The Philippine Star 09/11/2006
Hiring a worker seems to be getting as difficult as finding a job.
Records from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) showed there is a steadily increasing number of job vacancies as well as workers seeking employment over the past three years.
Based on the DOLE data, a total of 1.3 million job vacancies nationwide were posted in 2004, up from 1.2 million unfilled positions in 2003. This figure rose to 1.37 million last year.
A total of 1.23 million job applicants registered with the DOLE-Public Employment Offices nationwide in 2003. The number of jobseekers dropped slightly to 1.13 million in 2004 and rose again to 1.14 million in 2005.
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) secretary general Augusto Syjuco said that while there are many job openings, there are not many workers who possess the competencies required to fill these positions.
Syjuco said college-degree courses produce some 350,000 graduates annually and only 20 percent of these graduates find jobs, while vocational training courses produce 1.3 million graduates and the graduates from vocational courses enjoy a 60-percent employment rate.
He also said these figures suggest that employers prefer to hire skilled vocational training graduates over college graduates, who may not have the skills and competencies needed to fill the job openings available.
"The problem lies in the so-called job mismatch, which we in the education and training sector must address quickly," Syjuco said.
He said the government is now implementing the "ladderized" education program that aims to enable young Filipinos to complete their college education after undergoing vocational training.
Syjuco said that close to 100 institutions nationwide are now offering ladderized education and more schools are expected to provide the same program soon. — Mayen Jaymalin
Monday, September 11, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
Jobberz Press Release
Jobberz.com Where Everyday People Make Money
For Immediate Release
MICHIGAN, Mich./EWORLDWIRE/8/25/2006--- Tightening budgets compounded by increasing prices related to rising gas costs have made the attraction of additional side job work to supplement regular income an attractive option.
Since its launch earlier this year, Jobberz.com Founder Shawn Hanaee has found the positive reception thrilling to encounter users have shared with him. By offering their skills through Jobberz, would-be workers have been able to locate suitable work that fits into their schedules and offers them a chance to meet rising costs.
After a simple signup process is complete, jobberz can submit their details online and make them available to the public.
"Through direct interaction with colleagues and friends, I found the idea of creating a centralized location for meeting up with potential employers intriguing. With little start-up capital and conservative plans, I've managed to reach across the U.S. with the site and its opportunities - with intensely positive results," said Hanaee.
Although there are a significant number of employment sites, none offer the precision of Jobberz, as a supplement to a regular job. While jobs are posted, additional photos to accompany the posting are offered. Users can see sample work online before they hire or contact anyone.
Those looking for additional side work are invited to submit their jobs online at www.jobberz.com.
For Immediate Release
MICHIGAN, Mich./EWORLDWIRE/8/25/2006--- Tightening budgets compounded by increasing prices related to rising gas costs have made the attraction of additional side job work to supplement regular income an attractive option.
Since its launch earlier this year, Jobberz.com Founder Shawn Hanaee has found the positive reception thrilling to encounter users have shared with him. By offering their skills through Jobberz, would-be workers have been able to locate suitable work that fits into their schedules and offers them a chance to meet rising costs.
After a simple signup process is complete, jobberz can submit their details online and make them available to the public.
"Through direct interaction with colleagues and friends, I found the idea of creating a centralized location for meeting up with potential employers intriguing. With little start-up capital and conservative plans, I've managed to reach across the U.S. with the site and its opportunities - with intensely positive results," said Hanaee.
Although there are a significant number of employment sites, none offer the precision of Jobberz, as a supplement to a regular job. While jobs are posted, additional photos to accompany the posting are offered. Users can see sample work online before they hire or contact anyone.
Those looking for additional side work are invited to submit their jobs online at www.jobberz.com.
Monday, August 21, 2006
thousand jobs
All who were involved in making possible the exciting announcement on Thursday that Alorica, Inc. will create 1,000 jobs at a new technical support center in North Sioux City can take a well-deserved bow.
The news continues a string of positive metro area job announcements made within the last 18 months: Qwest Communications, 450 new jobs in Sioux City; Interbake Foods, 250 new jobs in North Sioux City; Chief Energy Co., 40 new jobs at a planned ethanol plant in Sioux City; Portionables, 100 new jobs in North Sioux City; Gateway, 130 new jobs in North Sioux City; MachineryLink Inc., 100 new jobs in North Sioux City; BPI, 200 new jobs in South Sioux City; and with the opening of Lakeport Commons in Sioux City, some 200 to 300 new jobs became available.
This metro region has fostered a cooperative spirit and a philosophy of what benefits one, benefits all in terms of economic development. The Alorica announcement defines that philosophy. The tech center will be located in North Sioux City, but all of the metro region stands to benefit.
As we said when Qwest and Interbake made their announcements of 700 new jobs in March 2005, many and varied benefits are attached to major private-sector job-creation announcements. First and foremost is the economic value such investments have as workers take the jobs and spend money. Not to be overlooked, though, are ancillary benefits such as the creation of local excitement and optimism and the positive impact these kinds of announcements potentially can have on continuing efforts to land more jobs.
Andy Lee, Alorica's chief executive officer, is a former Gateway executive who spent time at the computer maker's North Sioux City complex. We applaud him for his decision to expand his growing new company in that same community and welcome Alorica to the metro region.
The news continues a string of positive metro area job announcements made within the last 18 months: Qwest Communications, 450 new jobs in Sioux City; Interbake Foods, 250 new jobs in North Sioux City; Chief Energy Co., 40 new jobs at a planned ethanol plant in Sioux City; Portionables, 100 new jobs in North Sioux City; Gateway, 130 new jobs in North Sioux City; MachineryLink Inc., 100 new jobs in North Sioux City; BPI, 200 new jobs in South Sioux City; and with the opening of Lakeport Commons in Sioux City, some 200 to 300 new jobs became available.
This metro region has fostered a cooperative spirit and a philosophy of what benefits one, benefits all in terms of economic development. The Alorica announcement defines that philosophy. The tech center will be located in North Sioux City, but all of the metro region stands to benefit.
