than foods and energy advanced 1.0
percent and 0.3 percent, respectively.
Finished energy: The index for finished energy goods climbed 2.1 percent in November, its fourth
consecutive monthly increase. Over three-fourths of the November advance can be attributed to a 4.7-
percent rise in gasoline prices. Increases in the indexes for home heating oil and diesel fuel also
contributed to higher finished energy goods prices. (See table 2.)
Finished foods: The index for finished consumer foods advanced 1.0 percent in November, its fourth
increase in the last five months. Over half of the November rise can be traced to prices for fresh fruits
and melons, which climbed 13.6 percent. A surge in prices for eggs for fresh use also contributed to the
advance in the finished consumer foods index.
Finished core: The index for finished goods less foods and energy moved up 0.3 percent in November,
after declining 0.6 percent a month earlier. A 1.7-percent increase in prices for passenger cars led the
advance in the finished core index. BLS press release, click here.

Ford press release, click here. Macy's press release, click here. 12/14/2010

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENSION AND TAX CUTS WILL PASS BEFORE CHRISTMAS BREAK

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Congress is expected to clear, both the tax cut proposal from President Obama and extended unemployment benefits. Both packages were tied up over Republican insistence that the Bush Tax Cuts be renewed for those making more than $250,000. Republican leaders worked out a deal with the White House last week, so the tax cuts for the middle class and extended unemployment benefits are expected to be approved before the Christmas break. Following the close of this congress, President Obama will have a Republican majority in the U-S House to contend with and a smaller Democratic majority in the Senate. The tax cut proposal is expected to meet most of its resistance in the House, however, even some opponents privately admitted this weekend, the White House will probably get it way. At stake is the extended unemployment benefit package going to at least three million unemployed workers. Again, it is doubtful, those who have already collected 99 weeks of unemployment benefits will be eligible. In addition, eligibility and amounts vary from state to state. With some states already in debt, because their unemployment funds were depleted, there may be additional restrictions on those claiming extended benefits. Many states lowered employer unemployment taxes over the last 30 years, so, their unemployment funds were not prepared for the pay outs during the recession, which started in December 2007. The nation's unemployment rate increased .2% to 9.8% in November, largely due to unemployed workers re-entering the labor market. 12/12/2010

DEMOCRATS PLAN REPEATED VOTES TO PAINT G-O-P AS "PARTY AGAINST THE MIDDLE CLASS"/ WHITE HOUSE TRIES TO FIND DEAL WITH REPUBLICANS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Democratic leaders were strategy today to get unemployment extensions and tax cuts through both the house and senate before the end of the lame duck session. some Democrats are pushing Speaker Nancy Pelosi to keep taking votes on unemployment and middle class tax cuts to paint Republicans as defenders of the rich. However, there is resistance to this from the White House, which is working with Republican negotiators to get some form of both issues to pass within the next week. What has emerged is increasing discontent among holdouts on both sides who don't like the deals being discussed in the White House negotiations. Meanwhile, nearly three million more Americans will be out of unemployment benefits by the end of the year, since the expiration of the latest extension. Some negotiators believe that a compromise will emerge by Thursday for a vote, possibly by Friday. 12/06/2010

UNEMPLOYMENT IN U-S NOW 9.8%, BUT TEMPORARY HIRES HIT NEW HIGH

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Unemployment in the U-S increased by .2% , even though more than 39,000 jobs were created in November. The unemployment rate is now 9.8%. The results were a surprise to government and business leaders who expected the report to show 75,000-150,000 new jobs. The report also showed a loss of 29,000 retail jobs despite the strong sales numbers over the Thanksgiving holiday period. Federal jobs dropped by 11,000.

However, 40,000 new temporary hires were recorded in November. It was the largest increase and highest level for temporary hiring for the year. Temporary hires are often considered a precursor to increased permanent full time, so a better report is expected for December 2010. More in Voice of America report below.

A report on CNN Money points out that while gross domestic product, the broadest measure of the economy, has recovered 84% of the output that was lost during the recession, but the labor market has recouped only 11% of the jobs that were lost.

"We're producing almost as much as we did before the recession, with 7.5 million less people," said Lakshman Achuthan, managing director of Economic Cycle Research Institute. "The difference is going into the productivity numbers and corporate profits."

The latest reading on productivity, which measures the economic output of each hour Americans work during a quarter, was up 2.5% from a year ago in the third quarter, the Labor Department reported this week. It's the sixth straight quarter of gains of that level or higher.

But that level of productivity can't go on forever, said Achuthan.

"There is a limit. Workers do start to push back," he said. "But business managers don't hire because they're nice guys or girls, they hire because they're scared that they'll lose business to someone else. That'll be what gets hiring done."

Full text of Department of Labor press release on December unemployment. CNN Money report, click here. 12/04/2010

BENEFITS END FOR 2 MILLION+ UNEMPLOYED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- More than 2 million unemployed workers are set to lose their benefits, effective today, as congress discusses the latest extension proposal, sponsored by Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow (D). Republicans are, once again, demanding that the benefits be paid without adding to the deficit. Those who have exhausted their benefits after 99 weeks, referred to as "99'ers", are expected to lose out again, similar to those in the past year who have dropped off the benefit rolls. See video below from Main Street Insider for details of latest proposal and debate over the extension.

Some states have already informed those filing for new unemployment claims that they will only be getting a maximum 26 weeks for unemployment benefits instead of up to 99 weeks. Those still collecting benefits not covered by the federal emergency extensions, less than 26 weeks, are likely to see their benefits stop at 26 weeks, unless changes are approved by congress during the lame duck session before the Christmas break. Benefit levels and eligibility vary by state, adding to the confusion. Funding for unemployment benefits, in most states, has become more of a problem since employer payment percentages to states unemployment funds have been gradually lowered over the last 30 years, prompting some states to borrow, as revenues for benefits fell short.

12/01/2010

GM HIRING 1,000 ENGINEERS IN MICHIGAN FOR GREEN CAR DEVELOPMENT

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- GM, in a flashy announcement, complete with another stage entrance for the Volt, the company's electric hybrid vehicle, revealed it will be hiring at least 1,000 more engineers in Michigan to expand the company's offerings of electric and alternative energy vehicles.

 “GM is going to lead the industry in the adoption of various vehicle electrification technologies, whether its electric vehicles with extended-range capability, like the Chevrolet Volt, or the recently introduced eAssist technology that will debut on the 2012 Buick LaCrosse,” GM CEO Dan Akerson said. “We want to give our customers energy choices other than petroleum and to make the automobile part of the solution when it comes to the environment."

The company claims in order to secure a place in the alternative fuel vehicle market GM must develop "deep experience and expertise in batteries, electric motors and power controls". The company first rolled out the Volt prototype in 2007, but financial problems and internal resistance within the company for its development slowed the process. During bankruptcy, management took a different path, which has included $700 million GM has invested in eight facilities in Michigan to support Volt production.Vot models are to be delivered to dealers by the end of the year. So far, the company expects models already produced to go quickly, so it remains to be seen how many will actually be on display at dealerships. GM has a battery systems lab at its Warren, Mich. Technical Center and has invested $336 million at its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant, home of the Volt, along with another $43 million at the industry’s only battery pack manufacturing plant in Brownstown Township, Mich.  An additional $162 million investment was announced last week to support powertrain operations in Flint and Bay City, Mich., and Defiance, Ohio. Full text of GM press release, click here.  11/30/2010

OBAMA PLANS 2 YEAR PAY FREEZE FOR FEDERAL WORKERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- In an effort to reduce the federal deficit, President Obama is proposing a two year wage freeze for federal workers, EXCEPT MILITARY PERSONNEL. HOWEVER, IN ADDITION TO TODAY'S WHITE HOUSE ANNOUCEMENT, Defense Secretary Robert Gates HAS proposed increasing military members share of payments for their health plans. The announcements come amid, what is shaping up to be, a contentious changeover to Republican leadership in the House of Representatives, whereas, the President wants to be seen as offering concrete proposals. The issue has become a key target of Republicans, who see government wages and benefits as excessive, when compared with wages of similar jobs in the private sector.

Proposing the freeze, Obama hopes to save $2 billion through the rest of the current fiscal year and another $28 billion over the next five years, even though the freeze would cover only two years. This is figured, in part, as the cost of borrowing money to pay for raises would then be eliminated.

Defense Secretary Gates' proposal for military personnel to pay more of their insurance premiums could largely offset any raises most military personnel would receive over the next two years, especially those with families. Even the majority of those who have retired from the military, usually choose to keep their military benefits in place because the cost of family coverage is, on average, 40% to 60% less than employer health plans with comparable coverage. For those on military pay, the premium increases are a greater percentage of their income. More than 10 million military personnel, active, reserve or retired, have federal health insurance benefits. The family payment for Tri Care benefits could go from the current $460 per month to more than $2,000 depending on income.

Obama Proposal as explained by Jack Lew, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, click here. 11/29/2010

UPDATE ON LARGEST CLASS ACTION JOB BIAS LAWSUIT IN NATION'S HISTORY

More in this article from the Chicago Tribune, click here- 11/27/2010

WEEKLY NEW UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS DROP / PROBLEMS REMAIN FOR THOSE ON EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Solid good economic news to report this morning from the Labor Department. The Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics say that in the week ending Nov. 20, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 407,000, a decrease of 34,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 441,000. The 4-week moving average was 436,000, a decrease of 7,500 from the previous week's revised average of 443,500. The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.3 percent for the week ending Nov. 13, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's unrevised rate of 3.4 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Nov. 13 was 4,182,000, a decrease of 142,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,324,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,309,000, a decrease of 51,500 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,360,500.

