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Wage growth slowed in December, pleasing inflation hawks

Jan 6, 2023
Earnings have been rising quickly, but the cooler data may restrain the Federal Reserve's rate-hike campaign.
While workers have seen significant pay gains in the past year, real wages are down as a result of inflation.
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With salaries rising, how much do minimum wage increases matter?

Jan 4, 2023
Private-sector wages are up about 5% over the past year. But gains guaranteed by government can't be lost during an economic downturn.
Workers in low-wage sectors like fast food have gained higher pay in the hot job market.
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The job market's still tight, and wages are still rising

Dec 2, 2022
Wages were 5.1% higher this November than last, and the unemployment rate stayed steady at 3.7%.
Wages went up again – 5.1% over last year, according to Friday's jobs report.

Why University of California's graduate workers are striking

Nov 16, 2022
Some 48,000 teaching assistants, tutors and researchers in the U of C system want higher pay and benefits that offset California's high cost of living. How did things get this way?
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When graduating into a recession actually makes you happier

Nov 11, 2022
Some research suggests the "scarring" experienced by young workers during a recession has a silver lining: happiness later in life.
While research suggests that graduating into a recession hampers future employment and wages, it can also bring about longer-term happiness.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Wage growth seems to be slowing. But is it enough to please Fed policymakers?

Nov 4, 2022
The central bank watches for signs of wage inflation because it can drive price inflation.
Fed Chair Jerome Powell said wage gains have been “well above” the level needed to come down to Fed’s 2% inflation target.
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At a historic Buffalo, NY, inn, fair wages mean there's no such thing as a labor shortage

Nov 1, 2022
Joseph Lettieri, co-owner and operator of InnBuffalo off Elmwood, almost sold the hotel in 2020. Now, it's the busiest it's ever been.
InnBuffalo Off Elmwood co-owner Joseph Lettieri said business is the busiest it's ever been.
Courtesy Ellen Carlstrom

For public good, not for profit.

Despite economic turmoil, consumers keep on spending

Oct 14, 2022
Seemingly contradictory economic indicators make people nervous, but they're not sure what to do about them.
Even in the face of inflation, consumers feel like spending due to low unemployment numbers and rising wages.
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Panel will set wages and conditions for 500,000 California fast food workers

Sep 5, 2022
The approach is rare in the U.S., but common in other industrialized countries.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the FAST Recovery Act on Labor Day.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

When governments fail to address community issues, who steps in?

Jul 6, 2022
In an excerpt from "The Fight to Save the Town," the author describes how residents get by in an Oregon county with a declining government.
A person in Detroit walks past the remains of the Packard Motor Car Co., which ceased production in the late 1950s.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images