Growth in worker productivity in the US gained steam, underscoring lighter labour-cost pressures and a better outlook for inflation. Nonfarm productivity, or the amount an hourly worker produces per hour, rose at an annualised rate of 2.3 per cent last quarter, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said. That was up from the 0.4 per cent growth pace in the January-March period, which was revised upward.

Economists surveyed by Reuters had estimated a 1.7 per cent productivity growth rate, following a previously reported 0.2 per cent rise in the first quarter. Over the past year, productivity has advanced at a robust 2.7 per cent pace.

Unit labour costs, which relate the price of labour to a single unit of output, advanced at a 0.9 per cent rate in the April-June quarter. The first quarter was revised down to indicate a 3.8 per cent increase in unit labour costs from the initially reported 4.0 per cent. On a year-over-year basis, labour costs advanced at a modest 0.5 per cent rate.

The government reported on Wednesday that annual labour costs posted their smallest increase in two and a half years in the second quarter. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday kept its benchmark overnight interest rate in a range of 5.25-5.50 per cent, where it has been since last July. The Fed has indicated it could reduce borrowing costs as soon as its next policy-setting meeting in September. 
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Compensation for workers rose at a 3.3 per cent rate last quarter, down from the 4.2 per cent pace in quarter 1. Year over year, compensation advanced at a 3.2 per cent rate.

That means, all told, the productivity surge of the US workforce is very auspicious for the economy, keeping labour costs in check and supporting a benign outlook on inflation. Couple that with an ultra-cautious approach to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, and it points to a balanced path ahead for growth and stability.

Growth in worker productivity in the US gained steam, underscoring lighter labour-cost pressures and a better outlook for inflation. Nonfarm productivity, or the amount an hourly worker produces per hour, rose at an annualised rate of 2.

Growth in worker productivity in the US gained steam, underscoring lighter labour-cost pressures and a better outlook for inflation. Nonfarm productivity, or the amount an hourly worker produces per hour, rose at an annualised rate of 2.3 per cent last quarter, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics said. That was up from the 0.4 per cent growth pace in the January-March period, which was revised upward. Economists surveyed by Reuters had estimated a 1.7 per cent productivity growth rate, following a previously reported 0.2 per cent rise in the first quarter. Over the past year, productivity has advanced at a robust 2.7 per cent pace. Unit labour costs, which relate the price of labour to a single unit of output, advanced at a 0.9 per cent rate in the April-June quarter. The first quarter was revised down to indicate a 3.8 per cent increase in unit labour costs from the initially reported 4.0 per cent. On a year-over-year basis, labour costs advanced at a modest 0.5 per cent rate. The government reported on Wednesday that annual labour costs posted their smallest increase in two and a half years in the second quarter. The Federal Reserve on Wednesday kept its benchmark overnight interest rate in a range of 5.25-5.50 per cent, where it has been since last July. The Fed has indicated it could reduce borrowing costs as soon as its next policy-setting meeting in September. Compensation for workers rose at a 3.3 per cent rate last quarter, down from the 4.2 per cent pace in quarter 1. Year over year, compensation advanced at a 3.2 per cent rate. That means, all told, the productivity surge of the US workforce is very auspicious for the economy, keeping labour costs in check and supporting a benign outlook on inflation. Couple that with an ultra-cautious approach to interest rates by the Federal Reserve, and it points to a balanced path ahead for growth and stability.

Surge in US worker productivity illuminates positive inflation trajectory

US workers are becoming increasingly concerned about layoffs, even as they have less fears about an impending recession. According to Glassdoor, this month had the greatest level of layoff talk since July 2020.

Layoff fears loom over US workers despite strong economy

As a growing number of states, cities and private companies start to enforce mandates for inoculation against COVID-19, thousands of unvaccinated workers across the United States are facing potential job losses.

US: Workers face job losses as vaccine mandates kick in

The Trump administration on Thursday sued Facebook, accusing it of discriminating against American workers by favouring immigrant applicants for thousands of high-paying jobs.

The Department of Justice's lawsuit opens a new front in the administration's push against tech companies -- and its clampdown on immigration -- as President Donald Trump enters his final weeks in office.