As we said when Qwest and Interbake made their announcements of 700 new jobs in March 2005, many and varied benefits are attached to major private-sector job-creation announcements. First and foremost is the economic value such investments have as workers take the jobs and spend money. Not to be overlooked, though, are ancillary benefits such as the creation of local excitement and optimism and the positive impact these kinds of announcements potentially can have on continuing efforts to land more jobs.
Andy Lee, Alorica's chief executive officer, is a former Gateway executive who spent time at the computer maker's North Sioux City complex. We applaud him for his decision to expand his growing new company in that same community and welcome Alorica to the metro region.
Firm gives at-risk kids jobs as interns
Foresters also boosts Flemingdon Park radio station
Miller acknowledges response slow to his youth training plan
Aug. 21, 2006. 01:00 AM
DONOVAN VINCENT
CITY HALL BUREAU
A Toronto life insurance company has launched an internship program for six young people from Flemingdon Park and is investing $75,000 for a local youth radio station.
The initiatives, by Foresters, are being touted by Mayor David Miller as an employment opportunity that came about through his community safety plan. The plan encourages businesses in the city to create jobs and training for young people, especially those from the city's "priority communities'' areas like Flemingdon Park, which has seen gun violence.
The paid internships, which last four months, were announced last week during an event at the recreation centre, which was attended by Miller, local councillor Jane Pitfield (Ward 26 Don Valley West) and Liberal MPP Kathleen Wynn (Don Valley West).
Toronto businesses have been slow to respond to the mayor's call to hire youths from these communities. Youth One, a campaign in which the Toronto Board of Trade challenged its firms to create 1,000 jobs for the city's at-risk youth by Sept. 1, has only managed to create 82 jobs.
George Mohacsi, CEO of Foresters, which has operated at the corner of Eglinton Ave. E. and Don Mills Rd. for 40 years, defended the small number of interns his firm is hiring, saying his company has supported local schools, supported local Meals on Wheels programs and other initiatives.
"It's a start,'' Mohacsi said.
"We've done a lot of community support. We may not have had an internship program, but we've supported this community centre by supporting the infrastructure, volunteered at local schools ... We're making a big initiative largely due to the mayor's community safety program,'' Mohacsi said.
He didn't disclose the amount the interns would be getting paid.
Miller acknowledged six is a small number, but said it was a step in the right direction.
The money for the radio station, which began operating in January and broadcasts out of a recreation centre in Flemingdon Park to a radius of about 300 metres, will go toward 14 honoraria for youth to get experience in broadcasting, and pay for equipment and other start-up costs. The funds come from an annual charity golf tournament the company runs, plus a corporate contribution.
Miller acknowledges response slow to his youth training plan
Aug. 21, 2006. 01:00 AM
DONOVAN VINCENT
CITY HALL BUREAU
A Toronto life insurance company has launched an internship program for six young people from Flemingdon Park and is investing $75,000 for a local youth radio station.
The initiatives, by Foresters, are being touted by Mayor David Miller as an employment opportunity that came about through his community safety plan. The plan encourages businesses in the city to create jobs and training for young people, especially those from the city's "priority communities'' areas like Flemingdon Park, which has seen gun violence.
The paid internships, which last four months, were announced last week during an event at the recreation centre, which was attended by Miller, local councillor Jane Pitfield (Ward 26 Don Valley West) and Liberal MPP Kathleen Wynn (Don Valley West).
Toronto businesses have been slow to respond to the mayor's call to hire youths from these communities. Youth One, a campaign in which the Toronto Board of Trade challenged its firms to create 1,000 jobs for the city's at-risk youth by Sept. 1, has only managed to create 82 jobs.
George Mohacsi, CEO of Foresters, which has operated at the corner of Eglinton Ave. E. and Don Mills Rd. for 40 years, defended the small number of interns his firm is hiring, saying his company has supported local schools, supported local Meals on Wheels programs and other initiatives.
"It's a start,'' Mohacsi said.
"We've done a lot of community support. We may not have had an internship program, but we've supported this community centre by supporting the infrastructure, volunteered at local schools ... We're making a big initiative largely due to the mayor's community safety program,'' Mohacsi said.
He didn't disclose the amount the interns would be getting paid.
Miller acknowledged six is a small number, but said it was a step in the right direction.
The money for the radio station, which began operating in January and broadcasts out of a recreation centre in Flemingdon Park to a radius of about 300 metres, will go toward 14 honoraria for youth to get experience in broadcasting, and pay for equipment and other start-up costs. The funds come from an annual charity golf tournament the company runs, plus a corporate contribution.
Saturday, August 12, 2006
Youths still need jobs
UNEMPLOYMENT still remains a major problem for many youths in the country, according to a government officer.
Ministry of Youth, Employment Opportunities and Sports principal youth officer William Naisara said many youths who came to the national youth week celebrations, still highlighted unemployment as the main problem they faced.
Mr Naisara said the problems faced by youths would be taken up to the National Youth Advisory Board, which advised the Minister for Youth.
"The board facilitates a consultative structure that reaches all areas in order to gather information," he said.
Mr Naisara said the board met on a regular basis and advised the Minister for Youth who then took the issues up to the Government.
"Unemployment is still a problem for many youths because obviously many are leaving school every year," said Mr Naisara.
"Many find difficulties in getting jobs because it is hard to find the right job that is relevant to their skills.
"That is a challenge for the ministry but we see it as an opportunity to encourage small and micro enterprise development for income generation purposes."
Mr Naisara said the ministry's 14 youth officers who were each delegated one province to look after carried out training on such ventures.
He said the youth officers had income generation project targets and performance targets to achieve as well. He said the officers weren't just there for the indigenous Fijians but for all members of the community.
He said the ministry had youth employment opportunities projects in Suva for the Central/Eastern division, Lautoka for the Western division and Labasa for the Northern division.
