Labor and our Economy

[longknife]

I follow LaborUnionReport every day and these three articles seem appropriate to share with you. Follow the links as the titles are self-explanatory.


Numbers Game: 14 Million More Americans Out Of Workforce Than In 2007 @ Numbers Game 14 Million More Americans Out Of Workforce Than In 2007 - LaborUnionReport.com Not exactly what Obama wants us to know


Hundreds Of Thousands’ Union Retirees Face Pension Cuts @ Hundreds Of Thousands Union Retirees Face Pension Cuts - LaborUnionReport.com Ouch!


“Act Like a Nice Girl.” Ironworkers union allegedly discriminated against transgender, says suit @ Act Like a Nice Girl. Ironworkers union allegedly discriminated against transgender says suit - LaborUnionReport.com more than a little off-topic ☺

 

[waltky]

Granny says we gonna slide into another recession...

US Job Growth Stumbles, Raising Doubts on Economy
October 02, 2015 | WASHINGTON — U.S. companies added only 142,000 jobs in September, well below the 200,000-plus that many analysts were expecting. But American consumers are buying cars again, the housing market has picked up and the construction sector is looking for workers.

Aside from a decline in manufacturing, analysts say the U.S. economy, with the unemployment rate holding steady, is doing reasonably well. So why the weak job numbers in September? "Our take on this," said Barclay's chief economist Michael Gapen, "is that we think it clearly reflects a slowdown in global growth and some of the heightened volatility in financial markets that we saw in August."

U.S. unemployment, Sept. 2014 - Sept. 2015​

The increased volatility coupled with the slowdown in Asia most likely made employers more cautious about hiring. It also means the U.S. central bank was probably right to delay an interest rate hike many expected would come in September, said PNC chief economist Gus Faucher. “I think they were concerned about the impact of the international economy on the U.S. economy," he said. "That may be what we’re starting to see here, so they did decide to hold off on raising rates in mid-September. That being said, I still think that we may see a rate increase in either December or in early 2016.”

But Tom Porcelli, an economist at RBC Capital Markets, said that with the weak jobs report and "some of the other weakness that we are seeing across the globe, the odds [of a rate hike] get dinged for December."

August revision

See also:

Despite 'weak' jobs report, Fed's Rosengren still sees 2015 rate hike
Mon Oct 5, 2015 - Eric Rosengren still expects the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates this year despite what the head of the Boston Fed called a "weak" September jobs report, which could signal a more significant economic slowdown that delays the policy tightening.

In a Reuters interview, Rosengren said the slowdown in hiring last month effectively heightens his sensitivity to the economy's performance the rest of the year. If it grows at less than a 2-percent pace, or if unemployment rises from 5.1 percent now, he would probably prefer to wait until next year for the much-anticipated rate hike. The straightforward comments could help clarify what the U.S. central bank means by its "data-dependent" approach to deciding when to tighten monetary policy, an approach that has caused confusion among investors and economists since the Fed delayed the policy change last month.

Rosengren, a dovish Fed official who regains a vote on policy next year, said he does not need to see actual evidence that inflation or wages are rising in order to back an initial rate hike. But the labor market, which is much improved since the recession, is key. "This was definitely a weak employment report," he told Reuters over the weekend at the Boston Fed. "We need to understand whether (it) was an anomaly or whether it was symptomatic of greater weakness in the economy than we were expecting," he added. "One report alone doesn't tell us that, so we'll have to see the incoming data."

The U.S. economy added a lower-than-expected 142,000 jobs in September, according to a government report that also slashed August employment growth and that showed little in wage gains for workers. Factories were hit particularly hard, reflecting a global economic slowdown and the strong dollar. Investors reacted Friday by cutting the perceived chances of a Fed rate hike in December to only 30 percent, this despite repeated assurances in recent weeks from Chair Janet Yellen and other Fed policymakers that they expect to act this year.

MORE

 

[waltky]

Labor Force Participation Rate Drops...

Labor Force Participation Rate Dropped to 62.8% In April: 94,044,000 Out
May 6, 2016 | The number of Americans not in the labor force last month totaled 94,044,000, 562,000 more than in March -- and the labor force participation rate dropped to 62.8 percent (near a 38-year low), following four straight months of slight improvement.

