corrente

WaPo:

More than 2,400 employers across the country reported laying off 50 or more workers in January, the third-highest number of so-called mass layoffs since the government became tracking them a decade ago.

Only in December 2000 and December 2002 were the number of large layoffs higher. A total of 239,454 workers lost their jobs in the January layoffs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported yesterday, based on unemployment insurance claims filed with state employment agencies. Among them were 17,544 temporary workers.

The total jobs lost in January was the most since November 2002, when 240,171 workers were let go in groups of 50 or more. Manufacturing workers, particularly in transportation, food processing and retail jobs, were hardest hit. The large layoffs also included 10,876 government workers, most at the state and local levels.


The administration tried in late 2002 to cease publication of the mass layoff report, citing its cost. But Congress restored funding after state officials complained.

Typical Bush approach—never recognize a problem: cook the books and deny it!

"California has continued to lose jobs in recent months," including food-processing, film production and education jobs lost to budget cuts, said Howard Roth, chief economist for the California Department of Finance. "[California's] labor market is not showing any signs of improving."

But don't worry! The Arnis™ is going to deliver California anyhow!