"Counselling services on employment are provided like writing curriculum vitaes, doing job searches and how to attend a job interview," said Mr Naisara.
Ministry of Youth, Employment Opportunities and Sports principal youth officer William Naisara said many youths who came to the national youth week celebrations, still highlighted unemployment as the main problem they faced.
Mr Naisara said the problems faced by youths would be taken up to the National Youth Advisory Board, which advised the Minister for Youth.
"The board facilitates a consultative structure that reaches all areas in order to gather information," he said.
Mr Naisara said the board met on a regular basis and advised the Minister for Youth who then took the issues up to the Government.
"Unemployment is still a problem for many youths because obviously many are leaving school every year," said Mr Naisara.
"Many find difficulties in getting jobs because it is hard to find the right job that is relevant to their skills.
"That is a challenge for the ministry but we see it as an opportunity to encourage small and micro enterprise development for income generation purposes."
Mr Naisara said the ministry's 14 youth officers who were each delegated one province to look after carried out training on such ventures.
He said the youth officers had income generation project targets and performance targets to achieve as well. He said the officers weren't just there for the indigenous Fijians but for all members of the community.
He said the ministry had youth employment opportunities projects in Suva for the Central/Eastern division, Lautoka for the Western division and Labasa for the Northern division.
"Counselling services on employment are provided like writing curriculum vitaes, doing job searches and how to attend a job interview," said Mr Naisara.
RadioShack will eliminate more jobs
RadioShack announced plans late Thursday to slash its work force by 400 to 450 people in an effort to reduce overhead and improve its long-term marketplace position, the company said Thursday.
Most of the job cuts will affect positions at RadioShack's Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters.
The exact number of cuts has not been determined but the cuts will include employees at all levels and across various support functions.
RadioShack (NYSE: RSH) said it will notify affected employees in early September.
Earlier this year the electronics retailer announced a turnaround plan designed to lower overhead costs, grow profitable square footage and increase average unit volume.
Since the plan was unveiled in February, RadioShack has closed 480 underperforming stores, consolidated its distribution centers, begun a cost restructuring program and liquidated end-of-life merchandise to make room for a new product assortment. The company also laid off about 300 workers at that time, including employees at its distribution center in Memphis.
The company has more than 6,000 stores nationwide.
Most of the job cuts will affect positions at RadioShack's Fort Worth, Texas, headquarters.
The exact number of cuts has not been determined but the cuts will include employees at all levels and across various support functions.
RadioShack (NYSE: RSH) said it will notify affected employees in early September.
Earlier this year the electronics retailer announced a turnaround plan designed to lower overhead costs, grow profitable square footage and increase average unit volume.
Since the plan was unveiled in February, RadioShack has closed 480 underperforming stores, consolidated its distribution centers, begun a cost restructuring program and liquidated end-of-life merchandise to make room for a new product assortment. The company also laid off about 300 workers at that time, including employees at its distribution center in Memphis.
The company has more than 6,000 stores nationwide.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Another 93,000 Jobs Disappeared in August
September 5—The day after President George W. Bush announced the U.S. economy is “looking up” and proposed making most of his millionaire tax cuts permanent, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) confirmed that working families are enduring the worst jobs loss crisis since the Great Depression.
The BLS announced Sept. 5 that the economy shed another 93,000 jobs in August—for a new total of approximately 3.3 million private-sector jobs lost since the president took office.
“Instead of soaking America’s workers with failed economic policies that do not create jobs, that build mountains of debt for our children and destroy our capacity to meet the nation’s needs, the president should rebuild America with investments in what matters most—schools, our health care system and the nation’s crumbling infrastructure,” said AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney. “That is the only way to create and preserve jobs, restore real economic growth and security for working families and secure the nation.”
With 1.9 million unemployed Americans now looking for work for 27 weeks or longer, unemployment dipped slightly to 6.1 percent or 8.9 million workers, according to the BLS report, down from 6.2 percent in July.
Of the 93,000 jobs lost in August, 44,000 were in manufacturing, the BLS said. That made August the 37th straight month of manufacturing job losses, now totaling nearly 1.9 million manufacturing jobs lost since the recession began in March 2001.
Among the approximately 49,000 service jobs lost in August, some 16,000 were in the information sector while telecommunications shed about 7,000 positions. And professional and business services employment edged down 10,000 jobs in August.
Last week, as new unemployment insurance (UI) claims jumped by 50,000 to 409,000, the highest level since mid-July, the newly jobless had growing reasons to fear they will exhaust those UI benefits before they find new employment.
The percentage of jobless workers who used up their regular UI benefits without finding new work—and therefore need emergency UI benefits—reached 43.8 percent in July, the highest figure on record since 1950. And a recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York report says most recent job losses will be permanent—thanks to the employers’ race to the bottom, sending U.S. jobs to countries where workers enjoy far lower wages and few workplace protections. In addition to the steady hemorrhaging of blue-collar industrial jobs to other countries, research operations, such as Forrester Research Inc., have predicted the loss of 3.3 million white-collar jobs to low-wage countries by 2015.
This year, the months still to come could be bleakest for U.S. workers. The nationally respected outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. predicted that, based on recent job trends, U.S. employers would announce an additional 399,000 new job cuts during the final four months of 2003.
America’s working families need jobs, not promises, Sweeney said. The Bush administration has predicted its economic policies, including the tax cut package (called the “Jobs and Growth Plan”) that took effect in July, would create 5.5 million jobs by the end of 2004—344,000 jobs each month, starting in July 2003. “The president is already in the hole, with an August jobs deficit of 437,000 promised jobs that did not materialize,” Sweeney said.
To track the administration’s promised job growth, the nonprofit Economic Policy Institute (EPI) launched a JobWatch website. The group said the site will enable the public to better understand if the economy is growing enough to bring down unemployment and raise wages, if job projections are being met and where jobs are growing or going.
“Today’s economy is defined by a seeming contradiction,” said EPI President Lawrence Mishel. “The recession officially ended in November 2001, yet 28 months into this business cycle we are experiencing the largest sustained loss of jobs since the Great Depression.”
