Latest Labor economy News

Beshear: Kentucky posts its lowest-ever unemployment rate
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky posted its lowest-ever unemployment rate in April, offering more proof of the state's unprecedented economic momentum, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday. The state's seasonally adjusted, preliminary jobless rate was 3.9% in April, the Democratic...
Georgia jobless rate stays at record low 3.1% in April
ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia's unemployment rate continued to hover at a record low of 3.1% in April as more people continued to find jobs. The jobless rate was unchanged from March, when it set a new all-time low. A year ago, 4.3% of Georgia workers were unemployed. More...

More Americans apply for jobless benefits last week
WASHINGTON (AP) — More Americans applied for jobless aid last week, but the total number of Americans collecting unemployment benefits is at a 53-year low. Applications for unemployment benefits rose by 21,000 to 218,000 for the week ending May 14, the Labor Department reported...

NY agency files discrimination complaint against Amazon
A state agency in New York has filed an administrative complaint against Amazon, alleging the e-commerce giant discriminated against pregnant and disabled workers by denying reasonable accommodations and forcing them to take unpaid leave, Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday. ...

Yellen: Ukraine war fallout threatens 'stagflation,' hunger
BONN, Germany (AP) — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned Wednesday that Russia's February invasion of Ukraine has produced a sharp increase in food and energy prices that is contributing to a slowdown in growth and creating greater risk of global stagflation. “This is an...

Powell: Fed to keep hiking rates until it controls inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — Chair Jerome Powell on Tuesday underscored the Federal Reserve's determination to keep raising interest rates until there is clear evidence inflation is steadily falling — a high-stakes effort that carries the risk of causing an eventual recession. The Fed's...

Retail sales rise 0.9% in April as consumers show resilience
WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. retail sales rose 0.9% in April, a solid increase that underscores Americans' ability to keep ramping up spending even as inflation persists at nearly a 40-year high. The increase was driven by greater sales of cars, electronics, and at restaurants, the...

Inflation triggers California minimum wage increase in 2023
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's minimum wage will jump to $15.50 per hour next year, Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration announced Thursday, an increase triggered by soaring inflation that will benefit about 3 million workers. The increase is required by a state law passed in...

Senate confirms Powell for 2nd term as Fed fights inflation
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Thursday confirmed Jerome Powell for a second four-year term as Federal Reserve chair, giving bipartisan backing to Powell's high-stakes efforts to curb the highest inflation in four decades. The 80-19 vote reflected broad support in Congress for the...

Slightly more Americans seek jobless aid last week
WASHINGTON (AP) — The number of Americans applying for jobless aid ticked up slightly last week but the total number of Americans collecting benefits remained at its lowest level in more than five decades. Applications for unemployment benefits rose by 1,000 to 203,000 for the week...
