According to the Washington Post, some of the deepest cuts have occurred in the tech and media sectors such as Microsoft, Amazon, Salesforce, HP, and the parent companies of Google and Facebook. Questions: Source: Mark, J., H. Shaban, A. Gregg, and J. Bogage. (2023). These are some of the notable companies laying off workers. The… Read more »
Posts Tagged: unemployment
Is the Power of Boredom Reshaping our Economy?
According to the New York Times, due to the pandemic, tedium is reshaping what people buy and how productive they are. Questions: What are some of the economic consequences of the pandemic that are noted in the article? The author of this article describes the pandemic as producing a collective sense of ennui. Define the… Read more »
Gard area of France is Facing a Big Decision
According to the New York Times, the picturesque Gard area of France, famous for Rhone wines, desperately needs more employment, but environmentalists are pushing back at the possibility of Amazon’s looming “blight.” Questions: According to the article, what is the extent of the “blight” that Amazon’s new warehouse would cause in the area? What is… Read more »
Changes everywhere – Even in Hollywood
Shooting in Hollywood is not expected to resume until August. That leaves a vast number of people without work. Questions: What are the time elements involved in estimates that will affect postponing shooting until August? What are some of the factors why the large majority of people in the motion picture industry are now out… Read more »
Stagnant Wages
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, wages fell over the last year for ordinary, non-management workers. This is further evidence that companies are managing to avoid paying amid one of the tightest labor markets in decades. Questions: 1. What was the fall in wages from June 2017 to June 2018? 2. In two sentences,… Read more »
Puerto Rico is Bankrupt!
Puerto Rico has been facing huge debts and population loss for some time. However, in a historic move that will likely trigger a fierce legal battle, the island territory declared bankruptcy. Questions: 1. According to the article, what were the main debts it listed in its filing? 2. How many jobs and what amount of… Read more »
Good News for the Class of 2015!
According to the Washington Post, the New York Federal Reserve found that the demand for college-educated workers has picked up over the past year after flatlining in 2013. Additionally, it has risen more than 10 percent in the first few months of this year. Questions: 1. How many people were unemployed at the peak of… Read more »
It’s Not Over Yet!
Looking at GDP reporting GDP on a quarter-on-quarter basis, it turns out that Greece’s six-year recession is over, but recovery is far from near. The country’s economy grew at a 3.2 percent annual pace in the first quarter, 1.2 percent in the second, and 2.8 percent in the most recent one. However, unemployment is 25.9%…. Read more »
Watch Out for Junk Fees!
According to this article and a new study by the National Consumer Law Center, many states are shortchanging the jobless by distributing unemployment benefits on debit cards loaded with junk fees. Of the 40 states that have switched from paper checks to prepaid debit cards, 22 states’ cards charge ATM fees, 24 charge balance inquiry… Read more »