The BLS announced Sept. 5 that the economy shed another 93,000 jobs in August—for a new total of approximately 3.3 million private-sector jobs lost since the president took office.
“Instead of soaking America’s workers with failed economic policies that do not create jobs, that build mountains of debt for our children and destroy our capacity to meet the nation’s needs, the president should rebuild America with investments in what matters most—schools, our health care system and the nation’s crumbling infrastructure,” said AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney. “That is the only way to create and preserve jobs, restore real economic growth and security for working families and secure the nation.”
With 1.9 million unemployed Americans now looking for work for 27 weeks or longer, unemployment dipped slightly to 6.1 percent or 8.9 million workers, according to the BLS report, down from 6.2 percent in July.
Of the 93,000 jobs lost in August, 44,000 were in manufacturing, the BLS said. That made August the 37th straight month of manufacturing job losses, now totaling nearly 1.9 million manufacturing jobs lost since the recession began in March 2001.
Among the approximately 49,000 service jobs lost in August, some 16,000 were in the information sector while telecommunications shed about 7,000 positions. And professional and business services employment edged down 10,000 jobs in August.
Last week, as new unemployment insurance (UI) claims jumped by 50,000 to 409,000, the highest level since mid-July, the newly jobless had growing reasons to fear they will exhaust those UI benefits before they find new employment.
The percentage of jobless workers who used up their regular UI benefits without finding new work—and therefore need emergency UI benefits—reached 43.8 percent in July, the highest figure on record since 1950. And a recent Federal Reserve Bank of New York report says most recent job losses will be permanent—thanks to the employers’ race to the bottom, sending U.S. jobs to countries where workers enjoy far lower wages and few workplace protections. In addition to the steady hemorrhaging of blue-collar industrial jobs to other countries, research operations, such as Forrester Research Inc., have predicted the loss of 3.3 million white-collar jobs to low-wage countries by 2015.
This year, the months still to come could be bleakest for U.S. workers. The nationally respected outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. predicted that, based on recent job trends, U.S. employers would announce an additional 399,000 new job cuts during the final four months of 2003.
America’s working families need jobs, not promises, Sweeney said. The Bush administration has predicted its economic policies, including the tax cut package (called the “Jobs and Growth Plan”) that took effect in July, would create 5.5 million jobs by the end of 2004—344,000 jobs each month, starting in July 2003. “The president is already in the hole, with an August jobs deficit of 437,000 promised jobs that did not materialize,” Sweeney said.
To track the administration’s promised job growth, the nonprofit Economic Policy Institute (EPI) launched a JobWatch website. The group said the site will enable the public to better understand if the economy is growing enough to bring down unemployment and raise wages, if job projections are being met and where jobs are growing or going.
“Today’s economy is defined by a seeming contradiction,” said EPI President Lawrence Mishel. “The recession officially ended in November 2001, yet 28 months into this business cycle we are experiencing the largest sustained loss of jobs since the Great Depression.”
US jobs growth weaker than expected
Go to The Sunday Times
Monday, August 7, 2006
US jobs growth weaker than expected
Reuters
Visitors search for job possibilities on the internet at a job centre.US employers added a smaller-than-expected 113,000 new jobs in July and the unemployment rate jumped unexpectedly to 4.8 per cent, Labour Department data showed.
US employers added a smaller-than-expected 113,000 new jobs in July and the unemployment rate jumped unexpectedly to 4.8 per cent, Labour Department data showed.
The report implied softening job markets that may make it easier for Federal Reserve policy-makers to decide to halt in their two-year-long campaign of interest-rate rises when they meet tomorrow.
Though average hourly earnings continued to rise last month, the unemployment rate was the highest since a matching 4.8 per cent in February and was contrary to Wall Street economists' forecasts that the rate would be unchanged from June's 4.6 per cent.
Analysts had also forecast a more robust 142,000 new jobs would be generated in July. The department revised June's new-job total up modestly to 124,000 from a previously reported 121,000 and said that in May 100,000 jobs were created rather than 92,000.
Still, average hourly earnings increased seven cents for a second straight month to £8.82 in July, a 0.4 per cent increase, the same as in June. In the year through July, average hourly earnings rose 3.8 per cent, down slightly from the 3.9 per cent year-over-year gain posted in June.
During July, the number of people looking for work and employed rose more than 200,000, one reason that the unemployment rate was up.
Manufacturing shed 15,000 jobs last month after adding 22,000 in June and goods-producing businesses overall cut 2,000 jobs after adding 23,000 in June.
Monday, August 7, 2006
US jobs growth weaker than expected
Reuters
Visitors search for job possibilities on the internet at a job centre.US employers added a smaller-than-expected 113,000 new jobs in July and the unemployment rate jumped unexpectedly to 4.8 per cent, Labour Department data showed.
US employers added a smaller-than-expected 113,000 new jobs in July and the unemployment rate jumped unexpectedly to 4.8 per cent, Labour Department data showed.
The report implied softening job markets that may make it easier for Federal Reserve policy-makers to decide to halt in their two-year-long campaign of interest-rate rises when they meet tomorrow.
Though average hourly earnings continued to rise last month, the unemployment rate was the highest since a matching 4.8 per cent in February and was contrary to Wall Street economists' forecasts that the rate would be unchanged from June's 4.6 per cent.
Analysts had also forecast a more robust 142,000 new jobs would be generated in July. The department revised June's new-job total up modestly to 124,000 from a previously reported 121,000 and said that in May 100,000 jobs were created rather than 92,000.
Still, average hourly earnings increased seven cents for a second straight month to £8.82 in July, a 0.4 per cent increase, the same as in June. In the year through July, average hourly earnings rose 3.8 per cent, down slightly from the 3.9 per cent year-over-year gain posted in June.
During July, the number of people looking for work and employed rose more than 200,000, one reason that the unemployment rate was up.