On the horizon, more problems for those who have been on extended unemployment benefits. Extended benefits have been paid for those who have been out of work, through no fault of their own, for 27 weeks or more. Extended benefits for most of those receiving them, will be out by the end of the year unless the lame duck session of congress renews the benefits. With Republicans taking over the House next year, extending benefits could reach a brick wall. Republican leaders have expressed concern that extended benefits provide no incentive to find work. But, supporters claim that with at least 15 million still unemployed and the jobless rate still hovering at 9.6 %, the economy simply can't absorb the number of those unemployed right now.

Press release from the Department of Labor, click here. 11/24/2010

MINE INVOLVED WITH DEADLY APRIL EXPLOSION CONTINUES TO VIOLATE SAFETY LAWS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Upper Big Branch Mine in West Virginia, scene of the April 5th explosion which killed 29 miners, is on the list of 14 mines considered repeat offenders. Massey Energy owns that mine and another, in Pike County, Kentucky, which is on the list. The Mine Safety and Health Administration says the Upper Big Branch Mine is currently not producing, though the number of employees there is listed as 52. According to the agency, 13 other mines in West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Illinois, Montana and Tennessee, received letters putting them on notice that each has a potential pattern of violations of mandatory health or safety standards under Section 104(e) of the federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. These are the first mining operations to receive such notification since MSHA implemented major reforms to its POV process, including tougher provisions for mines with chronic and persistent health and safety violations. A 14th mine, Upper Big Branch, met the criteria, but actions have been postponed until MSHA's investigation into the April 5 explosion is complete.

Full Text of MSHA press release, click here. List of mines involved, click here. 11/20/2010

AUTO RESEARCH STUDY SAYS BAILOUTS SAVED MORE THAN 1.4 MILLION JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Center for Automotive Research claims the federal bailout of the auto industry saved 1.4 million jobs in 2009 alone. So far in 2010, at least another 314,000 more jobs have been saved. The study commissioned by the center also cites government intervention preventing additional personal income losses totaling $71.9 billion for 2009 and $24.6 billion for 2010. The net impact to the federal government—in terms of changes in transfer payments, social security receipts and personal income taxes—was $21.6 billion in 2009 and $7.0 billion in 2010.

“To date, $13.4 billion in principal has been repaid on the government’s $80 billion U.S. investment in the automotive industry. This study shows that $28.6 billion in net losses to the U.S. Treasury were averted by the policy to provide federal assistance to General Motors and Chrysler,” said Sean McAlinden, executive vice president of research and chief economist at CAR. “With this in mind, CAR’s analysis shows the government need only recover $38 billion of the remaining $66.6 billion outstanding investment in this industry to achieve a two-year break-even.”

The study comes as General Motors attempts an initial public stock offering with hopes of raising more than $23.1 billion. $10 billion of that will be used for company cash flow with $13 billion used as repayment to the federal government for the $50 billion bailout. The stock opened Thursday at $33 per share. On Tuesday, the company won Motor Trend's Car of the Year Award with the Chevy Volt.

Center for Automotive Research press release for study, click here. Full text of report, click here. 11/18/2010

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION ISSUES FINAL GUIDELINES BANNING THE USE OF GENETIC TESTING FOR EMPLOYMENT AND INSURANCE PURPOSES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Discrimination in employment and health insurance on the basis of genetic testing has been banned in final rules issued by the EEOC. The commission says genetic discrimination is unlawful as stipulated in Title II of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA), which prohibits genetic information discrimination in employment, took effect on November 21, 2009. Specifically, the EEOC final rules say,

1) The law forbids discrimination on the basis of genetic information when it comes to any aspect of employment, including hiring, firing, pay, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, fringe benefits, or any other term or condition of employment. An employer may never use genetic information to make an employment decision because genetic information doesn’t tell the employer anything about someone’s current ability to work.

2)Under GINA, it is also illegal to harass a person because of his or her genetic information. Harassment can include, for example, making offensive or derogatory remarks about an applicant or employee’s genetic information, or about the genetic information of a relative of the applicant or employee. Although the law doesn't prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted). The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area of the workplace, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee, such as a client or customer.

3) Under GINA, it is illegal to fire, demote, harass, or otherwise “retaliate” against an applicant or employee for filing a charge of discrimination, participating in a discrimination proceeding (such as a discrimination investigation or lawsuit), or otherwise opposing discrimination.

Full text of EEOC announcement, click here. 11/16/2010

TSA EMPLOYEES ALLOWED TO SELECT UNION FOR COLLECTIVE BARGAINING

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A decision announced today by the Federal Labor Relations Authority, allows workers in the Transportation Security Administration collective bargaining rights. Two unions, the American Federation of Government Employees and the National Treasury Employees Union are battling for exclusive rights to bargain for the more than 50,000 employees. Since TSA employees are already members of the two unions, the FLRA ruling paves the way for an election, expected sometime next year. Full text of FLRA decision (WA-RP-10-0033 & WA-RP-10-0036 ), click here. Index of FLRA decisions, click here. 11/12/2010

CAN EMPLOYERS FIRE YOU FOR BADMOUTHING THEM ON FACEBOOK? NLRB RULES IN FAVOR OF FIRED EMPLOYEE

More in this article from Associated Press, click here- Video from MSNBC, click here. 11/10/2010

ECONOMY ADDS 151,000 JOBS / JOBLESS RATE STAYS AT 9.6%

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- the October jobs report, showing a gain of 151,000 jobs, also shows the unemployment rate holding at 9.6 %. The Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis, said the American economy is making progress and warned against cutting safety net programs for the unemployed.

"One year ago, I reported an unemployment rate of 10.1 percent — the highest rate we had seen since 1983. Since then, the actions taken by the Obama administration have lowered unemployment by half a point, reflecting in more than 1.1 million jobs created in the private sector this year.

"While the economy continues to grow, there is more work that needs to be done to get Americans back to work. Everyone agrees on the problem. Both parties must now come together to solve it.

"With millions of Americans still looking for work, now is not the time to cut key safety net programs like Unemployment Insurance. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is set to expire at the end of November. If that happens, 2 million people will lose benefits in December and 6 million by the end of next year.

"While we are on the path of job creation, we cannot forget the millions of Americans who, through no fault of their own, are still unemployed and looking for work. Safety net programs like the Unemployment Insurance program have long been known to be a cost-effective way of keeping families afloat during difficult economic periods, while also serving to boost the overall economy.

"With nearly five job seekers for every job opening, many people will necessarily have to rely on the Unemployment Insurance system until the economy returns to pre-recession levels. We should not allow Americans to suffer when they have done nothing wrong.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics report for October Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men(9.7 percent), adult women (8.1 percent), teenagers (27.1 percent),whites (8.8 percent), blacks (15.7 percent), and Hispanics (12.6 per-cent) showed little change in October. The jobless rate for Asians was 7.1 percent, not seasonally adjusted. (See tables A-1, A-2, and A-3.)The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks andover) was about unchanged over the month at 6.2 million. In October,41.8 percent of unemployed persons had been jobless for 27 weeks or more. (See table A-12.)Both the civilian labor force participation rate, at 64.5 percent, and the employment-population ratio, at 58.3 percent, edged down over the month. (See table A-1.)The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (some-times referred to as involuntary part-time workers) fell by 318,000 over the month to 9.2 million, partially offsetting large increases in the prior 2 months. These individuals were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job. (See table A-8.)About 2.6 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force in October, up from 2.4 million a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) These individuals were not in the labor force, want-ed and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. Full text of BLS report and stats, click here. Full text of Solis statement, click here. 11/08/2010

CALIFORNIA JUDGE DELAYS STATE CUTS IN DAY CARE SUBSIDIES FOR LOW INCOME WORKERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A California judge has delayed cuts which began this month in the state's subsidized day care program for families of low income workers. The cuts were ordered by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in order to trim $960 million from the state's budget. State Assembly Democrats vowed to find some way to fund the program.

The order, from Alameda County Superior Court Judge Wynne Carvill, came in a lawsuit filed by Parent Voices Oakland and four California mothers ( Case No. RG10-544021) who had been told that their child care assistance would end November 1st. Had Judge Carvill not granted the order, the parents of more than 56,000 California children would have been left without the critical assistance they require to stay employed.

Without continued state child care support, known as CalWORKs Stage 3 child care, many
working parents would have to choose between leaving their young children unattended during
the work day or quitting their jobs. This would result in higher unemployment and would also
force more people to seek public assistance.

The first order delaying the cuts came late last month as a temporary measure until a hearing on November 4th. Following the hearing November 4th, Judge Carvill extended his order stopping the cuts until at least November 23d. 11/08/2010

PRODUCTIVITY CONTINUES TO OUTPACE WAGES & HOURS WORKED

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- According to the Labor Department, nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased at a 1.9 percent annual rate during the third quarter of 2010. Labor productivity, or output per hour, is calculated by dividing an index of real output by an index of hours worked by all persons, including employees, proprietors, and unpaid family workers. Output increased 3.0 percent and hours worked increased 1.1 percent in the third quarter. (All quarterly percent changes in this release are seasonally adjusted annual rates.) Productivity increased 2.5 percent over the last four quarters, as output rose 4.1 percent and hours worked rose 1.6 percent. This represents an amazing statistic, in that Americans are continuing a strong trend of producing more in less time, with wage increases well behind productivity gains. (See graphs below).

Manufacturing unit labor costs fell 0.3 percent in the third quarter of 2010 and 4.6 percent from the same quarter a year ago (tables A and 3). The four-quarter decline in unit labor costs reflects a 3.9 percent increase in productivity and a 0.9 percent decline in hourly compensation.

Full text of Department of Labor press release, click here- 11/04/2010

REPORT SAYS NEARLY 25% OF NEW FEDERAL EMPLOYEES QUIT AFTER TWO YEARS / PERCENTAGE HIGHER AT SOME AGENCIES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The report, prepared for the Partnership for Public Service by the consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton, involved in-depth interviews with workforce planners and human resources professionals at five federal agencies, analyzing federal attrition data from the Central Personnel Data File (CPDF) and used information from the 2008 Federal Human Capital Survey (recently renamed the Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey).