When President Obama took office in Janaury 2009, the labor force partipation rate was 65.7 percent, after hovering in the 66-67 percent range for much of the George W. Bush presidency. The recession inherited by the Obama administration officially ended in June 2009, but the labor force participation rate continued to drop during Obama's two terms, hitting 62.4 percent in September 2015, its lowest point in 38 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the economy added 160,000 jobs in April (compared with 215,000 in March). Over the prior 12 months, employment growth had averaged 232,000 per month. The April unemployment rate held steady at 5.0 percent. (It was also 5.0 percent in March, up a tenth of a point from the 4.9 percent in January and February.)

In April, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation’s civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all people 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 252,969,000. Of those, 158,924,000 participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one. The 158,924,000 who participated in the labor force equaled 62.8 percent of the 252,969,000 civilian noninstitutional population. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 5,793,000 people in April as "persons who currently want a job," up from 5,712,000 in March.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.1 percent in April, while the rates for adult men (4.6 percent), adult women (4.5 percent), teenagers (16.0 percent), Whites (4.3 percent), Blacks (8.8 percent), and Asians (3.8 percent) showed little or no change. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) declined by 150,000 to 2.1 million in April. These individuals accounted for 25.7 percent of the unemployed. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (also referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was about unchanged in April at 6.0 million and has shown little movement since November. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.

In April, 1.7 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, down by 400,000 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 568,000 discouraged workers in April, down by 188,000 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 1.1 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in April had not searched for work for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

Labor Force Participation Rate Dropped to 62.8% In April: 94,044,000 Out

See also:

12,379,000 Blacks, 13,878,000 Hispanics Not in Labor Force in April
May 6, 2016 - The number of Hispanics not in the labor force last month totaled 13,878,000 -- 274,000 more than in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday.

The unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.1 percent in April, up half a point from 5.6 percent in March, and more than a point above the national rate of 5.0 percent. The number of African Americans not in the labor force also increased, to 12,379,000 in April, up 139,000 from 12,240,000 in March, but for this group, the unemployment rate improved slightly, dropping to 8.8 percent in April from 9.0 percent in March.

However, that 8.8 percent jobless rate for blacks remains the highest of all the major worker groups. In April, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Hispanic civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all Hispanics 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 40,474,000. Of those, 24,960,000 Hispanics participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one, for a 65.7 percent labor force participation rate.

For African Americans, the labor force participation rate was much lower than that for Hispanics. The African American civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all blacks 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 31,792,000 in April. Of those, 19,413,000 blacks participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one, for a 61.1 percent participation rate.

12,379,000 Blacks, 13,878,000 Hispanics Not in Labor Force in April

Related:

US jobs growth falters in April
Fri, 06 May 2016 - The US economy added 160,000 jobs in April - undershooting expectations and well below the 208,000 created in March.

March's figure was revised down from 215,000 and February's was also revised from 242,000 down to 233,000. The jobless rate remained at 5% and average hourly earnings rose 2.5%. April's report is being closely watched, as it could influence an upcoming interest rate decision by the US Federal Reserve. Fed policy makers hold a two-day meeting starting on 14 June and some thought they might decide to raise interest rates.

'Particularly ugly'

But some think the latest jobs report has diminished that prospect. Aberdeen Asset Management, investment manager Luke Bartholomew, said: "Anyone wanting a June hike should probably look away now. The headline number is disappointing, while the household survey looks particularly ugly. "If there's a bright spot then it's wages which were a bit better than expected. That's important. The lack of any meaningful increase in wages has caused much head scratching at the Fed. But there's probably not enough here to keep a June hike a clear and present danger."

'Close call'

However, Paul Ashworth, chief US economist at Capital Economics, thinks that a rate increase is still possible. "Overall, there is nothing here to swing the Fed's June rate decision very far in either direction. We still think the Fed will hike next month, but it's shaping up to be a close call," he said. Mr Ashworth said the increases in average weekly hours worked and average hourly earnings were "reassuring".

In December, the Fed raised rates for the first time in ten years. That rise was seen as the first of a number of moves upwards and Fed officials have forecast two more rate rises for this year. But since then the economic news has been mixed. In April, official figures showed that US growth slowed to an annual pace of 0.5% during the first quarter of the year.

Analysis, Andrew Walker, economics correspondent

 

[EdwardBaiamonte]

I follow LaborUnionReport every day and these three articles seem appropriate to share with you. Follow the links as the titles are self-explanatory.


