U.S. Unemployment Up

Jan. 4, 2007
Increased manufacturing layoffs.

In the week ending Dec. 30 initial claims were 329,000, an increase of 10,000 from the previous week's revised figure of 319,000.

The three states with the highest numbers -- Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Indiana -- reported layoffs in manufacturing, automotive and construction.

The 4-week moving average was 317,500, an increase of 1,250 from the previous week's revised average of 316,250.

About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor

Focus: Workforce, Talent 

 

Bio: Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with the publication and currently focuses on workforce development strategies.She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics and EHS Today

Editorial mission statement: Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I find manufacturing interesting: On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world. 

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