As we gather this Labor Day to celebrate the social and economic accomplishments of American workers, don’t be surprised if you see one of your unemployed friends or family members white-knuckling it at your backyard barbecue. They may have read the White House’s latest jobs report forecasting continued high unemployment through 2012.
In the latest assessment released last Thursday, the White House expects the unemployment rate to end the year at 9.1 percent, Don Lee reported for the Chicago Tribune. Further, a national average of 9 percent unemployment is predicted for 2012 as we head into another election year.
According to July statistics, the latest data available, the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics places the national unemployment rate at 9.1 percent. Preliminary data for Illinois shows unemployment hovering at 9.5 percent in July.
Regionally, the July unemployment rate for Chicago, Joliet and Naperville remained unchanged at 10.5 percent.
The local snapshot of unemployment in communities served by the Patch network is equally grim. Double-digit unemployment figures were reported in Chicago Heights, Evergreen Park, Oak Forest and Oak Lawn for the month of July.
Unemployment was the worst in Chicago Heights soaring to 15.8 percent in July. The news was slightly better in Tinley Park, which reported the lowest unemployment rate of 8.7 percent, but that’s like getting excited when gas dips below $4 per gallon.
As you turn over that piece of chicken on the Weber, ponder these local unemployment statistics from the Illinois Monthy Labor Force Report issued by the Illinois Department of Employment Security for Patch communities with populations over 25,000.
Town
June 2011
July 2011
July 2010
Chicago Heights
15.5%
15.8%
15.4%
Evergreen Park
11.9%
12.0%
12.3%
Oak Forest
10.2%
10.5%
10.4%
Oak Lawn
10.9%
11.4%
11.5%
Orland Park
9.0%
9.0%
9.1%
Tinley Park
8.7%
8.8%
9.4%
Tinley Park (Cook County)
8.7%
8.8%
9.2%
Tinley Park (Will County)
9.6%
9.8%
12.5%
Not factoring into the above figures are those folks who have given up, the unemployed or underemployed who want full-time jobs and are available for work but have suspended their searches because they believe no jobs are available for them. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics places that number around 2.6 million nationwide, up from 2.4 million a year earlier.
With numbers like these, the White House should be throwing us a party.
http://www.americansworking.com/ I've been out of work for over two years, I haven't stopped looking or trying but it is very discouraging out there. I am degreed, worked at one place for 17 years with a solid work record, until 1 day the controller decided he wanted to increase the profit margin and blame it on the economy, 4 of us were gone that day... On my block alone there are 5 people out of work—5! I pray every day my day will end with me having a job and this nightmare ending for so many of us, and I still believe in the American Dream and our country. Our families made this country, lets make them proud but we really need to support our neighbors and buy American to make it happen again. China, India, Japan, and so on don't need our future, we do. We don't need to support countries that makes toys with lead, pollute the environment, practice brutality, and only want our money, we need to support the local business that is trying to feed his American family, who puts money back into a local economy, and needs our support. The Dream can be reached again, but we need to make it an effort so we can all prosper again. We will all benefit in the end if we do...
http://www.stillmadeinusa.com/handcraft.html
Blaming the undocumented and those collecting unemployment isn't fair. I personally have collected unemployment off and on since I was laid off in mid 2009. Knowing that the money is there is a comfort and has prevented me from becoming homeless and having to file bankruptcy, but it hasn't stopped me from taking whatever employment I can get, including low-paying, temporary jobs with no benefits. I can't speak for everyone, of course, but I know a lot of people like me who take what we can get and who are being as creative as possible to pay the bills.
I agree, David - Why do any seasonal workers get unemployment$; why don't they budget for that break, throughout the year? That's what teachers do.. they get their salary either over 10 or 12 months, and don't apply for money when they're off, in the summer.. (?) F.y.i. I substitute-teach practically full-time, and last year got a pay CUT - plus, my 2nd, summer job cut my hours BIG TIME, because they're so slow. I still never applied for $ though. Jobs overseas is definitely a big problem. Of course we should buy American - if you can find anything made here, that is! :P We should also raise taxes on imports, encouraging companies to return to the U.S. ?Why not? Or is there something here I'm missing..
As for church groups, they're wonderful but they can also be alienating because they open their programs with prayer...
Unfortunately, most of the websites that list products made in the US do not list products sold at Walmart or Target where the majority of Americans shop. And as long as the economy continues like this, these options will continue to be out of reach, since Walmart and Dollar Stores will be the only place they can afford that isn't a thrift shop!!! As far as the cost of American made goods are concerned, this speaks to the economic concept of the "Inferior Good". That means, if given a choice between two items you will choose the more "Desirable" item (in this case an American paid of blue jeans selling for over $100) if you can afford it. However, if you can't, you will have to purchase the cheaper alternative, in this case a pair of jeans made in China for $30 at a discount store. If we all opt for American goods, yes the cost may be high in the beginning, but the impact on the economy will be better, creating more jobs. With more jobs comes a greater demand for workers, lifting wages, thus making the American made goods more affordable. These other countries want to see us have high unemployment so we can only afford their stuff.
Please contact me at lorraine.swanson@patch.com if you are interested in freelancing. I lost my job in the Great Print Journalist Massacre of 2009. Let's talk. I hope you find something soon. Let's talk.
I agree with your point about illegal immigrants, and raising minimum wage, but as one person has pointed out, many small business would not be able to hire then.
I agree the Republicans love total disarray, Buying American yes that will help, but it has always been a hide and seek game trying to find the products and then the cost. Cutting unemployment is not the answer, I would have lost my home, can you imagine? Sad to say but it easily could have been one of you, that's today's economy.....slash. Unemployment is about 9 bucks an hour before taxes, no health insurance since October (pre-existing condition). Its an unfamiliar situation to me, being more mature now and no job, I have always worked. I went to school to enhance my education, still no job,but more avenues to explore. I don't know what the answer is, although stories of Truman seem right about now. Bottom line someone has to create more jobs,someone has to take control of this situation to help us, we the people who live here and have worked hard all of our lives!! Im not giving up.
I also went back to school and have found nothing—very discouraging! Have I given up? No, but I have my days when I think it's futile.
The real problem might be you won't be able to get that $1.50 beer at the bar anymore or the $4.99 Denny's meal. As for eating a crap sandwich, I've never tried one. I have been gainfully employed since I was 15. And if minimum wage was $13 per hour you would make $520 per week gross. That is as much as unemployment with a child, but of course you would need to show up to get paid. When was it that we turned from a country where people took care of their family to a country where everyone else needs to take care of their family?