Numbers Game: 14 Million More Americans Out Of Workforce Than In 2007 @ Numbers Game 14 Million More Americans Out Of Workforce Than In 2007 - LaborUnionReport.com Not exactly what Obama wants us to know


Hundreds Of Thousands’ Union Retirees Face Pension Cuts @ Hundreds Of Thousands Union Retirees Face Pension Cuts - LaborUnionReport.com Ouch!


“Act Like a Nice Girl.” Ironworkers union allegedly discriminated against transgender, says suit @ Act Like a Nice Girl. Ironworkers union allegedly discriminated against transgender says suit - LaborUnionReport.com more than a little off-topic ☺

and what do we learn from articles if anything??

 

[longknife]

I follow LaborUnionReport every day and these three articles seem appropriate to share with you. Follow the links as the titles are self-explanatory.


Numbers Game: 14 Million More Americans Out Of Workforce Than In 2007 @ Numbers Game 14 Million More Americans Out Of Workforce Than In 2007 - LaborUnionReport.com Not exactly what Obama wants us to know


Hundreds Of Thousands’ Union Retirees Face Pension Cuts @ Hundreds Of Thousands Union Retirees Face Pension Cuts - LaborUnionReport.com Ouch!


“Act Like a Nice Girl.” Ironworkers union allegedly discriminated against transgender, says suit @ Act Like a Nice Girl. Ironworkers union allegedly discriminated against transgender says suit - LaborUnionReport.com more than a little off-topic ☺

and what do we learn from articles if anything??

As you apparently didn't read them, YOU learned nothing.

 

[oldfart]

Labor Force Participation Rate Drops...

Labor Force Participation Rate Dropped to 62.8% In April: 94,044,000 Out
May 6, 2016 | The number of Americans not in the labor force last month totaled 94,044,000, 562,000 more than in March -- and the labor force participation rate dropped to 62.8 percent (near a 38-year low), following four straight months of slight improvement.

When President Obama took office in Janaury 2009, the labor force partipation rate was 65.7 percent, after hovering in the 66-67 percent range for much of the George W. Bush presidency. The recession inherited by the Obama administration officially ended in June 2009, but the labor force participation rate continued to drop during Obama's two terms, hitting 62.4 percent in September 2015, its lowest point in 38 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the economy added 160,000 jobs in April (compared with 215,000 in March). Over the prior 12 months, employment growth had averaged 232,000 per month. The April unemployment rate held steady at 5.0 percent. (It was also 5.0 percent in March, up a tenth of a point from the 4.9 percent in January and February.)

In April, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation’s civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all people 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 252,969,000. Of those, 158,924,000 participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one. The 158,924,000 who participated in the labor force equaled 62.8 percent of the 252,969,000 civilian noninstitutional population. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 5,793,000 people in April as "persons who currently want a job," up from 5,712,000 in March.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.1 percent in April, while the rates for adult men (4.6 percent), adult women (4.5 percent), teenagers (16.0 percent), Whites (4.3 percent), Blacks (8.8 percent), and Asians (3.8 percent) showed little or no change. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) declined by 150,000 to 2.1 million in April. These individuals accounted for 25.7 percent of the unemployed. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (also referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was about unchanged in April at 6.0 million and has shown little movement since November. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.

In April, 1.7 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, down by 400,000 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 568,000 discouraged workers in April, down by 188,000 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 1.1 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in April had not searched for work for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

Labor Force Participation Rate Dropped to 62.8% In April: 94,044,000 Out

See also:

12,379,000 Blacks, 13,878,000 Hispanics Not in Labor Force in April
May 6, 2016 - The number of Hispanics not in the labor force last month totaled 13,878,000 -- 274,000 more than in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday.

The unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.1 percent in April, up half a point from 5.6 percent in March, and more than a point above the national rate of 5.0 percent. The number of African Americans not in the labor force also increased, to 12,379,000 in April, up 139,000 from 12,240,000 in March, but for this group, the unemployment rate improved slightly, dropping to 8.8 percent in April from 9.0 percent in March.

However, that 8.8 percent jobless rate for blacks remains the highest of all the major worker groups. In April, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Hispanic civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all Hispanics 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 40,474,000. Of those, 24,960,000 Hispanics participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one, for a 65.7 percent labor force participation rate.