Manufacturing shed 15,000 jobs last month after adding 22,000 in June and goods-producing businesses overall cut 2,000 jobs after adding 23,000 in June.
Friday, August 04, 2006
Chase to Cut 170 Milwaukee Jobs
New York-based JP Morgan Chase and Co. will cut 170 jobs in its Chase Bbank Milwaukee offices by February 2007.
The bank plans to reduce its nationwide collection office cites from five to three. The Wisconsin job cuts will come from the home mortgage and home equity collections areas. The positions will be transferred to Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; and Phoenix.
The collections office located in the Cleveland will also be closed.
The employees whose jobs will be cut may apply for positions at Chase offices in other states. Currently, Chase bank employs 1,400 people in Milwaukee.
The bank plans to reduce its nationwide collection office cites from five to three. The Wisconsin job cuts will come from the home mortgage and home equity collections areas. The positions will be transferred to Columbus, Ohio; Dallas; and Phoenix.
The collections office located in the Cleveland will also be closed.
The employees whose jobs will be cut may apply for positions at Chase offices in other states. Currently, Chase bank employs 1,400 people in Milwaukee.
AOL to cut 5,000 jobs
NEW YORK — AOL said Thursday it would drop as many as 5,000 employees, or a quarter of its global work force, within six months as the company restructures its business to draw more online advertising dollars.
The announcement came a day after AOL said it would no longer charge high-speed Internet customers for e-mail and other services.
Massive layoffs are expected as AOL stops marketing its dial-up services and reduces its need for customer-support centers.
The announcement came a day after AOL said it would no longer charge high-speed Internet customers for e-mail and other services.
Massive layoffs are expected as AOL stops marketing its dial-up services and reduces its need for customer-support centers.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
Pennsylvania lost 7,332 manufacturing jobs in past year
Pennsylvania experienced a slight loss in manufacturing jobs over the past 12 months, according to the new Pennsylvania Manufacturers Register, an industrial guide published annually by Manufacturers' News Inc. of Evanston, Ill. MNI reports Pennsylvania lost 7,332 industrial jobs (less than 1 percent) since July 2005, a moderate loss compared to the 2 percent loss MNI reported in the 12 months prior.
"Hopefully this indicates a slowing, if not a reversal, of the loss of Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs," said Tom Dubin, president of MNI. "Many of the industrial jobs that could be shipped overseas have already moved."
According to Manufacturers' News, Pennsylvania is now home to 19,727 manufacturing companies employing 930,921 workers, ranking it fifth in the nation by number of plants and jobs. Pennsylvania accounts for 30 percent of the mid- Atlantic region's manufacturing jobs and 29 percent of its plants. MNI's survey profiles both large and small Pennsylvania manufacturers, including startup companies with just a few employees.
Philadelphia remains Pennsylvania's industrial leader with 1,220 companies and 59,616 jobs, according to the register. Pittsburgh accounts for 954 companies and 40,351 jobs, while Erie is home to 406 manufacturers and 25,476 jobs. MNI reports all three cities gained plants over the past 12 months.
The state's largest sector by employment is plastic products, representing 41,697 jobs. Commercial printing follows with 29,882 jobs while pharmaceutical preparations account for 23,797 jobs.
"Hopefully this indicates a slowing, if not a reversal, of the loss of Pennsylvania manufacturing jobs," said Tom Dubin, president of MNI. "Many of the industrial jobs that could be shipped overseas have already moved."
According to Manufacturers' News, Pennsylvania is now home to 19,727 manufacturing companies employing 930,921 workers, ranking it fifth in the nation by number of plants and jobs. Pennsylvania accounts for 30 percent of the mid- Atlantic region's manufacturing jobs and 29 percent of its plants. MNI's survey profiles both large and small Pennsylvania manufacturers, including startup companies with just a few employees.
Philadelphia remains Pennsylvania's industrial leader with 1,220 companies and 59,616 jobs, according to the register. Pittsburgh accounts for 954 companies and 40,351 jobs, while Erie is home to 406 manufacturers and 25,476 jobs. MNI reports all three cities gained plants over the past 12 months.
The state's largest sector by employment is plastic products, representing 41,697 jobs. Commercial printing follows with 29,882 jobs while pharmaceutical preparations account for 23,797 jobs.
Gene Logic to Cut 80 Jobs
GAITHERSBURG, Md. (AP) - Gene Logic Inc., which provides genetic testing services to drug makers, on Tuesday said it will cut about 80 jobs in the restructuring of its genomics division.
The company said the restructuring will result in about $1.5 million in severance and outplacement costs, but will save about more than $8 million per year.
Employees supporting existing products and services for customers will be maintained. The company's preclinical and drug repositioning divisions will not be affected.
The company withdrew its guidance for 2006 and 2007 in June, and announced it would perform a review of its genomics division.
Gene Logic shares rose 4 cents, or 3.3 percent, to close at $1.27 on the Nasdaq.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
The company said the restructuring will result in about $1.5 million in severance and outplacement costs, but will save about more than $8 million per year.
Employees supporting existing products and services for customers will be maintained. The company's preclinical and drug repositioning divisions will not be affected.
The company withdrew its guidance for 2006 and 2007 in June, and announced it would perform a review of its genomics division.
Gene Logic shares rose 4 cents, or 3.3 percent, to close at $1.27 on the Nasdaq.
© 2006 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Monday, July 31, 2006
Pennsylvania jobs highest on record
June joblessness for state was 4.7 percent, with 5.75 million positions in force.
Staff and wire reports | Employment levels in Pennsylvania hit a 16-year high in June, buoyed by gains in education and health services jobs, according to figures released by the state on Monday.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry said total nonfarm jobs hit 5.75 million last month. It's the highest level since collection of seasonally adjusted employment data began in 1990.
Lehigh Valley Local Links
Mobile News | Subscribe Online | Order Reprints ''It's encouraging because it's past the pre-recession peak,'' said Ryan Sweet, an associate economist with research firm Moody's Economy.com in West Chester, Chester County. ''It's at a historical high.''
