EFCA and Unemployment
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
November 6, 2009
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Alexa Marrero or Ryan Murphy
((202) 225-4527)
It’s a record, but definitely not one to be proud of. The Labor Department released the latest unemployment figures today, and they have crossed into double-digit territory for the first time since 1983. Now more than one out of every 10 workers is unemployed, as The Washington Post notes here:
“The unemployment rate rose to 10.2 percent, department said, up from 9.8 percent in September, the highest level since 1983. Employers also continued slashing jobs, though at a slower rate than September, showing that even though the economy is expanding, the job market remains dismal. “The crossing of that symbolic 10 percent barrier is likely to weigh on both the psychology of American consumers and the urgency of efforts in Washington to prop up the job market.” Irwin, “Unemployment rate jumps to 10.2 percent; highest since 1983,” The Washington Post, 11.06.09
Add to that the act’s power to force government contracts, plus its possible effect on America’s ability to compete in world markets, and you will have prolonged economic suffering, if not disaster. In good economic times, EFCA was a bad idea. Now, it could be a dangerous one. It’s time to scrap EFCA for good. # # # |