Entitled, "Beneath the Surface", the report not only analyzes reasons for high attrition among new federal employees, it also examines the importance of understanding why.

"The loss of experienced employees due to retirement or more promising opportunities can deal a serious blow to an agency’s operational capacity and performance if the departing workers leave with institutional knowledge and organizational savvy that up and- coming staffers don’t yet have. Too much attrition of recently hired employees or those with special skills also can have a significant adverse impact. Attrition, moreover, is an important bellwether about the state of the workplace environment. High turnover is a useful indicator of employee dissatisfaction with an organization and can suggest problems with the management skills of leaders or individual supervisors, the nature of the workplace environment or the organizational systems and processes", according to the report.

The federal government wide average of federal employees quitting after only two years, is 24.2%. Some agencies are higher. The Treasury Department is the highest losing 36.5% of new hires within two years. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is the lowest, losing 10.8%.

Link to full text of PDF download, "Beneath the Surface", click here- 11/04/2010

G-A-O PROBES EMPLOYER ABUSE OF IMMIGRANT WORKERS ON H2-B VISA PROGRAM

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- An undercover investigation of visa abuse cases by the Governmental Accountability Office revealed illegal pay and fraudulent paycheck deduction practices by employers. The report, released this week, found incidents of fraud and abuse committed by recruiters and employers participating in the H-2B visa program and operating in 29 states. Though the cases include a diverse group of employers in different industries, the GAO review of 10 cases showed violations in areas such as unfair wages for employees, excessive fees charged to employees, and fraudulent documentation submitted to federal agencies to circumvent program rules.

In the case of a Virginia labor broker who assisted in placing foreign born hospitality workers, the GAO found:

"The conspiracy fraudulently obtained H-2B certification from Labor for over 3,800 individuals.
The conspirators obtained certifications for more workers than needed, leasing the additional workers to undisclosed hotels or businesses not listed on the visa petitions.

The conspirators generated over $35 million in gross income by establishing a permanent foreign labor pool for jobs normally filled by Americans.

The conspirators defrauded the government of $7.4 million in payroll taxes never remitted to the Internal Revenue Service.

The businesses charged H-2B workers exorbitant fees for visa-related services and excessive rent for unsanitary, overcrowded houses.

The conspiracy started in 2003 and was terminated in 2009 when federal criminal charges were filed".

In another case, the immigrant workers were shipped to a second location and were double charged fees for room and board at the new location simultaneously with their previous location.

Full text of GAO report, click here. 11/03/2010

LATEST SURVEYS SHOW JOB MARKET MAY NOT RECOVER TILL 2018

More in this story from Associated Press, click here- 11/01/2010

JOBLESS LAW SCHOOL GRADS ASK FOR REFUNDS

More in this article from Slate, click here - 10/28/2010

"BOOMERANG" KIDS INCREASING / DUE TO JOBLESSNESS HAVE RETURNED TO PARENTS

More from the LA Times, click here - 10/25/2010

CENSUS BUREAU SURVEYS SHOWS COLLEGE GRADUATES STILL EARNING MORE IN SHORTER TIME

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The voluminous longitudinal Surveys are emerging from the Census Bureau. One of the latest is a survey of those born at the latter end of the baby boom with college degrees, earning more, sooner. The survey, released by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, shows the average person born in the latter years of the baby boom (1957 to 1964) held 11 jobs from ages 18 to 44, with most of these jobs held from ages 18 to 27. In general, workers with higher levels of education spent a larger percentage of weeks employed and experienced more rapid growth in real earnings. These baby boomers held an average of 4.4 jobs while ages 18 to 22. The average number of jobs held fell to 3.2 while ages 23 to  27 and to 2.6 while ages 28 to 32. These individuals held an average of 2.4 jobs while ages 33 to 38 and 2.0 jobs while ages 39 to 44. Jobs that span more than one age group were counted once in each age group, so the over-all average number of jobs held from age 18 to age 44 is less than the sum of the number of jobs across the individual age groups. The annual percent growth in inflation-adjusted hourly earnings was fastest when workers were in their late teens and early twenties. Growth rates in earnings generally were higher for college graduates than for workers with less education.

Full text of Census Bureau press release, click here. 10/19/2010

60,000 LOW INCOME CALIFORNIA FAMILIES SET TO LOSE CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE AS PART OF WORKFARE PROGRAM / LEGISLATORS BATTLE FOR TEMPORARY FIX

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- California legislative leaders are trying to come up with $60 million to keep a day care subsidy program for low income working parents, at least until the new governor takes office. Outgoing Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the program amid a list of cuts with the state facing . Democratic leaders say funds will run out at the end of this month unless an alternative is found. The original funding, passed by the legislature, was $256 million, which was eliminated by Schwarzenegger's veto, as the state faces a deficit of at least $19 billion. Numerous meetings over the last month have been held between the governor's staff and legislative leaders with no agreement. due to procedural requirements in the legislature, it could be early November before any alternative is approved. So it appears the program could be out of money for at least the first two weeks in November. Assembly Speaker John Perez issued a statement saying:

“Without Stage 3 Child Care, parents that have worked their way off of welfare but are in such low paying jobs they cannot afford the full cost of Child Care will be left with daunting choices to care for their kids: either quit their jobs and go back on welfare or leave their kids in vulnerable settings.

“Clearly, it is not in the state’s economic or moral interests to force parents back onto welfare or to force parents to leave their kids in vulnerable situations – the state simply cannot afford either outcome.

“Therefore, we are not going to simply add this to the list of all the other failures of the Schwarzenegger Governorship, instead we will fight for these families and undo the Governor’s elimination of Stage 3 Child Care.

• The Assembly will introduce a bill that takes effect immediately to fully restore funding for Stage 3 Child Care on the first day of the new session.  Since Stage 3 Child Care is an educational program, the bill will only require a majority vote. This bill will be sent to the Governor's desk on the first day the new Governor takes office;
• Also, the Assembly will work to find ways to qualify families for other Child Care programs that remain intact and other solutions to provide a bridge for families and small businesses until the program can be restored.

Schwarzenegger felt he had no choice, blaming the lack of adequate "rainy day" funding when times are good. During a news conference earlier this month, Schwarzeneggar said,

"For decades, as you know, our state has suffered because we have had a lack of a true rainy day fund. In 2000, for instance, we had an increase in revenues of 23 percent and the legislature spent it all. It was all gone. That's why I always called them 'spendaholics.' They couldn't stop spending. But, when then the economy went down and the revenues came down, then all of a sudden those programs had no money and we had to yank money away from those programs. Our budget is like a roller-coaster ride where people have to hold on for dear life. This is no way of running a state.So our budget includes a constitutional amendment to go before the voters in 2012 which will smoothen out our spending. This amendment forces Sacramento to save money in the good years in order to cover the shortfalls in the bad years. It creates a rainy day fund up to 10 percent of the size of our general fund. Transfers to the fund will be mandatory, not voluntary and money will only be taken out when there is truly a rainy day. With these reforms we can regain control over our budget".

Text and video of Schwarzenegger news conference, click here. Statement from Assembly Speaker Perez, click here. 01/19/2010

RECONNECTING THE UNEMPLOYED TO THE JOB MARKET / SUBJECT EARNS THREE ECONOMISTS THE NOBEL PRIZE FOR ECONOMICS

More in this article from the New York Times, click here- 10/11/2010

LOSS OF GOVERNMENT JOBS LEADS TO NET LOSS OF 95,000 JOBS IN SEPTEMBER

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A loss of more than 159,000 federal, state and local government jobs offset the more than 64,000 jobs gained in the private sector for a net loss of 95,000 jobs in September. The loss was much deeper than expected due to the loss of temporary federal census jobs combined with unexpected losses in the state and local government sectors. According to the statistics released this morning by the Labor Department, the number of unemployed persons, at 14.8 million, was essentially unchanged in September, and the unemployment rate held at 9.6 percent. Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for adult men (9.8 percent), adult women (8.0 percent), teenagers (26.0 percent), whites (8.7 percent), blacks (16.1 percent), and Hispanics (12.4 percent) showed little or no change in September. The jobless rate for Asians was 6.4 percent, not seasonally adjusted. Labor Department press release, click here. 10/08/2010

ADP JOBS REPORT SHOWS PRIVATE SECTOR CUT 39,000 JOBS IN SEPTEMBER / BUT REVISES JULY-AUGUST REPORT FROM LOSS TO GAIN OF 10,000 JOBS / FEWER WEEKLY INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- the Federal jobs report form September is due tomorrow, but the private sector jobs report from ADP depicts a staggering jobs picture. According to the payroll data giant, the decline in private employment in September confirms a pause in the economic recovery
already evident in other data. A deceleration of employment occurred in all the major sectors
shown in The ADP Report and for all sizes of payroll. The September decline in employment
followed seven monthly increases from February through August. However, over those seven
months, the average monthly gain in employment was 34,000. There simply is no momentum in
employment. ADP says unlike the estimate of total establishment employment to be released on Friday by the Bureau o Labor Statistics (BLS), today’s ADP National Employment Report does not include the effects of federal hiring — and now firing — for the 2010 Census. Hiring for the census peaked in May
and is still tapering down slightly.

September’s ADP Report estimates employment in the service-providing sector rose by 6,000 in
September, the eighth consecutive monthly gain. This increase was not enough to offset an
employment decline in the goods-producing sector of 45,000. Construction employment
dropped by 28,000 during September and manufacturing employment declined 17,000, the third
consecutive monthly decline.
Large businesses, defined as those with 500 or more workers, saw employment decline 11,000
while employment among medium-size businesses, defined as those with between 50 and 499
workers, decreased by 14,000. Employment among small-size businesses, defined as those with
fewer than 50 workers, decreased by 14,000.

ADP also revised earlier job estimates giving credibility to those who claim the report could be better than reported today. ADP says the estimated change of employment from July to August was revised up from the previously reported decline of 10,000 to an increase of 10,000.

THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS RELEASED THEIR WEEKLY INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS REPORT TODAY SHOWING 445,000, a decrease of 11,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 456,000.

Full text of BLS press release, click here. Full text of ADP jobs press release, click here. 10/07/2010

EEOC FILES SEX & AGE DISCRIMINATION CASE AGAINST FOX NEWS ON BEHALF OF REPORTER

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Fox News Reporter Catherine Herridge claims Fox executives are discriminating against her and other female and black employees. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Thursday, filed suit against the network, after finding evidence the network did discriminate, then retaliated against Herridge by handing her a new contract proposal with a clause preventing the filing of additional complaints. Herridge had filed her first complaint with network management, which later found no wrongdoing. The EEOC disagreed. Only after she filed a complaint with the EEOC, did Fox remove the "No Complaint" clause from her proposed contract. A statement from the EEOC says,

The EEOC’s lawsuit seeks monetary relief for Herridge, including compensatory and punitive damages and an injunction enjoining Fox News from engaging in further retaliation against employees based on their opposition to employment practices which the employee reasonably believes to be unlawful under the federal statutes enforced by the EEOC. 

“The anti-retaliation provisions of Title VII and other federal anti-discrimination laws are indispensable to the attainment of a workplace free of discrimination,” said Lynette A. Barnes, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Charlotte District Office, which oversees litigation filed by the agency in the District of Columbia.  “Employers must take care that any action taken in response to a discrimination complaint is constructive and not retaliatory.”  

Fox News denies the allegations and believes that suit is politically motivated. Full text of EEOC press release, click here. 10/03/2010

EEOC ESCALATES FILINGS OF JOB DISCRIMINATION CASES / SEPTEMBER BRINGS FILINGS IN MORE THAN 60 CASES

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A $2.975 million settlement has been reached between the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Republic Silver State Disposal Inc., of Nevada, over an age bias lawsuit involving 21 employees. All of the employees were over the age of 40 and were terminated between 2003-2005, due to their age, according to the EEOC. According to an agency news release, the list of terminated employees includes garbage collectors, drivers, and supervisors, some of whom were employed by the company for more than 25 years.

The EEOC contends that those jobs were then offered to younger employees who were subsequently held to lower performance standards. The EEOC further charged that Republic engaged in a form of hazing called “break him off,” in which some employees were worked to the point of exhaustion, often making it difficult for them to do their jobs.

The EEOC originally filed suit against Republic in 2004 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada (U.S. EEOC v. Republic Services, Inc., et al., CV04-1352-DAE (LRL) consolidated with Robert LaRocca and William Lacy v. Republic Services, Inc. et al., CV 04-1479-DAE (LRL), arguing that the alleged conduct was a direct violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA).

“No one should be harassed at work or forced out of a job for discriminatory reasons,” said EEOC Chair Jacqueline A. Berrien. “The law clearly prohibits mistreatment or dismissal of older workers on account of their age, and no workplace should lose productive and valuable employees because of illegal age stereotyping.”

“Our hope is that other employers implement practices to ensure that age stereotyping does not occur in any facet of employment,” said P. David Lopez, General Counsel of the EEOC. “As illustrated by this settlement, the EEOC will insist on substantial and meaningful relief for victims of illegal age discrimination". Full text of EEOC press release, click here.

In another case this month, a martial arts instruction company has been sued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission for instituting a mandatory retirement policy. According to EEOC’s suit (Civil Action No 10-5062, filed in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania) Asian World of Martial Arts, Inc. fired Morris Pashko because of his age, 74.

Unbeknownst to Pashko, the company president, Georgette Ciukurescu, implemented a mandatory retirement policy forcing all employees over age 67 to be terminated. Pashko, the company’s controller, who had been employed by the company over 20 years, had an exemplary record. He was informed of his termination on November 14, 2007, while he was on leave and recuperating in the hospital from surgery. Despite his pleas to be given additional time, Ciukurescu told Pashko that he should obtain health insurance by December 1, 2007, the effective date of his termination.

The EEOC alleges that in addition to Pashko, Asian World also fired two staff employees under the auspices of its newly created, unlawful mandatory retirement policy.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects individuals who are 40 years of age or older from employment discrimination based on age. That protection includes, with narrow exceptions not applicable here, prohibiting mandatory retirement based on age. The EEOC filed suit after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement. The complaint seeks monetary and injunctive relief, including back wages, liquidated damages and changes in employment policies to eliminate future age-based discrimination, training and policy revisions eliminating the mandatory retirement policy.

“The ADEA does not permit employers to impose mandatory retirement on older employees except in certain situations not relevant to this case, still less to fire them in furtherance of such a policy,” said EEOC Philadelphia Regional Attorney Debra S. Lawrence. “Mr. Pashko had been effectively performing his job for over 20 years. Nevertheless, this company succumbed to age-related myths, fears and stereotypes which resulted in his unlawful termination.”

During fiscal year 2009, there were 22,778 age discrimination charges filed with the EEOC.

Other recent discrimination cases involving the EEOC include:

A a worker fired from an auto parts store due to his conversion to the Sihk religion and the use of a head dress. EEOC Sues AutoZone for Discriminating Against Sikh Employee 9/28/10

A sexual harassment and retaliation case against Roberts Truck Rental in New Mexico, where a remale employee was sexually harassed, then fired for demanding action to end it. Roberts Truck Center Sued by EEOC for Sex Harassment and Retaliation 9/28/10

The firing of a 54 year old office coordinator for a home health care company for "sounding too old on the telephone" and being described by the owner as "a bag of bones".EEOC Sues Hawaii Healthcare Professionals for Age Discrimination 9/28/10

Retaliation against an employee for telling human resources at Radio Shack that he was being discriminated against because of his age.EEOC Sues Radio Shack for Age Discrimination and Retaliation 9/28/10

September 2010 was an active month for the EEOC with the filing of more than 60 discrimination lawsuits and settlements involving age, race, sexual and other harassment complaints. EEOC RECENT CASES LISTINGS, CLICK HERE.

EEOC press release on World of Martial Arts lawsuit, click here. 09/29/2010

GAO REPORT SAYS WOMEN NOT AVANCING TO MANAGEMENT ROLES / WAGE DISPARITIES BIGGEST AMONG SINGLE MOTHERS WHO ARE MANAGERS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- A congressional hearing today before the Joint Economic Committee reveals women are making little progress penetrating the glass ceiling into management positions. A report prepared by the Government Accounting Office for release during the hearing, shows the number of women in management positions only improved from 39% in 2000, to 40% in 2007, the most recent data available. The report also reveals that mothers who are managers also have the largest pay disparities compared with their male colleagues. Some of the problem is attributed to the types of businesses that attract most female managers, but the problems found in the report even extend to non traditional female management jobs. The Labor Department announced in January that women now hold a majority of the non-farm related jobs in the U-S, exceeding men for the first time since statistics on the issue were established in 1964. In that first year, female employees made up about a third of the workforce. The hearing was recorded and can be seen on the Joint Economic Committee web page, click here. GAO report, click here. 09/28/2010

UPDATE: OVER AGE 50 UNEMPLOYMENT WORSENS / OVER 55 & JOBLESS REACHES RECORD

More in this article from the New York Times, click here- 09/20/2010

RECESSION FORCES ONE IN TEN CHILDREN TO LIVE WITH GRANDPARENTS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Pew Center reports the number of children living with their grandparents rose sharply in 2007 and 2008. With that increase, the number of children now living with a grandparent has increased to one in ten. The Pew report shows that:

About four-in-ten (41%) of those children who live with a grandparent (or grandparents) are also being raised primarily by that grandparent

The number rose 6% between 2007-2008.

The number of white grandparents primarily responsible for their grandchildren rose by 9% from 2007 to 2008, compared with an increase of just 2% among black grandparents and no change among Hispanic grandparents. While grandparents who serve as primary caregivers for their grandchildren are disproportionately black and Hispanic, the increase in grandparent primary care giving across the decade has been much more pronounced among whites. From 2000 to 2008, there was a 19% increase in the number of white grandparents caring for their grand kids.

Almost half (49%) of children being raised by grandparents also live with a single parent. For about four-in-ten (43%) of these children, there is no parent in the household. About 8% have both parents in the household, in addition to the caregiver grandparent.

Full Pew Center text of report on grandparents as primary care givers, click here. 09/18/2010

OBAMA SAYS JOBS TRUMP TAX CUTS FOR THE RICH

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- During a speech at a community college near Cleveland today, President Obama made his strongest argument yet not to renew tax cuts for the rich, which was part of the Bush Administration tax cuts. Obama has proposed keeping the tax cuts in effect for americans making $250,000 or less. Obama says renewing the cuts for the top two per cent of Americans costs the country $700 billion dollars a year. The President received a standing ovation when he urged the audience not to return congress to the party responsible for the crisis the country now faces.

Obama also told the crowd he will push for another $250 billion for business tax cuts and jobs programs.

Meanwhile, Republicans responded that, the President himself, is responsible for the lackluster economic conditions in the country. House Minority Leader John Boehner says the President's tax and jobs proposals are a desperate political tool before an election. But, Obama says Republicans are trying to hold middle class tax cuts hostage to save tax cuts for the rich.

(When available) Full text of President Obama's speech in Cleveland, click here. CSPAN video of Obama speech, click here. 09/08/2010

OBAMA WANTS $250 BILLION JOBS PACKAGE / INCLUDES $200 BILLION IN TAX BREAKS FOR BUSINESSES

More from this article in the New York Times, click here- 09/07/2010

OBAMA SAYS MORE JOBS PROGRAMS ON THE WAY / SAYS PRIVATE SECTOR JOBS NOT GROWING FAST ENOUGH

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Responding to the release of more troubled employment numbers, President Obama rounded up his political advisors for a speech in the White House Rose Garden to promote more jobs programs. Obama admitted even with increased job creation so far in the private sector, it was not enough to absorb the loss of temporary government jobs, such as the 2010 Census.