The suit concerns more than 2,600 positions with an average salary of some $156,000, offered from January 2018 to September 2019.

"Facebook engaged in intentional and widespread violations of the law, by setting aside positions for temporary visa holders instead of considering interested and qualified US workers," assistant attorney general Eric Dreiband, of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement outlining the department's allegations.

The internet giant reserved positions for candidates with H1-B "skilled worker" visas or other temporary work visas, the department said.

Facebook "channelled" jobs to visa holders by avoiding advertising on its careers website, accepting only physically mailed applications for some posts, or refusing to consider US workers at all, according to the suit.

The unusual move to file a lawsuit -- with the Justice Department pivoting suddenly away from simply discussing their concerns with Facebook -- could be seen as a rush to hit the courts before Trump leaves the White House in January.

The California-based social network planned to continue cooperating with the department as the case plays out.

Restrictions rejected

The lawsuit was filed just two days after a US federal judge blocked rule changes ordered by Trump that made it harder for people outside the country to get skilled-worker visas.

The US Chamber of Commerce, the Bay Area Council in Facebook's home state of California and others had sued the Department of Homeland Security arguing that the changes rushed new restrictions through without a proper public review process.

Skilled-worker visas are precious to Silicon Valley tech firms hungry for engineers and other highly-trained talents, with Asia home to many keenly sought workers.

US District Court Judge Jeffrey White granted a motion to set aside two rules by the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security that would have compelled companies to pay H1-B visa workers higher wages and restricted job types that qualify for the visas.

The Trump administration had cited the Covid-19 pandemic and its toll on the economy as reasons for skipping the required public notice and review processes for their new rules, according to court documents.

 
But White said in his ruling that the administration did not demonstrate "that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on domestic unemployment justified dispensing with the due deliberation that normally accompanies" making changes to the H-1B visa program.

Animosity toward immigration has been a hallmark of the Trump administration.

Facebook uses hiring practices standard in Silicon Valley, and US prosecutors were also eyeing other tech firms regarding H1-B visas employment, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Antitrust as well?

On another legal front, federal regulators and US states are poised to hit Facebook with antitrust cases, US media reported Thursday, amid concerns that its practice of buying up rivals has harmed competition.

The company said earlier this year its executives were fielding questions from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on an antitrust fact-finding mission.

The FTC declined to comment Thursday on reports in multiple US outlets including The New York Times and Washington Post that it is likely to file an antitrust suit against the social media giant.

An FTC review of acquisitions dating back to 2010 could potentially "unwind" some of the company's deals.

Facebook is the leading internet social network, reaching close to three billion people worldwide with its core platform, along with Instagram and messaging services WhatsApp and Messenger.

An estimated seven in 10 US adults use Facebook, and its reach allows it to play an outsized role in digital advertising and news delivery.

That influence means the network regularly faces complaints about its handling of political misinformation and hate speech.

The Trump administration on Thursday sued Facebook, accusing it of discriminating against American workers by favouring immigrant applicants for thousands of high-paying jobs.