For African Americans, the labor force participation rate was much lower than that for Hispanics. The African American civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all blacks 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 31,792,000 in April. Of those, 19,413,000 blacks participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one, for a 61.1 percent participation rate.

12,379,000 Blacks, 13,878,000 Hispanics Not in Labor Force in April

Related:

US jobs growth falters in April
Fri, 06 May 2016 - The US economy added 160,000 jobs in April - undershooting expectations and well below the 208,000 created in March.

March's figure was revised down from 215,000 and February's was also revised from 242,000 down to 233,000. The jobless rate remained at 5% and average hourly earnings rose 2.5%. April's report is being closely watched, as it could influence an upcoming interest rate decision by the US Federal Reserve. Fed policy makers hold a two-day meeting starting on 14 June and some thought they might decide to raise interest rates.

'Particularly ugly'

But some think the latest jobs report has diminished that prospect. Aberdeen Asset Management, investment manager Luke Bartholomew, said: "Anyone wanting a June hike should probably look away now. The headline number is disappointing, while the household survey looks particularly ugly. "If there's a bright spot then it's wages which were a bit better than expected. That's important. The lack of any meaningful increase in wages has caused much head scratching at the Fed. But there's probably not enough here to keep a June hike a clear and present danger."

'Close call'

However, Paul Ashworth, chief US economist at Capital Economics, thinks that a rate increase is still possible. "Overall, there is nothing here to swing the Fed's June rate decision very far in either direction. We still think the Fed will hike next month, but it's shaping up to be a close call," he said. Mr Ashworth said the increases in average weekly hours worked and average hourly earnings were "reassuring".

In December, the Fed raised rates for the first time in ten years. That rise was seen as the first of a number of moves upwards and Fed officials have forecast two more rate rises for this year. But since then the economic news has been mixed. In April, official figures showed that US growth slowed to an annual pace of 0.5% during the first quarter of the year.

Analysis, Andrew Walker, economics correspondent

BLS: Labor Force Participation Rate April 2015: 62.7%; April 2016: 62.8%. Please wear goggles to prevent confetti from damaging your eyes.

 

[EdwardBaiamonte]

Labor Force Participation Rate Drops...

Labor Force Participation Rate Dropped to 62.8% In April: 94,044,000 Out
May 6, 2016 | The number of Americans not in the labor force last month totaled 94,044,000, 562,000 more than in March -- and the labor force participation rate dropped to 62.8 percent (near a 38-year low), following four straight months of slight improvement.

When President Obama took office in Janaury 2009, the labor force partipation rate was 65.7 percent, after hovering in the 66-67 percent range for much of the George W. Bush presidency. The recession inherited by the Obama administration officially ended in June 2009, but the labor force participation rate continued to drop during Obama's two terms, hitting 62.4 percent in September 2015, its lowest point in 38 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the economy added 160,000 jobs in April (compared with 215,000 in March). Over the prior 12 months, employment growth had averaged 232,000 per month. The April unemployment rate held steady at 5.0 percent. (It was also 5.0 percent in March, up a tenth of a point from the 4.9 percent in January and February.)

In April, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation’s civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all people 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 252,969,000. Of those, 158,924,000 participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one. The 158,924,000 who participated in the labor force equaled 62.8 percent of the 252,969,000 civilian noninstitutional population. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 5,793,000 people in April as "persons who currently want a job," up from 5,712,000 in March.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.1 percent in April, while the rates for adult men (4.6 percent), adult women (4.5 percent), teenagers (16.0 percent), Whites (4.3 percent), Blacks (8.8 percent), and Asians (3.8 percent) showed little or no change. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) declined by 150,000 to 2.1 million in April. These individuals accounted for 25.7 percent of the unemployed. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (also referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was about unchanged in April at 6.0 million and has shown little movement since November. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.

In April, 1.7 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, down by 400,000 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 568,000 discouraged workers in April, down by 188,000 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 1.1 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in April had not searched for work for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

Labor Force Participation Rate Dropped to 62.8% In April: 94,044,000 Out

See also:

12,379,000 Blacks, 13,878,000 Hispanics Not in Labor Force in April
May 6, 2016 - The number of Hispanics not in the labor force last month totaled 13,878,000 -- 274,000 more than in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday.

The unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.1 percent in April, up half a point from 5.6 percent in March, and more than a point above the national rate of 5.0 percent. The number of African Americans not in the labor force also increased, to 12,379,000 in April, up 139,000 from 12,240,000 in March, but for this group, the unemployment rate improved slightly, dropping to 8.8 percent in April from 9.0 percent in March.

However, that 8.8 percent jobless rate for blacks remains the highest of all the major worker groups. In April, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Hispanic civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all Hispanics 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 40,474,000. Of those, 24,960,000 Hispanics participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one, for a 65.7 percent labor force participation rate.

For African Americans, the labor force participation rate was much lower than that for Hispanics. The African American civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all blacks 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 31,792,000 in April. Of those, 19,413,000 blacks participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one, for a 61.1 percent participation rate.

12,379,000 Blacks, 13,878,000 Hispanics Not in Labor Force in April

Related:

US jobs growth falters in April
Fri, 06 May 2016 - The US economy added 160,000 jobs in April - undershooting expectations and well below the 208,000 created in March.

March's figure was revised down from 215,000 and February's was also revised from 242,000 down to 233,000. The jobless rate remained at 5% and average hourly earnings rose 2.5%. April's report is being closely watched, as it could influence an upcoming interest rate decision by the US Federal Reserve. Fed policy makers hold a two-day meeting starting on 14 June and some thought they might decide to raise interest rates.

'Particularly ugly'

But some think the latest jobs report has diminished that prospect. Aberdeen Asset Management, investment manager Luke Bartholomew, said: "Anyone wanting a June hike should probably look away now. The headline number is disappointing, while the household survey looks particularly ugly. "If there's a bright spot then it's wages which were a bit better than expected. That's important. The lack of any meaningful increase in wages has caused much head scratching at the Fed. But there's probably not enough here to keep a June hike a clear and present danger."

'Close call'

However, Paul Ashworth, chief US economist at Capital Economics, thinks that a rate increase is still possible. "Overall, there is nothing here to swing the Fed's June rate decision very far in either direction. We still think the Fed will hike next month, but it's shaping up to be a close call," he said. Mr Ashworth said the increases in average weekly hours worked and average hourly earnings were "reassuring".

In December, the Fed raised rates for the first time in ten years. That rise was seen as the first of a number of moves upwards and Fed officials have forecast two more rate rises for this year. But since then the economic news has been mixed. In April, official figures showed that US growth slowed to an annual pace of 0.5% during the first quarter of the year.

Analysis, Andrew Walker, economics correspondent

BLS: Labor Force Participation Rate April 2015: 62.7%; April 2016: 62.8%. Please wear goggles to prevent confetti from damaging your eyes.

very low participation rate among working age population is big concern for the Fed and one reason they cite for not raising rates

 

[oldfart]

Labor Force Participation Rate Drops...

Labor Force Participation Rate Dropped to 62.8% In April: 94,044,000 Out
May 6, 2016 | The number of Americans not in the labor force last month totaled 94,044,000, 562,000 more than in March -- and the labor force participation rate dropped to 62.8 percent (near a 38-year low), following four straight months of slight improvement.

When President Obama took office in Janaury 2009, the labor force partipation rate was 65.7 percent, after hovering in the 66-67 percent range for much of the George W. Bush presidency. The recession inherited by the Obama administration officially ended in June 2009, but the labor force participation rate continued to drop during Obama's two terms, hitting 62.4 percent in September 2015, its lowest point in 38 years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the economy added 160,000 jobs in April (compared with 215,000 in March). Over the prior 12 months, employment growth had averaged 232,000 per month. The April unemployment rate held steady at 5.0 percent. (It was also 5.0 percent in March, up a tenth of a point from the 4.9 percent in January and February.)

In April, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nation’s civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all people 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 252,969,000. Of those, 158,924,000 participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one. The 158,924,000 who participated in the labor force equaled 62.8 percent of the 252,969,000 civilian noninstitutional population. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 5,793,000 people in April as "persons who currently want a job," up from 5,712,000 in March.