Obama explained:

"As I’ve said from the start, there’s no quick fix to the worst recession we've experienced since the Great Depression.  The hard truth is that it took years to create our current economic problems, and it will take more time than any of us would like to repair the damage.  Millions of our neighbors are living with that painfully every day. But I want all Americans to remind themselves there are better days ahead".

Obama called for action on a job initiative that includes a $30 billion dollar loan program for small businesses. Obama said he would have more details and would answer more questions at a news conference scheduled for next Friday.

The President also outlined the concepts of the proposal and that it will not add to the deficit.

"Up until this past May, we were not only waiving fees for entrepreneurs who took out Small Business Administration loans, we were also encouraging more community banks to make loans to responsible business owners.  These steps are part of the reason about 70,000 new Small Business Administration loans have been approved since I took office.  And I thank Karen Mills for the outstanding job she’s been doing as Administrator of the Small Business Administration.

We’ve also been extending -- fighting to extend these loan enhancements with a small business jobs bill.  It’s a bill that will more than double the amount some small business owners can borrow to grow their companies.  It will completely eliminate capital gains taxes on key investments, so small business owners can buy new equipment and expand.  And it will accelerate $55 billion in tax cuts for businesses, large and small, that make job-creating investments in the next 14 months.

And keep in mind, it is paid for.  It will not add one dime to our deficit.  So, put simply, this piece of legislation is good for workers; it’s good for small business people; it’s good for our economy.  And yet, Republicans in the Senate have blocked this bill -- a needless delay that has led small business owners across this country to put off hiring, put off expanding, and put off plans that will make our economy stronger".

Text of President Obama's statement, click here. 09/03/2010

UNEMPLOYMENT RISES WITH GOVERNMENT JOB CUTS / PRIVATE SECTOR ADDED 67,000 JOBS / REVISIONS ADD MORE JOBS FROM JUNE AND JULY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The private sector added 67,000 jobs in August, which was offset by more than 121,000 federal government jobs which were cut, mostly temporary census jobs. In addition, states and other local governments shed jobs due to new fiscal year budget cuts. The national unemployment increased in August by one tenth per cent to 9.6%, signaling more evidence that private sector employer remain cautious due to lack of consumer spending out of fear of losing jobs or due to unemployment.

President Obama says the report clearly shows that private sector employment continues to rise to take over temporary jobs tied to the stimulus or census. Obama pointed out that revised figures from june show July private sector job gains were 107,000, up from the previously reported 71,000. He said, June figures, previously reported at 31,000 private sector jobs added, were in fact, 61,000.

Other shifting of August job statistics included a rising number of those marginally attached to the job market as more long term unemployed outlasted their benefits, still are jobless but remain discouraged that nothing will materialize for them. The number of those considered long term unemployed, still receiving benefits, declined to 42% from earlier months when 44-46% of the total unemployment benefits were spent on those unemployed 27 weeks or more, the benchmark for being considered long term unemployed.

Department of Labor press release, click here . Commentary by the Commission of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, click here. 09/03/2010

INCREASE IN FORECLOSURES EXPECTED / WEEKLY INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS ARE DOWN

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Mortgage Bankers Association announced today that the number of homes in some stage of foreclosure dropped in the second quarter to 9.85% of all outstanding home loans. However, the MBA sees more trouble on the horizon. The group says the number of short term delinquencies has been going up since the first of the year, meaning that an increase of foreclosures is expected later this year and early next. The MBA blames high unemployment for much of the problem since those who are jobless have fewer options for refinancing, even with the government's "Making Home Affordable" refinancing program. According to Jay Brinkmann, MBA’s chief economist,

“Ultimately the housing story, whether it is delinquencies, homes sales or housing starts, is an employment story.  Only when we see a consistent increase in employment will we see an increase in sales and starts, and a sustained improvement in the delinquency numbers.  Until we see the increase in the number of households that comes with an increase in the number of paychecks, all measures of the health of the housing industry will continue to be weak”.

The MBA report found the percent of loans one payment behind had peaked in the first quarter of 2009 at 3.77 percent and fell to 3.31 percent by the end of 2009.   Unfortunately that rate has now risen to 3.51 percent.  The causes are likely two-fold.  First, 30-day delinquencies are very closely tied to first-time claims for unemployment insurance.  The number of first-time claims fell through most of 2009 but leveled off in 2010 and have started to rise again.  This increase in unemployment directly impacts mortgage delinquencies.  Second, some percentage of the loans modified over the last several years have become delinquent again because those borrowers, by definition, have weak credit. 

On the positive side this week, initial claims for unemployment dropped by a larger amount than expected. The Labor Department says seasonally adjusted initial claims last week through Saturday were 473,000, a decrease of 31,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 504,000. The 4-week moving average was 486,750, an increase of 3,250 from the previous week's revised average of 483,500.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.5 percent for the week ending Aug. 14, a decrease of 0.1 percentage point from the prior week's revised rate of 3.6 percent. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending Aug. 14 was 4,456,000, a decrease of 62,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,518,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,508,750, a decrease of 28,000 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,536,750.

The fiscal year-to-date average of seasonally adjusted weekly insured unemployment, which corresponds to the appropriated AWIU trigger, was 5.001 million.

Most experts agree the weekly initial claims count needs to settle between 300-400,000 to have a net gain of employment.

Full text of MBA press release, click here. Full text of Department of Labor press release, click here. 08/26/2010

INITIAL JOBLESS CLAIMS REACH 500,000 FOR FIRST TIME SINCE NOVEMBER / CONFERENCE BOARD SAYS ECONOMY GREW SLIGHTLY IN JULY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- For the fifth week in a row, the number of initial jobless claims, increased. The Labor Department reported today that initial jobless claims for the week of August 14th was 500,000, an increase of of 12,000 from the previous week. Also, the four week average of first time filings also went up by 8,000 to be the highest since December. Meanwhile, the Conference Board announced today their data shows the economy grew in July and will continue slow growth. The Conference Board's Leading Economic Index shows the U.S. increased 0.1 percent in July to 109.8, following a 0.3 percent decline in June, and a 0.5 percent increase in May.

“The indicators point to a slow expansion through the end of the year,” says Ken Goldstein, economist at The Conference Board. “With inventory rebuilding moderating, the industrial core of the economy has moved to a slower pace. There appears to be no change in the pace of the service sector. Combined, the result is a weak economy with little forward momentum. However, the good news is that the data do not point to a recession.”

Says Ataman Ozyildirim, economist at The Conference Board: “The economy should continue expanding, albeit slowly. The LEI is growing at its slowest pace since mid-2009 and it has been essentially flat since March. However, the index is still well above pre-recession levels and the CEI remains on a rising trend that began in late 2009. All four coincident indicators have risen over the last six months, with July’s gain in industrial production offsetting the recent weakness in employment.”

Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. Conference Board press release, click here. 08/19/2010

U-S DEPARTMENT OF LABOR ANNOUNCES $22 MILLION FOR GRANTS TO HIRE DISABLED YOUTH AND ADULTS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The Employment and Training Administration (ETA), in coordination with DOL's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), announces the availability of approximately $22 million for cooperative agreements to state Workforce Investment Act (WIA) administering entities. This funding is being used to implement the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI), under which the Department intends to make 6 to 10 grant awards that are designed to: 1) improve educational, training, and employment opportunities and outcomes of youth and adults with disabilities who are unemployed, underemployed and/or receiving Social Security disability benefits; and 2) help these individuals with disabilities find a path into the middle class through exemplary and model service delivery by the public workforce system. Full text of press release from the U-S Department of Labor, click here. 08/18/2010

B-P TO PAY $50 MILLION FINE FOR DEADLY TEXAS REFINERY ACCIDENT / FEDS CLAIM COMPANY FAILED TO FIX PROBLEMS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The U-S Occupational Safety and Health Administration has levied a $50.6 million fine stemming from the 2005 explosion at its Texas City, Texas, refinery that killed 15 workers and injured 170 others. The agreement resolves failure-to-abate citations issued after a 2009 follow-up investigation. In addition to paying the record fine, BP has agreed to take immediate steps to protect those now working at the refinery, allocating a minimum of $500 million to that effort. The agency claims that, in September 2005, OSHA cited BP for a then-record $21 million as a result of the fatal explosion at its Texas City refinery in March of that year. Upon issuance of the citations, the parties entered into an agreement that required the company to identify and to correct deficiencies. In a follow-up investigation in 2009, OSHA found that although the company made many changes related to safety, it failed to live up to several extremely important terms of that agreement. As a result, OSHA cited BP for "failure to abate" violations with penalties totaling a record $50.6 million that BP now has agreed to pay. *

During that same 2009 investigation at the Texas City refinery, OSHA also identified 439 new willful violations and assessed more than $30 million in penalties. Litigation before the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission regarding those violations and penalties is ongoing and is not impacted by today's settlement. Department of Labor press release, click here. 08/13/2010

PRESIDENT SIGNS MANUFACTURING ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2010 / DESINGED TO BOOST MANUFACTURING JOBS IN U-S

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Saying the manufacturing sector has gained 183,000 jobs this year, President Obama says the country is on track for more. Today he signed the Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010 in order to boost manufacturing in the U-S without creating more tensions among trading partners abroad.

Obama outlined the working of the new act.

"To make their products, manufacturers -- some of whom are represented here today -- often have to import certain materials from other countries and pay tariffs on those materials.  This legislation will reduce or eliminate some of those tariffs, which will significantly lower costs for American companies across the manufacturing landscape -– from cars to chemicals; medical devices to sporting goods.  And that will boost output, support good jobs here at home, and lower prices for American consumers".

And the President defended recent legislation that included more incentives for companies that invest at home.