The Trump administration on Thursday sued Facebook, accusing it of discriminating against American workers by favouring immigrant applicants for thousands of high-paying jobs. The Department of Justice's lawsuit opens a new front in the administration's push against tech companies -- and its clampdown on immigration -- as President Donald Trump enters his final weeks in office. The suit concerns more than 2,600 positions with an average salary of some $156,000, offered from January 2018 to September 2019. "Facebook engaged in intentional and widespread violations of the law, by setting aside positions for temporary visa holders instead of considering interested and qualified US workers," assistant attorney general Eric Dreiband, of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement outlining the department's allegations. The internet giant reserved positions for candidates with H1-B "skilled worker" visas or other temporary work visas, the department said. Facebook "channelled" jobs to visa holders by avoiding advertising on its careers website, accepting only physically mailed applications for some posts, or refusing to consider US workers at all, according to the suit. The unusual move to file a lawsuit -- with the Justice Department pivoting suddenly away from simply discussing their concerns with Facebook -- could be seen as a rush to hit the courts before Trump leaves the White House in January. The California-based social network planned to continue cooperating with the department as the case plays out. Restrictions rejected The lawsuit was filed just two days after a US federal judge blocked rule changes ordered by Trump that made it harder for people outside the country to get skilled-worker visas. The US Chamber of Commerce, the Bay Area Council in Facebook's home state of California and others had sued the Department of Homeland Security arguing that the changes rushed new restrictions through without a proper public review process. Skilled-worker visas are precious to Silicon Valley tech firms hungry for engineers and other highly-trained talents, with Asia home to many keenly sought workers. US District Court Judge Jeffrey White granted a motion to set aside two rules by the Departments of Labor and Homeland Security that would have compelled companies to pay H1-B visa workers higher wages and restricted job types that qualify for the visas. The Trump administration had cited the Covid-19 pandemic and its toll on the economy as reasons for skipping the required public notice and review processes for their new rules, according to court documents. But White said in his ruling that the administration did not demonstrate "that the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on domestic unemployment justified dispensing with the due deliberation that normally accompanies" making changes to the H-1B visa program. Animosity toward immigration has been a hallmark of the Trump administration. Facebook uses hiring practices standard in Silicon Valley, and US prosecutors were also eyeing other tech firms regarding H1-B visas employment, according to a person familiar with the matter. Antitrust as well? On another legal front, federal regulators and US states are poised to hit Facebook with antitrust cases, US media reported Thursday, amid concerns that its practice of buying up rivals has harmed competition. The company said earlier this year its executives were fielding questions from the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on an antitrust fact-finding mission. The FTC declined to comment Thursday on reports in multiple US outlets including The New York Times and Washington Post that it is likely to file an antitrust suit against the social media giant. An FTC review of acquisitions dating back to 2010 could potentially "unwind" some of the company's deals. Facebook is the leading internet social network, reaching close to three billion people worldwide with its core platform, along with Instagram and messaging services WhatsApp and Messenger. An estimated seven in 10 US adults use Facebook, and its reach allows it to play an outsized role in digital advertising and news delivery. That influence means the network regularly faces complaints about its handling of political misinformation and hate speech.

US sues Facebook for allegedly favouring immigrants over US workers 

Factory workers began returning to assembly lines in Michigan on Monday, paving the way to reopen the U.S. auto sector but stoking fears of a second wave of coronavirus infections as strict lockdowns are eased across the country.

US Auto industry workers return to jobs

It may not put a meal on the table for furloughed federal employees, but some US museums and symphonies are supplying food for the mind in free admission for workers affected by the longest partial federal <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/will-make-major-announcement-saturday-on-shutdown-donald-trump-191318">government shutdown in US history</a>.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-shutdown-could-stunt-economic-growth-new-york-federal-reserve-chief-191315">With the shutdown in its fourth week</a> with no end in sight, cultural institutions from Massachusetts to Oregon are moving to help unpaid federal workers spend some of their otherwise idle hours with loved ones enjoying art, science history or music.

Museums in at least 27 states, along with at least 19 orchestras, offered free admission to federal workers who have unpaid time on their hands. Institutions range from The Metropolitan Opera in New York to the San Diego Air &amp; Space Museum, home of the Apollo IX Command Module, which helped pave the way for a man to walk on the Moon.

Nearly 200 furloughed employees have taken advantage of an offer from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which waived its admission fee for each furloughed worker plus one guest, said museum spokesman Norman Keyes. Fine art highlights at the museum, whose front steps were made famous in the "Rocky" movie series, include Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and an array of Rubens and Renoirs.

"Museums can offer a place both to get away from the fray and to recharge, and to gain perspective," Keyes said. "It will not solve the shutdown crisis, but it can help build positive experiences during a difficult time."

Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry has also waived admission fees for each furloughed worker plus two guests for the duration of the shutdown. Star attractions include a German U-Boat submarine seized in 1944, the only one captured during World War II. It is the length of a city block, the museum boasts on its website.

Symphonies from Boston to Akron, Ohio, offered no-cost concert tickets to ease the stress of wondering when your next paycheck will be issued.

"Great music has the power to inspire, reduce stress and ease burdens," said Joseph Giunta, who conducts the Des Moines Symphony.

