Expansion Management

Manufacturing Employment Up, But Wages Down

Jan. 4, 2012

While today's news from the ISM that employment in manufacturing has increased 3.3% from last month, the entire picture is not rosy. As the New York Times reported on Dec. 30, wages at the GE plant in Louisville, Ky. are falling. While longtime workers ...

Adrienne Selko Blog

While today's news from the ISM that employment in manufacturing has increased 3.3% from last month, the entire picture is not rosy.

As the New York Times reported on Dec. 30, wages at the GE plant in Louisville, Ky. are falling.

While longtime workers earned $21-$32 an hour, newcomers are getting $12-$19 an hour. And there doesn't seem to be any hope that these wages will increase once workers gain experience.

Plus there still is tremendous competition for these jobs as the article points out that the over 9% unemployment rate in this town causes several thousand people to apply for every $13- an-hour factory job.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko Blog | Senior Editor

Focus: Expansion Management & the Biotech & Life Sciences Industries

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Senior Editor Adrienne Selko manages IndustryWeek’s Expansion Management, delivering ideas and information about how successful manufacturers leverage location to gain competitive advantage. She explores the strategies behind why companies located their headquarters, research institutes, factories, warehouse and distribution centers and other facilities where they did, and how they benefit from the decision.

Adrienne is also the editorial coordinator of the IndustryWeek Expansion Management Roundtable events, which unites economic development professionals to network and discuss the latest trends in site location.

As well, Adrienne tells the stories of successful companies in the biotechnology and life sciences industries.

In the past, Adrienne has managed IndustryWeek’s award-winning website, overseeing eNewletters, webinars, and contributed content. Before joining the staff, Adrienne was managing editor of corporate publications at a large regional financial institution. She also ran a public relations and marketing company that published a best-selling healthcare book.

Adrienne received a bachelor’s of business administration from the University of Michigan and is especially interested in wellness and natural health.