"That’s why we fought for and passed tax breaks for companies that are investing here in the United States rather than companies that are keeping profits offshore.  That’s why we closed loopholes that encourage corporations to ship American jobs overseas.  That’s why we’re enforcing our trade laws -- in some cases, for the very first time.  That’s why we told America’s automakers that if they made the tough decisions required to compete in the future, that America would stand by them.  And that’s why we’re investing in a clean energy industry and the jobs that come with it -– jobs that pay well and carry America to a cleaner, more secure and more energy-independent future".

Full text of speech and White House signing ceremony, click here. Video of President Obama speech and signing of the Manufacturing Enhancement Act of 2010. 08/11/2010

DEFENSE DEPARTMENT CUTTING THOUSANDS OF JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The potential effects of Defense Department cuts mean as much, perhaps more, for private contractors than for defense department employees. Last year, private contractors made up nearly 40% of the Department of Defense workforce, without counting those in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"Our headquarters and support bureaucracies . . . have swelled to cumbersome and top-heavy proportions, grown over-reliant on contractors, and grown accustomed to operating with little consideration to cost", said Defense Secretary Robert Gates in a news conference today.

Gates proposes cutting:

The Business Transformation Agency. The agency – with 360 people and a budget of $340 million. Operations will be transferred to other agencies.

Fifty General and Admirals along with 150 top civilians. Freezing the number of top positions in the DOD.

Eliminating the position of Asst. Secretary of Defense for Network Integration and some functions of the Joint Staff Command, Control, Communications and Computer Systems.

The Joint Forces Command which includes about 2,800 military and civilian personnel which costs about $240 million a year.

10% of the budget for intelligence advisory and assistance contracts.

Gates said those employees displaced by the cuts would be given assistance through various programs to find other employment.

Reaction to the proposed cuts has been swift.

Most of the cuts will affects areas of northern Virginia, from the Pentagon to Quantico in Prince William County, along the I-95 corridor. The Joint Forces Command is in Hampton Roads, Virginia, which is part of the military heavy Norfolk metro area.

The cuts are by no means a done deal. The administration likely to endorse most, if not all. Union workers are certain to mount an opposition campaign. And one Norfolk area newspaper claims U.S. Rep. Randy Forbes and other opponents are working on several challenges to Gates' plan.

Department of Defense press release, click here. Federal Times article, click here. CSPAN video of Gates news conference, August 9 2010, click here. 08/09/2010

AGE BIAS SUIT AGAINST GOOGLE GETS GREEN LIGHT FROM COURT

More in this article from Reuters News Service, click here- 08/09/2010

UNEMPLOYMENT RATE UNCHANGED / LABOR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE DOWN

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The July 2010 employment report, released today, brought more lost jobs...131,000. With private sector payroll up 71,000 jobs, the unemployment rate in the U-S remained at 9.5%. Payroll employment declined by 131,000 in July, largely reflecting a decrease in the number of temporary census workers (-143,000). 

One of the more telling signs of the current employment picture comes from the labor force participation rate. That's the percentage of the population which is involved in the workforce. Since April 2010, the labor force participation rate has dropped .6 % (6 tenths) of a percent. The number of those unemployed for more than 27 weeks, considered the long term unemployed, has remained the same at 6.6 million. The number of those marginally attached to the workforce, those willing and able to work, still unemployed, increased by 340,000 to 2.6 million.

A positive signal is considered to be those employed part time, not able to find full time work, actually declined 623,000 since April 2010. Bureau of Labor Statistics press release, click here. 08/06/2010

LAST WEEK'S UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS UP

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- New filings for unemployment benefits were up last week, well above the 300-400,000 new claims threshold needed to increase employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,

In the week ending July 31, the advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 479,000, an increase of 19,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 460,000. The 4-week moving average was 458,500, an increase of 5,250 from the previous week's revised average of 453,250.
The advance seasonally adjusted insured unemployment rate was 3.6 percent for the week ending July 24, unchanged from the prior week's un revised rate of 3.6 percent.
The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending July 24 was 4,537,000, a decrease of 34,000 from the preceding week's revised level of 4,571,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,575,500, an increase of 25,750 from the preceding week's revised average of 4,549,750.

The fiscal year-to-date average of seasonally adjusted weekly insured unemployment, which corresponds to the appropriated AWIU trigger, was 5.028 million.

Unemployment statistics for July are expected tomorrow morning and recent weekly filing increases suggest the rate could rise from the June figure of 9.5%. BLS press release, click here. 08/05/2010

ECONOMIC SIGNALS - NEW ADP JOBS REPORT SHOWS 42,000 NEW JOBS / OTHER INDICATORS - SLOW TO STAGNANT RECOVERY

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Payroll data giant ADP today gave more assuring news that the economy is making a recovery, even though some segments are irregular. According to ADP,

"Nonfarm private employment increased 42,000 from June to July 2010 on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to the ADP National Employment Report®. The estimated change of employment from May to June was revised up slightly, from the previously reported increase of 13,000 to an increase of 19,000. July’s rise in private employment was the sixth consecutive monthly gain. However, over those six months increases have averaged a modest 37,000, with no evidence of acceleration. Unlike the estimate of total establishment employment to be released on Friday by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), today’s figure does not include the effects of federal hiring — and now
firing — for the 2010 Census. Hiring for the census peaked in May. For this reason, Friday’s figure for the change in nonfarm total employment reported by the BLS might be weaker than today’s estimate for nonfarm private employment in the ADP National Employment Report. July’s ADP Report estimates nonfarm private employment in the service-providing sector rose by 63,000. Employment in the goods-producing sector declined 21,000 during July while employment in the manufacturing sector decreased 6,000, the first decrease in six months. Large businesses, defined as those with 500 or more workers, saw employment remain flat and employment among medium-size businesses, defined as those with between 50 and 499 workers increased by 21,000. Employment among small-size businesses, defined as those with fewer than 50 workers, increased by 21,000 in July.* In July, construction employment dropped 17,000, the smallest decline since November 2007. Construction employment has declined for over three years, and the total decline in construction jobs since the peak in January 2007 is 2,240,000. Employment in the financial services sector dropped 1,000, the smallest decline since June 2007. Financial Services employment ha declined for over 3 years".

Other economic statistics from the past week continue to indicate a very slow recovery for the average American. Job creation remains weak with the unemployment rate remaining high in many states and likely to go higher due to expected layoffs in various state and local agencies. Federal stimulus funds, still to be spent, are keeping unemployment from hitting higher numbers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics just released July 2010, "Issues in Labor Statistics" , the BLS says , "Changes in employment over the past few years have mirrored changes in unemployment. The number of employed workers decreased from 145.0 million
in December 2007 to 139.1 million in June 2010 while the employment-population ratio decreased from 62.7 percent to 58.5 percent. The employment-population ratio had declined by 0.7 percent from March to December 2007, before the start of the recession".

"The proportion of workers unemployed the previous month remaining unemployed increased through mid-to-late 2009 and has not declined as of June 2010. Flows into employment increased substantially in early 2010 for the first time since early 2007 but decreased in the second quarter of 2010. Both of these movements were due almost entirely to flows from the not-in-the-labor-force category rather than from unemployment" , according to BLS.

What the BLS statistics show is a deteriorating job market before the start of the most recent recession, and hundreds of thousands of workers remaining outside the labor force despite their attempts to return.

The July 28th Beige Book Report from the Federal Reserve claims, " Economic activity has continued to increase, on balance, since the previous survey, although the Cleveland and Kansas City Districts reported that the level of economic activity generally held steady. Among those Districts reporting improvements in economic activity, a number of them noted that the increases were modest, and two Districts, Atlanta and Chicago, said that the pace of economic activity had slowed recently".

Latest BLS figures show that 14.6 million people are still listed as unemployed, not counting those who have dropped out due to poor job prospects.

ADP July jobs report, click here. Bureau of Labor Statistics "Issues" report, click here. Federal Reserve Beige Book Report, click here. 08/04/2010

WHITE HOUSE BELIEVES SENATE WILL PASS UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION NEXT WEEK /WEST VIRGINIA GOVERNOR EXPECTED TO NAME REPLACEMENT FOR THE LATE SEN. BYRD BY THIS WEEKEND TO GET 60TH VOTE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The White House is bearing down on Republicans who are opposed to the extension of unemployment benefits unless they are paid for. Extended unemployment benefits are customarily paid for under "emergency "spending rules, adding to the federal deficit. But, Republicans who have opposed the extension, are pushing a continuation of the Bush administration tax cuts which also are not paid for, according to the White House. The White House and Democratic congressional leaders are poised to jump on that and other so called, "hypocrisies" by those opposing to the extension of unemployment benefits to the long term unemployed. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, during his briefing today, predicted congress will pass some form of extension next week under pressure from the White House and Democratic leaders. West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin is expected to name a replacement for the late Sen. Robert Byrd (D) possibly by the weekend. This would give Democrats possibly their 60th vote for passage. The 60 votes will be needed to overcome Republican delays over objections to the $34 billion dollar price tag. Today's Bureau of Labor Statistics report showed more discouraging news for the long term unemployed as figures showed a net loss of hiring between May 2009 to May 2010 ( see below). 07/13/2010

LABOR DEPARTMENT REPORTS NET JOB LOSS MAY 2009-MAY 2010

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The U-S endured a net loss in hiring from May 2009 to May 2010. The Bureau of Labor Statistics today released information showing hires totaled 49.4 million and separations totaled 49.9 million, yielding a net employment loss of 0.6 million. There were 3.2 million job openings on the last business day of May 2010. according to the BLS. The job openings rate was little changed over the month at 2.4 percent. The hires rate (3.4 percent) was little changed and the separations rate (3.1 percent) was unchanged. This release includes estimates of the number and rate of job openings, hires, and separations for the total non farm sector by industry and geographic region.