"We invite federal employees to join us as our guests for an upcoming Masterworks concert," said Giunta, noting each worker was offered two tickets which otherwise sell for $20 apiece or more.

Much of the federal workforce lives in or around Washington, DC, but these people may be out of luck. That is because premiere cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian's museums, galleries, and zoo, which are always free to the public, remain closed to all for the remainder of the shutdown.

With the shutdown in its fourth week with no end in sight, cultural institutions from Massachusetts to Oregon are moving to help unpaid federal workers spend some of their otherwise idle hours with loved ones enjoying art, science history or music.

It may not put a meal on the table for furloughed federal employees, but some US museums and symphonies are supplying food for the mind in free admission for workers affected by the longest partial federal government shutdown in US history. With the shutdown in its fourth week with no end in sight, cultural institutions from Massachusetts to Oregon are moving to help unpaid federal workers spend some of their otherwise idle hours with loved ones enjoying art, science history or music. Museums in at least 27 states, along with at least 19 orchestras, offered free admission to federal workers who have unpaid time on their hands. Institutions range from The Metropolitan Opera in New York to the San Diego Air & Space Museum, home of the Apollo IX Command Module, which helped pave the way for a man to walk on the Moon. Nearly 200 furloughed employees have taken advantage of an offer from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which waived its admission fee for each furloughed worker plus one guest, said museum spokesman Norman Keyes. Fine art highlights at the museum, whose front steps were made famous in the "Rocky" movie series, include Van Gogh's "Sunflowers" and an array of Rubens and Renoirs. "Museums can offer a place both to get away from the fray and to recharge, and to gain perspective," Keyes said. "It will not solve the shutdown crisis, but it can help build positive experiences during a difficult time." Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry has also waived admission fees for each furloughed worker plus two guests for the duration of the shutdown. Star attractions include a German U-Boat submarine seized in 1944, the only one captured during World War II. It is the length of a city block, the museum boasts on its website. Symphonies from Boston to Akron, Ohio, offered no-cost concert tickets to ease the stress of wondering when your next paycheck will be issued. "Great music has the power to inspire, reduce stress and ease burdens," said Joseph Giunta, who conducts the Des Moines Symphony. "We invite federal employees to join us as our guests for an upcoming Masterworks concert," said Giunta, noting each worker was offered two tickets which otherwise sell for $20 apiece or more. Much of the federal workforce lives in or around Washington, DC, but these people may be out of luck. That is because premiere cultural institutions such as the Smithsonian's museums, galleries, and zoo, which are always free to the public, remain closed to all for the remainder of the shutdown.

Shutdown sojourn: Free museums, music for furloughed US workers

'We will fight to protect every last American life,' he said. A large chunk of H1B visa holders are Indian

Referring to lawsuits by American employees against Disney World and other US companies, US President-elect Donald Trump has said he will not allow Americans to be replaced by foreign workers. “We will fight to protect every last American life,” Trump told thousands of his supporters in Iowa on Thursday, the Press Trust of India reported. "During the campaign I also spent time with American workers who were laid off and forced to train the foreign workers brought in to replace them. We won't let this happen anymore," Trump told the crowd. "Can you believe that? You get laid off and then they won't give you your severance pay unless you train the people that are replacing you. I mean, that's actually demeaning maybe more than anything else," PTI quoted him as saying. A large chunk of H1B visa holders are Indian. Two former Disney World employees, Leo Perrero and Dena Moore, have filed lawsuits in federal court against Disney and two global consulting companies, HCL and Cognizant.They have alleged that the companies conspired to replace American workers with cheaper foreign labour brought to the US on H-1B visas. The two employees were among 250 Disney tech workers laid off from their jobs at Walt Disney World in Orlando in January 2015. Following the lawsuits, Disney said in a statement, “These lawsuits are based on an unsustainable legal theory and are a wholesale misrepresentation of the facts,” the New York Times reported. According to the New York Times, the lawsuits represent the first time Americans have gone to federal court to sue both outsourcing companies that imported immigrants and the American company that contracted with those businesses. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Trump says will not allow H1B visa holders to replace US workers

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