Canada's unemployment rate rises AP (November 06, 2009) TORONTO (AP) - Canada's unemployment rate rose to 8.6 percent in October from 8.4 percent a month earlier as the economy shed 43,200 jobs, the government said Friday.
Obama to sign extension of jobless benefits AP (November 06, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama is set to sign a bill extending jobless benefits 20 weeks and prolonging the $8,000 homebuyer tax credit.
States with jobless rates of 8.5 percent and above AP (November 06, 2009) (AP) - Legislation President Barack Obama is set to sign Friday would extend unemployment insurance benefits by 14 weeks for jobless people in all states who have exhausted their benefits. The jobless living in 27 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, that have unemployment rates of 8.5 percent or higher would receive an additional six weeks. States receiving the additi
Former Iowa slaughterhouse manager testifies AP (November 06, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The former manager of a kosher Iowa slaughterhouse that was the site of a massive immigration raid says he never intentionally violated federal laws.
Stock futures drop after unemployment rate jumps AP (November 06, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Stock futures sank Friday after the government said more jobs were lost in October than expected, pushing the unemployment rate above 10 percent for the first time since 1983.
Governor: New proposal in Philly transit strike AP (November 06, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Gov. Ed Rendell said Friday a new proposal has been sent to the union in an effort to end the strike by Philadelphia transit workers, now entering its fourth day.
World stocks fall as US jobless rate hits 10.2 pct AP (November 06, 2009) LONDON (AP) - European stocks fell and Wall Street was expected to drop on the open Friday after data showed the U.S. unemployment rate jumped to 10.2 percent in October, more than expected, as 190,000 jobs were cut.
New jobless claims drop to 512K, lowest since Jan. AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for unemployment benefits last week fell to the lowest level in 10 months, evidence that job cuts are easing as the economy slowly heals.
Rail worker killed in Philly on 3rd day of strike AP (November 05, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - A packed commuter train struck and killed a rail worker during the morning rush Thursday, disrupting service for three hours and stranding hundreds of riders on a system already crippled by a transit strike.
NetJets Inc. to lay off 495 pilots nationwide AP (November 05, 2009) COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Private air service NetJets Inc., unit of Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway Inc, says it will lay off up to 495 pilots nationwide because of a drop in demand.
Jump in productivity puts job creation in doubt AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Companies across the economy are finding ways to do more with fewer workers, dimming hopes that hiring will take off anytime soon.
Congress set to clear aid to jobless, homebuyers AP (November 05, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Congress is one vote away from sending the president legislation that continues aid to more than a million jobless people and extends tax breaks to hundreds of thousands of prospective homebuyers and struggling businesses.
Opel workers across Germany protest GM move AP (November 05, 2009) RUESSELSHEIM, Germany (AP) - Fearing widespread layoffs, thousands of Opel workers walked off the job across Germany on Thursday to protest General Motors Co.'s decision to abandon the unit's sale to new owners.
States with jobless rates of 8.5 percent and above AP (November 05, 2009) (AP) - Legislation passed by the Senate Wednesday would extend unemployment insurance benefits by 14 weeks for jobless people in all states who have exhausted their benefits. The jobless living in 27 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, that have unemployment rates of 8.5 percent or higher would receive an additional six weeks. States receiving the additional benefits:
Schools reopen as Philly transit strike continues AP (November 04, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The first day of a transit strike caused widespread delays and frustrated thousands of commuters who had to find other ways to get around Pennsylvania's largest city.
STIMULUS WATCH: Salary raise counted as saved job AP (November 04, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's economic recovery program saved 935 jobs at the Southwest Georgia Community Action Council, an impressive success story for the stimulus plan. Trouble is, only 508 people work there.
Mont. high court: Retirees can lose workers' comp AP (November 04, 2009) HELENA, Mont. (AP) - The Montana Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of a state law that allows insurance companies to cut off workers' compensation payments for those suffering permanent total disability when the disabled party is eligible for Social Security retirement benefits.
Fire worsens 2nd day of Philly transit strike AP (November 04, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Commuters biked, walked, juggled carpool schedules and hitched rides as a strike ground the city's transit system to a near halt for a second day Wednesday, a rush worsened when a regional rail train caught fire.
Microsoft lays off 800 more workers worldwide AP (November 04, 2009) REDMOND, Wash. (AP) - Microsoft Corp. says it is cutting 800 more jobs. That's in addition to the 5,000 layoffs it announced in January.