Last month, the state added a seasonally adjusted 49,500 jobs — a growth rate of 0.9 percent from a year ago. Since mid-2004, the pace of job growth has been hovering at around 1 percent.
The Lehigh Valley has been a significant contributor to state job totals. In fact, the Valley over the past year has added jobs at more than twice the rate of Pennsylvania. In May, the Valley was home to 346,100 jobs, according to the most recent data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. That's the highest ever and the fourth-straight month of record job totals. Notable categories of job growth were financial services, and professional and business services, both of which set record job totals in May.
Nationally, job growth was up 1.4 percent in June from the same month last year.
The state jobless rate hit 4.7 percent in June, the 12th month it has stayed at less than 5 percent.
Pennsylvania's education and health services sector gained 28,200 jobs in June while professional and business services employment rose by 13,900. Trade, transportation and utilities came in third, up 7,800 jobs. Manufacturing lost ground, down 13,100 jobs.
Sweet sees job growth slowing down for the rest of the year and into 2007, as the state economy gets hit by the same factors expected to affect the U.S. economy: A softening housing market will hurt construction jobs while higher interest rates will curb consumer spending and cut retail jobs.
''It's just going to be slower growth,'' said the economist, who follows the commonwealth's economy. However, ''we don't see Pennsylvania employment contracting.''
Within the state, job growth on a nonseasonally adjusted basis was strongest in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area. Employment rose by 2 percent in June from last year.
Harrisburg-Carlisle and the Williamsport area tied for second, with the number of jobs rising by 1.7 percent to 333,900 and 54,100, respectively. Lebanon came next, up 1.6 percent to 49,500 jobs.
Among heavily populated regions, the Philadelphia area added 18,100 positions in June from a year ago, a growth rate of 0.9 percent, while Pittsburgh tacked on 9,200 jobs, or a pace of 0.8 percent.
Scranton-Wilkes Barre gained 3,600 jobs to 265,500 and Lancaster added 2,600 jobs to 240,600. Reading was up by 2,500 jobs for a total of 172,100. York-Hanover added 1,600 jobs to 178,800.
The Erie area was the only one showing a decline in jobs, down 1,300 to 133,700 for June.
Staff and wire reports | Employment levels in Pennsylvania hit a 16-year high in June, buoyed by gains in education and health services jobs, according to figures released by the state on Monday.
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry said total nonfarm jobs hit 5.75 million last month. It's the highest level since collection of seasonally adjusted employment data began in 1990.
Lehigh Valley Local Links
Mobile News | Subscribe Online | Order Reprints ''It's encouraging because it's past the pre-recession peak,'' said Ryan Sweet, an associate economist with research firm Moody's Economy.com in West Chester, Chester County. ''It's at a historical high.''
Last month, the state added a seasonally adjusted 49,500 jobs — a growth rate of 0.9 percent from a year ago. Since mid-2004, the pace of job growth has been hovering at around 1 percent.
The Lehigh Valley has been a significant contributor to state job totals. In fact, the Valley over the past year has added jobs at more than twice the rate of Pennsylvania. In May, the Valley was home to 346,100 jobs, according to the most recent data from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. That's the highest ever and the fourth-straight month of record job totals. Notable categories of job growth were financial services, and professional and business services, both of which set record job totals in May.
Nationally, job growth was up 1.4 percent in June from the same month last year.
The state jobless rate hit 4.7 percent in June, the 12th month it has stayed at less than 5 percent.
Pennsylvania's education and health services sector gained 28,200 jobs in June while professional and business services employment rose by 13,900. Trade, transportation and utilities came in third, up 7,800 jobs. Manufacturing lost ground, down 13,100 jobs.
Sweet sees job growth slowing down for the rest of the year and into 2007, as the state economy gets hit by the same factors expected to affect the U.S. economy: A softening housing market will hurt construction jobs while higher interest rates will curb consumer spending and cut retail jobs.
''It's just going to be slower growth,'' said the economist, who follows the commonwealth's economy. However, ''we don't see Pennsylvania employment contracting.''
Within the state, job growth on a nonseasonally adjusted basis was strongest in the Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton area. Employment rose by 2 percent in June from last year.
Harrisburg-Carlisle and the Williamsport area tied for second, with the number of jobs rising by 1.7 percent to 333,900 and 54,100, respectively. Lebanon came next, up 1.6 percent to 49,500 jobs.
Among heavily populated regions, the Philadelphia area added 18,100 positions in June from a year ago, a growth rate of 0.9 percent, while Pittsburgh tacked on 9,200 jobs, or a pace of 0.8 percent.
Scranton-Wilkes Barre gained 3,600 jobs to 265,500 and Lancaster added 2,600 jobs to 240,600. Reading was up by 2,500 jobs for a total of 172,100. York-Hanover added 1,600 jobs to 178,800.
The Erie area was the only one showing a decline in jobs, down 1,300 to 133,700 for June.
Sunday, July 30, 2006
Firefighter Tops Jobs List
NEW YORK -- If you want a job that carries prestige, you only have to look down the block-- to the nearest firehouse.
Firefighters ranked as the most prestigious occupation according to the latest Harris Interactive Poll. Almost two-thirds of those polled said these everyday heroes deserved very great prestige for what they do.
Doctors and nurses took the numbers two and three slots on the poll. Scientists came in fourth with more than half of people saying the profession was prestigious. Teachers round out the top five. Educators are also the recipients of another distinct honor in this poll -- they're getting more popular all the time. Teachers have seen their praise rating almost double since 1977.
At the bottom of the prestigious professions list: Real estate agents got top rankings by just six percent of respondents. Stock brokers and business executives are also on the low-end of the prestige pool despite their rather hefty pay.
Firefighters ranked as the most prestigious occupation according to the latest Harris Interactive Poll. Almost two-thirds of those polled said these everyday heroes deserved very great prestige for what they do.