The quits rate can serve as a measure of workers’ willingness or ability to change jobs. In May, the quits rate was essentially unchanged at 1.4 percent for total non farm and was little changed in every industry and region. The number of quits fell by 1.4 million (46 percent) between the November 2006 peak and the September 2009 trough. Since September 2009, the number of quits has risen by 161,000. Over the 12 months ending in May, the quits rate (not seasonally adjusted) was little changed for total non farm and total private and unchanged for government. The quits rate was little changed in every industry and region over the year except in information where the rate decreased and in federal government where the rate increased. Full text of BLS press release, click here. 07/13/2010

NAACP CALLS ON B-P TO GIVE MINORITIES BETTER CHANCE AT HIGHER PAYING GULF CLEANUP JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The NAACP today sent a letter to B-P executives claiming the company is hiring out of state workers rather than locals who need the jobs and that the better paying jobs are disproportionately not available to minorities. The group says local minority contractors are also not getting their fair share of cleanup work and that some contractors are not giving minority employees sufficient clothing and safety gear to protect themselves. B-P had not yet responded to the group's letter as of this posting. NAACP letter, click here. NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous, said "Workers of color tend to be assigned the most physically difficult, lowest paying jobs, with the most significant exposure to toxins, while white workers tend to be in supervisory, less strenuous positions". The group is holding its annual convention beginning this weekend in Kansas City. First Lady Michelle Obama is scheduled to speak Monday, July 12th. NAACP convention web site, click here. 07/09/2010

WEEKLY INITIAL UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS TREND UP

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Just as more unemployment benefits are expiring, initial claims for unemployed workers were up again last week. The Department of Labor's weekly claims report shows there were more than 13,000 filings over those of last week. at least 472,000 initial claims were filed as of the end of last week. The previous week's figure was 459,000. Insured unemployment numbers are plummeting as extended unemployment benefits are running out. Still just over five million unemployed remain on benefits. A figure that is likely to drop again unless congress is able to come up with an extension. Department of Labor press release, click here. 07/01/2010

SENATE FAILS AGAIN TO DEFEAT REPUBLICAN HOLD ON UNEMPLOYMENTEXTENSIONS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Battered by repeated Republican objections over funding for at least 2 million unemployed American, Senate Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) NV, said it could be the middle of next month before they have the votes to defeat a Republican delay on the bill and take a vote. In a statement tonight after the failed vote, Reid said,

"It is beyond disappointing that Republicans continue to stand almost lockstep against assistance for out-of-work Americans — especially since many of these same Republicans spent months protecting Wall Street and preserving tax cuts for CEO's who ship American jobs overseas.

We will vote on this measure again once when there is a replacement named for the late Senator Byrd. In the meantime, I sincerely hope that Republicans will finally listen to the millions of unemployed Americans who need this assistance to support their families in these tough times. These Americans and millions more demand that Republicans stop filibustering support for unemployed workers".

It's expected to be middle July at the earliest when Sen. Byrd's replacement could be seated in the chamber.

HOWEVER, THERE SEEMS TO BE SUPPORT FOR RESETTING THE TIMETABLES FOR THOSE RECIEVING UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, WHICH MAY MEAN RESTORATION OF BENEFITS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN UNEMPLOYED LONGER THAN 2 YEARS. Here are some of the details from the revised bill that went down to defeat tonight, according to the Washington Independent.

Unemployment benefits: Restarts the emergency unemployment compensation program phased out at the end of May 2010. The program provides up to 53 weeks of extended benefits, depending on the state’s unemployment rate. The measure is retroactive — meaning that Americans who have lost their unemployment checks will be compensated — and goes through November.

Further extended benefits: Restarts funding for further tiers of unemployment benefits to 99 weeks.

Eliminates the penalty for part-time workers collecting unemployment benefits: Gives states the option to let UI claimants keep certain benefits if switching to state benefits would reduce their weekly UI check by at least $100 or 25 percent.

These three provisions cost $33.9 billion over ten years.

Extends the closing date for the home buyer tax credit: Home buyers need to have purchased a house by April 30, 2010. Now, they need to close by Oct. 1, not July 1, 2010. The provision is estimated to cost $140 million over ten years.

Change to the Travel Promotion Act (TPA): The Department of Homeland Security was due to fund the Travel Promotion Board by the end of the year. This delays that funding start by a year. This change saves $95 million over ten years.

No, you cannot claim a home buyer tax credit from prison: Remember all those prisoners claiming the home buyer tax credit — even when serving life sentences? This allows the IRS to disclose tax return information to prison officials, to help recoup money from fraudulent claims. This raises $6 million over ten years.

Finding money elsewhere: This takes back $94 million in unspent Defense Department funding due to expire on Sept. 30, 2010. This saves $45 million over 10 years.

Washington Independent article on Senate proposals, click here. 06/30/2010

FIRST INDICATION OF WEAK JOBS REPORT FOR JUNE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- this Friday, the US Department of Labor is scheduled to provide its first report on June employment numbers. The Payroll firm ADP often provides a window to what can be expected. ADP reported today that the US private sector economy only created 13,000 new non- farm seasonally adjusted,jobs in June....far less than expected and much less than needed to provide jobs to the more than 15 million now unemployed. The June figure is also less than that in from the revised figure in May when 57,000 private sector jobs s were added. Full text of ADP June jobs report, click here. 06/30/2010

HOUSE FAILS TO PASS STAND ALONE UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION / REPUBLICANS HALT BILLS IN BOTH CHAMBERS OVER SPENDING

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Democratic leaders in the House today tried in vain to get extended unemployment benefits passed as a stand alone measure. A previous house measure HB 4213 is hopelessly deadlocked in the Senate over ways to pay for it. Republicans refuse to go along with the 34 billion dollar price tag being added to the federal deficit. Today. House leaders floated HB 5618 which eliminated provisions for Medicaid payments for states and remains unresolved. Medicare payments for doctors, which was already separated from HB 4213, was passed last week in both chambers, then signed by President Obama. The latest versions had already cut benefits for those unemployed more than two years and did not renew subsidy payments for extended health insurance through former employers. Today's vote needed 277 to pass but only mustered 261 . A two thirds majority was needed to overcome Republican delays. Nearly two million unemployed workers are expected to lose benefits over the July 4th holiday if congress cannot pass some form of extension. 06/29/2010

CONSUMER CONFIDENCE DIPS AS FEARS OVER UNEMPLOYMENT AND BENEFITS STIR NEW CONCERNS / STOCK MARKET TAKES BIG HIT ON NEWS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The New York Stock Exchange lost more than 300 points and later recovered to lose just over five points before the end of trading. The erratic trading reflected concerns over the fragile global economy and took a nose dive after news broke about growing pessimism among Americans. Consumers, convinced that the job market will get worse the rest of the year, took the Conference Board's June Consumer Confidence Index to 52.9, a drop of nearly ten points from May's index of 62.7.

Lynn Franco, Director of The Conference Board Consumer Research Center, said, “Consumer confidence, which had posted three consecutive monthly gains and appeared to be gaining some traction, retreated sharply in June. Increasing uncertainty and apprehension about the future state of the economy and labor market, no doubt a result of the recent slowdown in job growth, are the primary reasons for the sharp reversal in confidence. Until the pace of job growth picks up, consumer confidence is not likely to pick up.” . Press release from Conference Board, click here. 06/29/2010

STATES DESPARATE TO CLOSE BUDGET GAPS / THOUSANDS MORE LAYOFFS AND SERVICE CUTS LIKELY

More in this article from Associated Press, click here- National Governor's Association June 2010 Survey, click here. States facing the worst budget gaps, CNBC report, click here. 06/28/2010

DEMOCRATS BLAME REPUBLICANS FOR MORE DELAYS / EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT AID GETS 57 VOTES AND FAILS

More in this report from the New York Times, click here- 06/24/2010

CUTS IN MEDICAID AND UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS LIKELY AS DEMOCRATS TRY TO GET REPUBLICAN VOTES

More in this article from Congressional Quarterly, click here- 06/22/2010

REPUBLICANS SAY "NO" TO STAND ALONE UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS EXTENSION / SENATE ENDS WEEK WITHOUT PASSAGE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Republican leaders balked Friday at a proposal from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to vote on extended unemployment benefits as a stand alone bill, which would be separated from the rest of HB 4213, the so called, Tax Extenders Bill. The current form of HB 4213 also includes a provision to prevent cuts in doctor's Medicare reimbursements. Republicans claim the extended unemployment benefits need to be paid for without adding to the deficit. Democrats say the benefits should be considered emergency spending exempt from those considerations. For now Democrats do not have the 60 votes needed to defeat a Republican filibuster, so it remains stuck in the Senate. Meanwhile, by the end of this month, an estimated one million unemployed workers will have lost their benefits, including subsidies for former employer health insurance payments. The current version of HB 4213 WILL NOT continue those payments, even if it is approved. 06/18/2010

SENATE FAILS TO STOP REPUBLICAN DELAY ON UNEMPLOYMENT EXTENSION / DEMOCRATS DEFEAT REPUBLICAN MOVE TO USE STIMULUS MONEY / ANOTHER VOTE POSSIBLE FRIDAY OR MONDAY

More from in this article from M-Live, click here- 06/17/2010

POLL: 75% OF PUBLIC APPROVES CONTINUATION OF UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Link to hear page and testimony for Subcommittee on Income Security, May 6th hearing on solvency of unemployment benefits system, click here. 05/07/2010

U-S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS UP / MORE JOBS CREATED BUT MORE UNEMPLOYED ENTER WORKFORCE LOOKING FOR JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- With the national GDP improving, more people are entering the workforce hoping to find jobs. And the latest job creation numbers from the Department of Labor, for April, shows the economy created 290,000 jobs last month. Still it was not enough to make up for those who have lost their jobs and others entering the workforce, forcing the unemployment rate up .2 of a per cent to 9.9%. The unemployment rate had been 9.7% for the first three months of the year. The number of those unemployed for at least 27 weeks continues to trend upward, with 6.7 million now listed in that category, making up 44.9% of those receiving unemployment compensation. Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. Secretary Solis comments on stats, click here. 05/07/2010