Bank HSBC cutting 1,700 UK jobs AP (November 03, 2009) LONDON (AP) - HSBC Holdings PLC says it is cutting 1,700 positions from its British work force.
J&J says it could cut more than 8,000 jobs AP (November 03, 2009) NEW YORK (AP) - Johnson & Johnson said Tuesday it will trim layers of management, cut thousands of jobs, and set other restructuring moves in order to save up to $900 million next year.
Sprint laying off part of wholesale division AP (November 03, 2009) OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) - Sprint Nextel Corp. says it plans to trim jobs "in the dozens" from its wholesale division amid slowing business.
Nokia Siemens Networks to lay off up to 5,700 AP (November 03, 2009) HELSINKI (AP) - Nokia Siemens Networks said Tuesday it will lay off up to 5,700 workers globally as part of a move to cut annual costs by euro500 million ($740 million).
NC appellate judges reject public records lawsuit AP (November 03, 2009) RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The North Carolina Court of Appeals has sided with the state treasurer's office in a public records lawsuit that accused officials of withholding documents about the state's pension fund.
Raided SC poultry plant mends hiring, avoids trial AP (November 03, 2009) COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A South Carolina poultry plant raided by immigration agents last year has agreed to change its hiring practices under supervision to avoid federal charges of knowingly employing illegal immigrants, federal prosecutors said Tuesday.
Philly transit strike a tough sell in down economy AP (November 03, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - Even in the best of times, waking up to a surprise transit strike is like a bad dream come true. When the sudden walkout comes during an economic downturn, it becomes more like a public relations nightmare.
Mass. window maker to close 1 plant, move jobs AP (November 03, 2009) SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - Window and door manufacturer Harvey Building Products has announced plans to close its Springfield facility and move about 100 jobs to other locations in New England.
Maine workers' comp rates to drop by about 7 pct AP (November 03, 2009) AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) - Maine's Insurance Bureau says workers' compensation rates will decrease by an average of 7 percent.
Banks face Feb. 1 deadline from Fed on pay plans AP (November 03, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The nation's biggest banks face a February deadline for submitting employee compensation plans to the Federal Reserve, according to people with knowledge of the process.
Buses, subways halted by Philly transit strike AP (November 03, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia transit system's largest union went on strike early Tuesday, stalling the city's bus, subway and trolley operations a day after the World Series shifted to New York and forcing thousands of commuters to find other ways to get to work.
Buses, subways halted by Philly transit strike AP (November 03, 2009) PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Philadelphia transit system's largest union went on strike early Tuesday, stalling the city's bus, subway and trolley operations a day after the World Series shifted to New York and forcing thousands of commuters to find other ways to get to work.
Obama: Private, public sectors must create jobs AP (November 02, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama said Monday the public and private sectors must find more ways to create jobs to continue the nation's climb out of an economic recession.
Rule would boost unions at airlines, railroads AP (November 02, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Workers at U.S. airlines and railroads would have an easier time forming unions under a rule proposed by the National Mediation Board.
Mountain State U, bankers group become partners AP (November 02, 2009) BECKLEY, W.Va. (AP) - Mountain State University and the West Virginia Bankers Association are forming a partnership to provide continued education to workers in the banking industry.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Many communities hit hardest by job losses, those built around dying factories and mills, have been slowest to see relief from President Barack Obama's stimulus plan, underscoring how hard it is for Washington policymakers to cr
British Airways Christmas strike threat looms AP (November 02, 2009) LONDON (AP) - The Unite union said Monday it will announce the results of a planned ballot of British Airways PLC cabin crew for strike action in mid-December, raising the prospect of a walkout over the busy Christmas period.
SC governor signs incentive package for Boeing AP (October 30, 2009) NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) - A $750 million Boeing 787 assembly plant is expected to bring thousands of badly needed jobs to South Carolina's ailing economy and, officials hope, a closer look at the state by other industrial prospects.
Perot Systems lays off 54 workers in Lincoln, Neb. AP (October 30, 2009) LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - Perot Systems Corp. is laying off 54 of its roughly 900 workers in Lincoln as it shifts the work done in that office to a more high-tech specialty.
Gov't says stimulus saved or created 650,000 jobs AP (October 30, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - About 650,000 jobs have been saved or created under President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan, the White House said Friday, saying the president's goal of 3.5 million jobs by the end of next year is on track.