Doctors and nurses took the numbers two and three slots on the poll. Scientists came in fourth with more than half of people saying the profession was prestigious. Teachers round out the top five. Educators are also the recipients of another distinct honor in this poll -- they're getting more popular all the time. Teachers have seen their praise rating almost double since 1977.
At the bottom of the prestigious professions list: Real estate agents got top rankings by just six percent of respondents. Stock brokers and business executives are also on the low-end of the prestige pool despite their rather hefty pay.
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Disney to slash 650 jobs, movie output
LOS ANGELES - The Walt Disney Co. is restructuring its studio division to emphasize blockbuster franchise films over more adult fare, a move that will mean slashing 650 jobs worldwide, the company announced Tuesday.
Among those who will lose their jobs is Disney's longtime head of live-action production, Nina Jacobsen.
The restructuring will cut Disney's output from about 18 films a year to about a dozen. Of those, about 10 will be released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner, a proven family-friendly brand that includes the successful "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.
Disney's Touchstone label, which is responsible for more esoteric fare by artists like Joel and Ethan Coen of "Fargo" fame, will be cut back to only two or three releases a year. Recent Touchstone films have included the box-office flops "The Alamo" and "The Ladykillers."
The shift, the company explained, will allow Disney films to bolster the resources of other divisions. A hit like "Pirates of the Caribbean," for example, can spawn video games, action figures, cable TV shows and, in the case of "Pirates," give new life to an old Disney theme park attraction.
"When we do it well, the lift it gives to the entire company is so significant," Dick Cook, chairman of Walt Disney Studios told The Associated Press.
Disney also is consolidating its domestic and international marketing, distribution and home video efforts, the company said.
The shift to more Disney-branded films has been expected for some time, as have staff cutbacks resulting from a reduction in the total number of films.
Surprising, though, was the loss of Jacobsen, who has been head of live-action production for more than a decade.
"Sometimes these things just happen," Cook said. "She is a fantastic executive, very talented, great taste, very smart. She is so capable, she did so many wonderful things at Disney that will be legacies that will last for years to come."
Disney veteran Oren Aviv, president of marketing and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Studios, was promoted to president of production. He will oversee the live-action development and film production.
Disney CEO Robert Iger had indicated previously that the company planned to pay greater attention to its Walt Disney Pictures brand.
"It becomes a much better investment for us when we make a Disney-branded film," Iger said in September. "We're not going to go out of the non-Disney-branded live-action business, but there has been a dramatic shift."
David Miller, managing director of the brokerage firm Sanders Morris Harris Group, said earlier this month that Wall Street sees the move toward more Disney-branded films as necessary if the entertainment giant wants to realize double-digit growth.
Among those who will lose their jobs is Disney's longtime head of live-action production, Nina Jacobsen.
The restructuring will cut Disney's output from about 18 films a year to about a dozen. Of those, about 10 will be released under the Walt Disney Pictures banner, a proven family-friendly brand that includes the successful "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise.
Disney's Touchstone label, which is responsible for more esoteric fare by artists like Joel and Ethan Coen of "Fargo" fame, will be cut back to only two or three releases a year. Recent Touchstone films have included the box-office flops "The Alamo" and "The Ladykillers."
The shift, the company explained, will allow Disney films to bolster the resources of other divisions. A hit like "Pirates of the Caribbean," for example, can spawn video games, action figures, cable TV shows and, in the case of "Pirates," give new life to an old Disney theme park attraction.
"When we do it well, the lift it gives to the entire company is so significant," Dick Cook, chairman of Walt Disney Studios told The Associated Press.
Disney also is consolidating its domestic and international marketing, distribution and home video efforts, the company said.
The shift to more Disney-branded films has been expected for some time, as have staff cutbacks resulting from a reduction in the total number of films.
Surprising, though, was the loss of Jacobsen, who has been head of live-action production for more than a decade.
"Sometimes these things just happen," Cook said. "She is a fantastic executive, very talented, great taste, very smart. She is so capable, she did so many wonderful things at Disney that will be legacies that will last for years to come."
Disney veteran Oren Aviv, president of marketing and chief creative officer of The Walt Disney Studios, was promoted to president of production. He will oversee the live-action development and film production.
Disney CEO Robert Iger had indicated previously that the company planned to pay greater attention to its Walt Disney Pictures brand.
"It becomes a much better investment for us when we make a Disney-branded film," Iger said in September. "We're not going to go out of the non-Disney-branded live-action business, but there has been a dramatic shift."
David Miller, managing director of the brokerage firm Sanders Morris Harris Group, said earlier this month that Wall Street sees the move toward more Disney-branded films as necessary if the entertainment giant wants to realize double-digit growth.
Finding Summer Jobs
Finding Summer Jobs
When school lets out for the summer, young people all over the country start looking for work. With so many people in the market, the competition for jobs is keen. Here are some suggestions that should improve your chances.
When to Start
To give yourself the best chance for jobs in private industry, start looking in the late winter or early spring. Large businesses usually have personnel offices that will take your application early. Check back with them regularly on your job prospects.
Often, you can get priority for their summer jobs by working part-time or Saturdays during the school year.
Small firms may not take applications until they are about ready to hire, but checking early will let employers know you are interested and you'll get a better idea of your prospects and the best time to apply.
Be Prepared
A useful exercise to help you plan your job search is to write down what you think you have to offer an employer — any work or volunteer experience, plus what you have learned in or out of school that may be useful on a job.
For example, being good at a craft, working around cars or machines, or helping children or working with people of all ages, ought to be listed.
Ask a teacher or counselor at school about jobs in your area, and how you can put your skills and talents to work. Your school may be able to suggest fields that are right for you.
Keep a written record on hand for job interviews — include your work experiences, names and addresses of previous employers and organizations you've done volunteer work for, and a few personal references. Teachers and adult friends are good reference choices; don't list relatives. Always ask permission first before using anyone as a reference.
Places to Check
Tell everyone you know — friends, relatives, neighborhood employers — that you want summer work, and ask if they know of any openings or will let you know if they learn of any.