Among the major worker groups, the unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.1 percent in April, while the rates for adult men (4.6 percent), adult women (4.5 percent), teenagers (16.0 percent), Whites (4.3 percent), Blacks (8.8 percent), and Asians (3.8 percent) showed little or no change. The number of long-term unemployed (those jobless for 27 weeks or more) declined by 150,000 to 2.1 million in April. These individuals accounted for 25.7 percent of the unemployed. The number of persons employed part time for economic reasons (also referred to as involuntary part-time workers) was about unchanged in April at 6.0 million and has shown little movement since November. These individuals, who would have preferred full-time employment, were working part time because their hours had been cut back or because they were unable to find a full-time job.

In April, 1.7 million persons were marginally attached to the labor force, down by 400,000 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 568,000 discouraged workers in April, down by 188,000 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 1.1 million persons marginally attached to the labor force in April had not searched for work for reasons such as school attendance or family responsibilities.

Labor Force Participation Rate Dropped to 62.8% In April: 94,044,000 Out

See also:

12,379,000 Blacks, 13,878,000 Hispanics Not in Labor Force in April
May 6, 2016 - The number of Hispanics not in the labor force last month totaled 13,878,000 -- 274,000 more than in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday.

The unemployment rate for Hispanics increased to 6.1 percent in April, up half a point from 5.6 percent in March, and more than a point above the national rate of 5.0 percent. The number of African Americans not in the labor force also increased, to 12,379,000 in April, up 139,000 from 12,240,000 in March, but for this group, the unemployment rate improved slightly, dropping to 8.8 percent in April from 9.0 percent in March.

However, that 8.8 percent jobless rate for blacks remains the highest of all the major worker groups. In April, according to the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Hispanic civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all Hispanics 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 40,474,000. Of those, 24,960,000 Hispanics participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one, for a 65.7 percent labor force participation rate.

For African Americans, the labor force participation rate was much lower than that for Hispanics. The African American civilian noninstitutional population, consisting of all blacks 16 or older who were not in the military or an institution, reached 31,792,000 in April. Of those, 19,413,000 blacks participated in the labor force by either holding a job or actively seeking one, for a 61.1 percent participation rate.

12,379,000 Blacks, 13,878,000 Hispanics Not in Labor Force in April

Related:

US jobs growth falters in April
Fri, 06 May 2016 - The US economy added 160,000 jobs in April - undershooting expectations and well below the 208,000 created in March.

March's figure was revised down from 215,000 and February's was also revised from 242,000 down to 233,000. The jobless rate remained at 5% and average hourly earnings rose 2.5%. April's report is being closely watched, as it could influence an upcoming interest rate decision by the US Federal Reserve. Fed policy makers hold a two-day meeting starting on 14 June and some thought they might decide to raise interest rates.

'Particularly ugly'

But some think the latest jobs report has diminished that prospect. Aberdeen Asset Management, investment manager Luke Bartholomew, said: "Anyone wanting a June hike should probably look away now. The headline number is disappointing, while the household survey looks particularly ugly. "If there's a bright spot then it's wages which were a bit better than expected. That's important. The lack of any meaningful increase in wages has caused much head scratching at the Fed. But there's probably not enough here to keep a June hike a clear and present danger."

'Close call'

However, Paul Ashworth, chief US economist at Capital Economics, thinks that a rate increase is still possible. "Overall, there is nothing here to swing the Fed's June rate decision very far in either direction. We still think the Fed will hike next month, but it's shaping up to be a close call," he said. Mr Ashworth said the increases in average weekly hours worked and average hourly earnings were "reassuring".

In December, the Fed raised rates for the first time in ten years. That rise was seen as the first of a number of moves upwards and Fed officials have forecast two more rate rises for this year. But since then the economic news has been mixed. In April, official figures showed that US growth slowed to an annual pace of 0.5% during the first quarter of the year.

Analysis, Andrew Walker, economics correspondent

BLS: Labor Force Participation Rate April 2015: 62.7%; April 2016: 62.8%. Please wear goggles to prevent confetti from damaging your eyes.

very low participation rate among working age population is big concern for the Fed and one reason they cite for not raising rates

Ed we are both right. My point was that their is a negligible year-to-year change in the LFPR, which is true; and your point is that the LFPR is at a very low level compared to pre-2007 levels, which is also true. As I mentioned the last time we talked about this topic, about a third of the fall in the LFPR is secular and reflects aging demographics. The age-adjusted LFPR look a bit better. The other two-thirds are evidence of a weak economy.