Retailers suspend dealings with Mich. fruit grower AP (October 30, 2009) GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - Wal-Mart, Kroger and Meijer are suspending business with a large southwestern Michigan blueberry grower after investigators found children as young as 6 working in the grower's fields.
Union backs American Airlines antitrust immunity AP (October 29, 2009) FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) - The union representing flight attendants at American Airlines is supporting the company's bid to win antitrust immunity and work more closely with British Airways and Iberia.
AP IMPACT: Stimulus jobs overstated by thousands AP (October 29, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - A Colorado company said it created 4,231 jobs with the help of President Barack Obama's economic recovery plan. The real number: fewer than 1,000.
Mass. gov. credits stimulus with 23,000 jobs AP (October 29, 2009) BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick said Wednesday that the federal stimulus program has created or saved more than 23,000 jobs in Massachusetts since February.
Financial technology company adding 419 jobs in NC AP (October 28, 2009) HICKORY, N.C. (AP) - Financial technology company Fiserv Inc. plans to open a new location in North Carolina and add more than 400 jobs.
Fla. man says Home Depot fired him over God button AP (October 28, 2009) WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A former cashier for The Home Depot who has been wearing a "One nation under God" button on his work apron for more than a year has been fired, he says because of the religious reference. The company claims that expressing such personal beliefs is simply not allowed.
NFL to aid ex-players who reported mental problems AP (October 28, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - When a recent study conducted for the NFL suggested that retired pro football players may have a higher rate than normal of Alzheimer's disease or other memory afflictions, the NFL was quick to point out that the study did not prove a link between concussions and memory disorders.
Sen. Murray asking Boeing, machinists to talk AP (October 28, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Sen. Patty Murray's office says she's trying to arrange talks Wednesday in Washington, D.C., between Boeing and the Machinists union.
Ind. Republicans want to delay jobless tax hikes AP (October 28, 2009) INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The state should delay unemployment tax increases on businesses from 2010 to 2011 to help companies retain workers and possibly wait long enough for a federal bailout, Republicans who control the Indiana Senate said Tuesday.
Ex-Letterman writer claims hostile environment AP (October 28, 2009) LOS ANGELES (AP) - A former writer for David Letterman said she quit his NBC talk show in part because of alleged sexual favoritism and a hostile work environment.
Biden tells Ohio stimulus program helping economy AP (October 27, 2009) CLEVELAND (AP) - Vice President Joe Biden told an Ohio audience that the federal economic stimulus package is helping to revive the U.S. economy and has helped stabilized the financial markets.
US reps worry ocean policy will block development AP (October 27, 2009) ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Dozens of U.S. representatives sent a letter Monday to the head of the President's Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force with concerns that the policy will block offshore energy development and cost jobs.
Groups call for balance in labor, immigration laws AP (October 27, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Workplace immigration raids during the Bush administration interfered with ongoing labor investigations and allowed employers to exploit workers who complained about conditions on the job, labor groups said in a report released Tuesday.
Ariz. official warns of 'massive' teacher layoffs AP (October 27, 2009) PHOENIX (AP) - Arizona faces the prospect of large-scale layoffs of school teachers next year due to the state's budget problems, state Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said.
Worsening job picture fuels slide in confidence AP (October 27, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Consumers' confidence about the U.S. economy fell unexpectedly in October as job prospects remained bleak, a private research group said Tuesday, fueling speculation that an already gloomy holiday shopping forecast could worsen.
Hotel owner tells Hispanic workers to change names AP (October 26, 2009) TAOS, N.M. (AP) - Larry Whitten marched into this northern New Mexico town in late July on a mission: resurrect a failing hotel.
Survey: Hiring, spending pickup seen in next 6 mos AP (October 26, 2009) CHICAGO (AP) - Results from a new economic survey may ease concerns about rising unemployment and its effect on consumer spending, as forecasters say more employers appear willing to hire in the coming months.
Former Mets GM fired by ESPN AP (October 26, 2009) (AP) - Baseball analyst Steve Phillips was fired by ESPN on Sunday night, less than a week after he admitted having an affair with a production assistant at the cable network.
NY delays state workers' retirement fund payment AP (October 23, 2009) ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - New York officials are forgoing an 8 percent discount on their nearly $1 billion payment to the pension fund for state workers, opting instead to pay later.
Law firms pay new hires to work for public good AP (October 23, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - If things had gone according to plan, Lindsay Murphy would be a big-city tax lawyer by now. Instead, the recent law school graduate found herself doing legal aid, listening to complaints about raw sewage bubbling up into the bathtubs of a Mississippi Delta housing project.