Read newspaper want ads. Watch bulletin boards and factory and store windows for help-wanted signs. Check with places that usually hire summer workers — camps, resorts, playgrounds, amusement parks, plant nurseries and farms, and ice cream and soft drink companies.
Another possibility is to "fill in" for a regular employee who is on vacation. Ask at such places as business offices, stores, factories, theaters, hotels, motels and hospitals.
Start early. It may give you priority over other applicants. If your job search isn't successful at first, check back with employers two or three weeks after school is out; there may be vacancies because someone quit or didn't work out.
State government also hires summer workers, with the individual agencies deciding, in most cases, how many and when. Check with the particular agency you're interested in.
There are only a limited number of summer positions available with the federal government. Application deadlines for these positions vary from agency to agency, and applications should be sent directly to the appropriate agency. For federal job listings and further information, write the U.S. Office of Personnel Management at 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Room 519, Chicago, IL 60604.
Job Interviews
Do some advance homework on the company you're interviewing with. Ask the personnel or business office for printed material, consult an employee who works there, or check with your public library. Knowing about the company's history and jobs may help you decide what to say about yourself, and it may give a prospective employer a more favorable impression of you.
Practice interviews with a family member or friend — especially one who has been successful in getting jobs and will tell you frankly how you did in your "trial run."
Take along your work record and names of references.
Dress conservatively — in a dress or dress pants and a blouse, or in trousers and a neat shirt. Do not wear "fad" or flamboyant clothes for most jobs.
Report for your interview on time — and alone.
Answer the employer's questions honestly and briefly. Don't talk about personal matters unless you are asked. Do tell about your qualifications completely — without exaggeration. Your job is to show why the company should hire you instead of another applicant.
If your first interview does not lead to a job offer, don't be discouraged. Few people get the first job they apply for — and often not the second or third, either.
Think about each interview afterwards and decide what you did that made a good impression — and what you might do better. Then try again. (And don't knock yourself for every mistake you may have made in the interview — you'll do better with practice.)
Volunteer Work
If you don't find a job in the summer you still can do something useful with your time — and use the experience to make you a more attractive job applicant in the future.
You can work as a volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, youth center, playground, or in other community services, for example. Helping other people can be personally rewarding, while giving you more experience for a paid job in the future.
When school lets out for the summer, young people all over the country start looking for work. With so many people in the market, the competition for jobs is keen. Here are some suggestions that should improve your chances.
When to Start
To give yourself the best chance for jobs in private industry, start looking in the late winter or early spring. Large businesses usually have personnel offices that will take your application early. Check back with them regularly on your job prospects.
Often, you can get priority for their summer jobs by working part-time or Saturdays during the school year.
Small firms may not take applications until they are about ready to hire, but checking early will let employers know you are interested and you'll get a better idea of your prospects and the best time to apply.
Be Prepared
A useful exercise to help you plan your job search is to write down what you think you have to offer an employer — any work or volunteer experience, plus what you have learned in or out of school that may be useful on a job.
For example, being good at a craft, working around cars or machines, or helping children or working with people of all ages, ought to be listed.
Ask a teacher or counselor at school about jobs in your area, and how you can put your skills and talents to work. Your school may be able to suggest fields that are right for you.
Keep a written record on hand for job interviews — include your work experiences, names and addresses of previous employers and organizations you've done volunteer work for, and a few personal references. Teachers and adult friends are good reference choices; don't list relatives. Always ask permission first before using anyone as a reference.
Places to Check
Tell everyone you know — friends, relatives, neighborhood employers — that you want summer work, and ask if they know of any openings or will let you know if they learn of any.
Read newspaper want ads. Watch bulletin boards and factory and store windows for help-wanted signs. Check with places that usually hire summer workers — camps, resorts, playgrounds, amusement parks, plant nurseries and farms, and ice cream and soft drink companies.
Another possibility is to "fill in" for a regular employee who is on vacation. Ask at such places as business offices, stores, factories, theaters, hotels, motels and hospitals.
Start early. It may give you priority over other applicants. If your job search isn't successful at first, check back with employers two or three weeks after school is out; there may be vacancies because someone quit or didn't work out.
State government also hires summer workers, with the individual agencies deciding, in most cases, how many and when. Check with the particular agency you're interested in.
There are only a limited number of summer positions available with the federal government. Application deadlines for these positions vary from agency to agency, and applications should be sent directly to the appropriate agency. For federal job listings and further information, write the U.S. Office of Personnel Management at 175 W. Jackson Blvd., Room 519, Chicago, IL 60604.
Job Interviews
Do some advance homework on the company you're interviewing with. Ask the personnel or business office for printed material, consult an employee who works there, or check with your public library. Knowing about the company's history and jobs may help you decide what to say about yourself, and it may give a prospective employer a more favorable impression of you.
Practice interviews with a family member or friend — especially one who has been successful in getting jobs and will tell you frankly how you did in your "trial run."
Take along your work record and names of references.
Dress conservatively — in a dress or dress pants and a blouse, or in trousers and a neat shirt. Do not wear "fad" or flamboyant clothes for most jobs.
Report for your interview on time — and alone.
Answer the employer's questions honestly and briefly. Don't talk about personal matters unless you are asked. Do tell about your qualifications completely — without exaggeration. Your job is to show why the company should hire you instead of another applicant.
If your first interview does not lead to a job offer, don't be discouraged. Few people get the first job they apply for — and often not the second or third, either.
Think about each interview afterwards and decide what you did that made a good impression — and what you might do better. Then try again. (And don't knock yourself for every mistake you may have made in the interview — you'll do better with practice.)
Volunteer Work
If you don't find a job in the summer you still can do something useful with your time — and use the experience to make you a more attractive job applicant in the future.
You can work as a volunteer at a hospital, nursing home, youth center, playground, or in other community services, for example. Helping other people can be personally rewarding, while giving you more experience for a paid job in the future.
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