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OPA News Release: [09/06/2002]
Contact Name: Sue
Hensley
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Statement of U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao on
Unemployment Numbers for August 2002
WASHINGTON - U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the
following statement today on the unemployment rate of 5.7 percent in
August.
“August's unemployment rate declined to 5.7 percent from the
previous month’s 5.9 percent level. Non-farm payroll employment rose by
39,000 jobs, essentially unchanged, but indicating modest growth in employment.
“Service jobs grew by 100,000, the strongest growth since November
2000, although manufacturing jobs dropped by 68,000. Industries with
significant job growth included business services with 72,000 new jobs,
building contractors with 37,000, and health services with 26,000.
“With the anniversary of September 11th approaching,
it’s important that we reflect on the economic challenges our country
faced during the past year. Our economy has shown signs of incredible
resiliency in the wake of the terrorist attacks, but as the President has often
said, one person out of work is one person too many.
“This fall, we will continue to encourage the Senate to pass
job-creating legislation including the energy bill and terrorism insurance
legislation, as well as a retirement security package that will help protect
workers.”
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