Morton: Ala. teachers should help with budget cuts AP (October 23, 2009) MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Alabama schools Superintendent Joe Morton unveiled a plan to deal with budget cuts for fiscal year 2011 partly by making teachers pay more for health insurance and retirement benefits.
Safety board to investigate Tesoro refinery fire AP (October 23, 2009) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - The U.S. Chemical Safety Board says it is sending a three-person team to investigate a fire at the Tesoro Corp. refinery in Salt Lake City.
New jobless claims rise more than expected to 531K AP (October 22, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The number of newly laid-off workers filing claims for jobless benefits rose more than expected last week, as employers remain reluctant to hire even with the economy showing signs of recovery.
Education chief calls for teacher prep overhaul AP (October 22, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration is calling for an overhaul of college programs that prepare teachers, saying they are cash cows that do a mediocre job of preparing teachers for the classroom.
Utah's 4-day workweek brings some dividends AP (October 22, 2009) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Closing Utah state offices on Fridays has delivered an unexpected bonus: a big saving on overtime pay.
Adecco to buy Florida-based MPS Group for $1.17B AP (October 20, 2009) ZURICH (AP) - Staffing firm Adecco SA said Tuesday it has offered $1.17 billion to buy Florida-based MPS Group Inc., one of the largest U.S. temporary staffers, and expects to seal the acquisition early next year.
Nurses' union threatens strike over swine flu AP (October 19, 2009) LOS ANGELES (AP) - A nurses' union is threatening a one-day strike at 34 hospitals across California, accusing them of poor swine flu preparedness.
Spanish workers reject Magna offer AP (October 19, 2009) MADRID (AP) - A Spanish labor representative says unions have rejected Magna's latest offer concerning the future of an Opel plant targeted for job cuts and will vote on calling a strike.
Officials: 250,000 teaching jobs aided by stimulus AP (October 19, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - The Obama administration says spending aimed at boosting the economy has created or saved 250,000 teaching or other education jobs this year.
Texas unemployment rate jumps to 8.2 percent AP (October 16, 2009) AUSTIN, Texas (AP) - The state unemployment rate jumped to 8.2 percent in September and an additional 44,700 jobs were lost, the Texas Workforce Commission said Friday.
514K new jobless claims; inflation remains muted AP (October 15, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - New jobless claims dropped to the lowest level since January and the prices of many household goods stayed low last month, positive signs of stability for the fledgling economic recovery.
Pratt & Whitney battles Conn. official over jobs AP (October 14, 2009) HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Jet engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney is fighting the Connecticut attorney general's legal effort to help workers block the move of 1,000 jobs from the state.
Ford, UAW reach tentative deal on contract AP (October 13, 2009) DETROIT (AP) - The United Auto Workers union says it has reached a tentative deal with Ford Motor Co. on contract concessions.
Iowa kosher slaughterhouse owner sees lean future AP (October 13, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - The new owner of an Iowa kosher slaughterhouse that was the site of a massive immigration raid says he's a turnaround artist who will operate a leaner plant that avoids the mistakes of his predecessor.
Former Iowa slaughterhouse manager on trial in SD AP (October 13, 2009) SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - A former manager of an Iowa kosher slaughterhouse that saw a massive immigration raid is set to go to trial in South Dakota.
Teachers benefit from job-saving stimulus spending AP (October 13, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - Teachers appear to have benefited most from the effort to save jobs with the $787 billion recovery package, which sent billions of dollars to states that were on the verge of ordering heavy layoffs in education.
Job data to show stimulus aided teachers, laborers AP (October 12, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's stimulus plan spared tens of thousands of teachers from losing their jobs, state officials said Monday amid a nationwide effort to calculate the effect of Washington's $787 billion recovery package.
Job losses mar recovery, create woes for Dems AP (October 12, 2009) WASHINGTON (AP) - A distressed economy is widely blamed for President George H.W. Bush's re-election defeat in 1992, and a decade earlier, for the loss of 26 House seats in midterm elections by Ronald Reagan's Republicans. Yet in both instances recession had already ended or was winding down.
Sarkozy's son, 23, ignites uproar over job bid AP (October 12, 2009) PARIS (AP) - President Nicolas Sarkozy's 23-year-old son is angling for a key job overseeing billions of euros in commerce at France's top business district - a job critics say he does not deserve.