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Wage Growth Worries

During this recession, many employers are turning to the furlough -- or unpaid time off -- as a way of cutting wages. As NBR's Darren Gersh reports in tonight's program, this tactic could lead to an extended period of depressed wages in the U.S. Learn more about wages and furloughs below.



Discuss this story on XChange - The NBR Blog.

Related NBR Stories & Links

• 07-02-09: Unemployment Numbers Return to the Reagan Era
• 03-09-09: "XChange, The NBR Blog" - Watching Wages
• 02-04-09: "Money File" - Older Workers & Layoffs
• 12-04-08: One on One with Chrysler CEO Robert Nardelli

External Links/Articles*

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
  The BLS is an agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. This links to historical data on "Employment, Hours, and Earnings from the Current Employment Statistics survey."
• Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR)
  The CEPR promotes "democratic debate on the most important economic and social issues that affect people's lives." The center's Co-director, Dean Baker, is interviewed in Darren Gersh's report. This links to a July 2, 2009 economic report authored by Mr. Baker.
• Economic Consulting Services, Inc.
  Economic Consulting Services provides "economic, financial, and business valuation analysis." The firm's Director of Price, Wage, and Productivity Analysis, Kathryn Kobe, is interviewed in Darren Gersh's report. This links to Ms. Kobe's bio.
• Health Care Leadership Blog
  The Health Care Leadership Blog fosters "the flow of knowledge and experience from the business and management press to health care leaders." This links to an Apil 14, 2009 entry in the blog. The entry is titled, "Furloughs v. Layoffs: Health Care Leaders Must Gamble on the Economy."
• HR.BLR.com
  HR.BLR.com is a resource for human resources professionals. This links to a May 07, 2009 article published on the website titled, "The Pros and Cons of Using Furloughs Instead of Layoffs."
• State of California
  This links to a press release on the website of the Office of the Governor of California. The press release, issued on July 1, 2009, is titled, "Gov. Schwarzenegger Declares State of Emergency Due to Budget Impasse." The release includes a discussion of Schwarzenegger's executive order imposing three furloughs per month.
• State of Michigan
  This links to a press release on the website of the Office of the Governor of Michigan. The press release, issued on May 15, 2009, is titled, "Michigan Office of State Employer Announces Furlough Dates for State Government."

*Clicking these external links will take you off the NBR web site on PBS.org. NBR has no affiliation with these sites.