STATES' UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS HEAD FOR MORE TROUBLE / LOWER TAXES ON EMPLOYER WAGES PARTIALLY TO BLAME

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Congress is still working on a bill that will extend unemployment benefits through the end of the year. Extended benefits are set to run out the first week of June in most states. A report released by the GAO points out that, as of April 1, 2010, 34 of the 53 state trust funds have outstanding loans totaling $38.9 billion from the federal government to pay benefits. Long-standing UI tax policies and practices in many states over 3 decades have eroded trust fund reserves, leaving states in a weak position prior to the recent recession. Further, average U.S. pre-recession funding levels of state trust funds were lower prior to the recent recession than for the previous three recessions. While benefits over the last 3 decades have remained largely flat relative to wages, employer tax rates have declined. First, most state taxable wage bases have not kept up with increases in wages. As of 2010, only 17 of the 53 state trust funds have taxable wage bases that are indexed to average wages. Second, many employers pay very low tax rates on state taxable wage bases. From 1978 to 2008, average minimum tax rates levied on employers by states dropped from 1.14 percent to 0.37 percent of taxable wages. Options to improve state UI trust fund financial conditions include raising and indexing the FUTA taxable wage base, which has remained at $7,000 per worker per year since 1983. This could induce many states to raise and index their own taxable wage bases. In addition, state UI tax reform could reduce the number of employers paying very low rates and those that pay less in UI taxes than benefits paid to their former workers. Other options include adjusting state tax rates more frequently; raising solvency targets before lowering rates; setting additional conditions to receive interest-free federal loans; and raising interest credits for well funded trust funds. Options to improve state UI trust fund financial conditions include raising and indexing the FUTA taxable wage base, which has remained at $7,000 per worker per year since 1983. This could induce many states to raise and index their own taxable wage bases. In addition, state UI tax reform could reduce the number of employers paying very low rates and those that pay less in UI taxes than benefits paid to their former workers. Other options include adjusting state tax rates more frequently; raising solvency targets before lowering rates; setting additional conditions to receive interest-free federal loans; and raising interest credits for well funded trust funds. Full text of GAO Summary and direct links to full report, click here. Background and chronology of problem from the House Committee on Ways and Means, Income Security Subcommittee, click here. Link to hear page and testimony for Subcommittee on Income Security, May 6th hearing on solvency of unemployment benefits system, click here. 05/07/2010

U-S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IS UP / MORE JOBS CREATED BUT MORE UNEMPLOYED ENTER WORKFORCE LOOKING FOR JOBS

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- With the national GDP improving, more people are entering the workforce hoping to find jobs. And the latest job creation numbers from the Department of Labor, for April, shows the economy created 290,000 jobs last month. Still it was not enough to make up for those who have lost their jobs and others entering the workforce, forcing the unemployment rate up .2 of a per cent to 9.9%. The unemployment rate had been 9.7% for the first three months of the year. The number of those unemployed for at least 27 weeks continues to trend upward, with 6.7 million now listed in that catagory, making up 44.9% of those recieving unemployment compensation. Full text of Labor Department press release, click here. Secretary Solis comments on stats, click here. 05/07/2010

EEOC GETS $500,000 SETTLEMENT FOR TEENAGE FEMALES IN SEX HARRASSMENT CASE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Female basement telemarketing company workers were subjected to secual harrassment, demands for sex and other humiliation according to investigatros with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As part of a settlement reached with attorneys for Everdry, the famle victims, some of them teenagers, will recieve more than a half million dollars compensation in that case. The EEOC, in a statement says, Everdry Marketing and Management has paid $471,096 in damages, plus $86,581 in post-judgment interest, to 13 victims of sexual harassment. The payout satisfies a judgment obtained by EEOC against Everdry in October 2006 following a four-week trial in Rochester, N.Y. (case # 01-CV-6329). The individual payouts range from about $24,000 to $56,000, including the interest, which covers the time the women had to wait to receive their jury awards. Everdry was required to pay the substantial interest after the ultimate resolution of the case was delayed by an appeal Everdry filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit challenging various aspects of the jury’s verdict and other district court rulings. The Court of Appeals affirmed the jury’s verdict and award of damages.Cleveland-based Everdry provides basement waterproofing services through various franchises. The case concerned a prolonged period of physical and verbal sexual harassment of mostly teenage telemarketers by male managers and co-workers at Everdry’s Rochester, N.Y., location. The EEOC charged that the harassment included repeated demands for sex, frequent groping, sexual jokes and constant comments about the bodies of women employees. On one occasion, a male manager requested sex from a teenager with the promise of a raise if she consented.

“Many of the victims in this case were young and especially vulnerable,” said EEOC Chair Jacqueline A. Berrien. “We are gratified that the appeals court has now paved the way for these harassment victims to finally receive the relief the jury awarded.”

EEOC press release, copy click here. 05/06/2010

EEOC GETS $500,000 SETTLEMENT FOR TEENAGE FEMALES IN SEX HARRASSMENT CASE

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Female basement telemarketing company workers were subjected to sexual harassment, demands for sex and other humiliation according to investigators with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. As part of a settlement reached with attorneys for Everdry, the female victims, some of them teenagers, will receive more than a half million dollars compensation in that case. The EEOC, in a statement says, Everdry Marketing and Management has paid $471,096 in damages, plus $86,581 in post-judgment interest, to 13 victims of sexual harassment. The payout satisfies a judgment obtained by EEOC against Everdry in October 2006 following a four-week trial in Rochester, N.Y. (case # 01-CV-6329). The individual payouts range from about $24,000 to $56,000, including the interest, which covers the time the women had to wait to receive their jury awards. Everdry was required to pay the substantial interest after the ultimate resolution of the case was delayed by an appeal Everdry filed in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit challenging various aspects of the jury’s verdict and other district court rulings. The Court of Appeals affirmed the jury’s verdict and award of damages. Cleveland-based Everdry provides basement waterproofing services through various franchises. The case concerned a prolonged period of physical and verbal sexual harassment of mostly teenage telemarketers by male managers and co-workers at Everdry’s Rochester, N.Y., location. The EEOC charged that the harassment included repeated demands for sex, frequent groping, sexual jokes and constant comments about the bodies of women employees. On one occasion, a male manager requested sex from a teenager with the promise of a raise if she consented.

“Many of the victims in this case were young and especially vulnerable,” said EEOC Chair Jacqueline A. Berrien. “We are gratified that the appeals court has now paved the way for these harassment victims to finally receive the relief the jury awarded.”

EEOC press release, copy click here. 05/06/2010

WAL-MART LOSES DECISION ON CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT / NINTH CIRCUIT U-S COURT OF APPEALS ALLOWS MORE FEMALE EMPLOYEES TO JOIN LAWSUIT

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that a lawsuit against Wal-Mart can continue as a "class action". The lawsuit, which could grow into the largest sex discrimination lawsuit in U-S history, claims that that female workers at the chain were paid less and granted fewer promotions than their male counterparts, and that Wal-Mart’s corporate structure encouraged and condoned gender discrimination. At least a million female employees could be included in the suit, which covers company actions since June of 2001. Six plaintiffs joined original filer Betty Dukes. They had originally tried to include female employees who worked for the company back to 1998, but the appeals court set the year at 2001. More from Associated Press, click here. 04/26/2010

PRESIDENT OBAMA SIGNS EXTENDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS / BOTH SENATE AND HOUSE APPROVE BENEFIT PACKAGE FROM APRIL 5TH TILL END OF MAY

More in this article from Politico, click here- 04/15/2010

FED CHAIR BERNANKE SURE OF RECOVERY, CONCERNED ABOUT DEFICIT / FED RELEASES BEIGE BOOK ECONOMIC REPORT, SHOWS HIRING STILL WEAK

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke today, testifying before the the Joint Economic Committee, says the economy continues to show improvement, however, he says long term unemployment remains the country's biggest challenge. Bernake told the committee that striking a balance between getting out of the recession and dealing with the federal deficit was the biggest financial challenge long term. Bernake suggested that continued unempl0oyment benefits in the enar term was unavoidable, but that as the economy improved the country must cut its debt and especially the federal deficits after 2014. Also, the Federal Reserve today released its Beige Book report on the economy. It reflected much of what Bernake had told the House Oversight Committee, pointing out that the trend of long term unemployment continues to increase, with an increasing percentage of those unemployed who have been out of work for at least 27 weeks. Bernanke testimony, click here. Beige Book Report, click here. 04/14/2010

$200 MILLION SEX DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT AGAINST DRUG MAKER NOVARTIS HEADS FOR TRIAL

More in this article in the New York Times, click here- 04/06/2010

ECONOMY PRODUCES BEST JOB CREATION MONTH IN 18 MONTHS / LONG TERM UNEMPLOYED NUMBERS KEEP RISING

More from the Emeritus Newsroom- The number of jobs gained increased by 162,000 in March, and the unemployment rate held at 9.7 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Temporary help services and health care continued to add jobs over the month. Employment in federal government also rose, reflecting the hiring of temporary workers for Census 2010. Employment continued to decline in financial activities and in information.

But the number of those long term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks and over) increased by 414,000 over the month to 6.5 million. In March, 44.1 percent of unemployed persons were jobless for 27 weeks or more. The number of persons working part time for economic reasons (sometimes referred to as involuntary part-time workers) increased to 9.1 million in March. About 2.3 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force in March, compared with 2.1 million a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted). These individuals were not in the labor force, wanted and were available for work, and had looked for a job sometime in the prior 12 months. They were not counted as unemployed because they had not searched for work in the 4 weeks preceding the survey. Among the marginally attached, there were 1.0 million discouraged workers in March, up by 309,000 from a year earlier. (The data are not seasonally adjusted.) Discouraged workers are persons not currently looking for work because they believe no jobs are available for them. The remaining