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Washington
NTHLY LABOR REVIEW
OCTOBER 1988
VOLUME 111, NUMBER 10
Henry Lowenstern, Editor-in-Chief
Robert W. Fisher, Executive Editor
NOV 1 8 1988
Max L. Carey
3 Occupational tenure in 1987: many workers remain in their fields
Generally, men have been In their current occupations longer than have women,
whites longer than blacks, and college graduates longer than other workers
Robert A. Kuemmerljng,
Patricia Hanson
13
Rita S. Jain
18
Inflation holds steady during the first half
Increase in Consumer Price Index remains unchanged at 4.4 percent, as a downturn
in energy component is offset by acceleration in prices for food and apparel
Employer-sponsored dental insurance eases the pain
Dental care plans grew in prominence from 1980 to 1986; plan cost control measures,
as well as plan benefits, kept pace with the rising cost of dental care
Penny L. Asbury, Carl Barsky
24
Evaluation of mean wage estimates in industry wage surveys
Variances and wage distribution data provide the basis for evaluating the reliability
of mean wage estimates: 7 surveys from the 1985 and 1986 program are reviewed
James D. York
30
Variety stores experience shifting trend in productivity
Output per hour of all persons decreased at an average annual rate of 0.5 percent
during 1967-86; from 1977, however, productivity rose modestly, aided by technology
REPORTS
Walter F. Lane and others
34
Adjusting the
John B. Farrell
37
Establishment survey incorporates March 1987 employment benchmarks
C. Joseph Cooper, Jr.
39
White-collar pay in nonservice industries, March 1988
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
c pi
shelter index to compensate for effect of depreciation
DEPARTMENTS
2 Labor month in review
34 Technical notes
39 Research summaries
44 Major agreements expiring next month
45 Developments in industrial relations
48 Book reviews
51 Current labor statistics
Labor Month
In Review
WHITE-COLLAR SALARIES. The
Bureau of Labor Statistics released the
results of its first nationwide whitecollar pay survey of the private service
industries.
Because past Professional, Admin
istrative, Technical, and Clerical Pay
surveys have included pay for jobs in
other sectors of the economy, the re
sults of this year’s study—limited to
the service sector—cannot be directly
compared with previous surveys. Av
erage salaries for 26 occupations and
93 work levels covered a broad range
of duties and responsibilities.
Among the professional jobs studied,
salaries averaged $19,588 a year for
beginning accountants and $26,355 for
beginning engineers, while senior levels
of both jobs (level V) were approximately
50,000. The salary for engineer VIII—the
top-level surveyed—averaged $78,049.
Other types of jobs also had wide
salary differences, such as $10,338 to
$19,151 for general clerks and $15,285
to $29,014 for secretaries. Salaries of
nursing assistants averaged $8,558,
$10,872, and $14,369, depending upon
the employees’ levels of responsibility.
The March 1987 survey reflects
changes to broaden coverage of the
Professional, Administrative, Techni
cal, and Clerical Pay to more industries,
including health care services, and to
smaller establishments. The findings
will be combined with updated informa
tion from nonservices establishments
studied in 1986. The results will be used
by the President’s Pay Agent to make
annual pay comparisons between Fed
eral white-collar workers and their
counterparts in private industry. Rotat
ing industry coverage in different years
allows the Bureau to obtain a broader
scope of pay data within current budge
tary limits.
March 1987 salaries. Annual salaries
of accountants averaged from $19,588
at level I to $49,291 at level V. Sala
2
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
ries of public accountants ranged from
$21,006 for new graduates at level I
to $33,989 for supervisors at level IV.
The accountants, public accountants,
and auditors included in the survey had
at least bachelor’s degrees in account
ing or the equivalent in education and
experience.
Programmer and programmer analyst
trainees at level I averaged $20,980 a
year; this was approximately half the
average of level V incumbents who plan
and direct large computer programming
projects or solve unusually complex
computer programming problems.
Computer systems analysts at level I
averaged $28,607 a year. This level in
cludes workers who are familiar with
systems analysis procedures and are
working independently on routine
problems. Systems analysts at level V,
the highest of six job levels for which
statistically reliable data could be ob
tained, average $59,841 a year. At this
level, analysts are senior technicians or
managers responsible for the develop
ment and maintenance of large and
complex computer systems.
Attorneys included in the study (all
having at least LL. B. degrees and
bar membership) were employed in the
legal departments of establishments
other than law firms. Those attorneys
performing work involving applicable
precedents and established facts were
classified at level II and averaged
$41,370 a year; those at level IV, with
responsibility for resolving difficult
legal problems, averaged $63,711.
Personnel directors at level I, who
administer conventional programs cov
ering 250 to 1,000 workers, averaged
$35,167, compared with $43,927 for
level II, the highest publishable level
out of five studied.
Annual salaries for the eight levels of
engineers studied ranged from $26,355
for recent graduates at level I to
$78,049 for senior engineering mana
gers and researchers at level VIII.
Statistically reliable data on pay were
obtained for three additional jobs in the
nursing field. One of these, registered
nurse, was the most numerous of the
professional and administrative jobs
studied. Over 80 percent of the nurses
were at level II, which designates those
who exercise considerable indepen
dence in difficult nursing situations.
They averaged $24,127 a year. The
other two jobs, nursing assistant and
licensed practical nurse, are included
among the survey’s technical support
occupations. Nursing assistants had
average salaries from $8,558 for
level I to $14,369 for level III, the
highest level for which pay data met
Bureau publication standards. Of the
three levels of licensed practical nurses,
level II incumbents accounted for most
of the licensed practical nurses covered,
and their salaries averaged $16,487 a
year.
Among the 27 clerical levels for
which data could be obtained, average
yearly salaries ranged from $10,338 for
general clerks I to $29,014 for secre
taries V, the highest of a 5-level series.
Averages for 8 of the clerical levels
exceeded $19,000; 7 ranged from
$15,000 to $19,000; and 12 fell below
$15,000.
Scope of survey. The March 1987
survey covered those private industry
establishments employing 20 workers
or more which primarily provide perso
nal, business, educational, health, legal,
recreational, and technical services. A
random sample of these establishments
was selected for study to represent all
metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas
of the United States except Alaska and
Hawaii.
For additional details on the methods
of the survey, see b l s Bulletin 2271,
“National Survey o f Professional,
Administrative, Technical, and Clerical
Pay, March 1986, ’’and the forthcom
ing 1987 bulletin.
□
Labor Month
In Review
JOBLESS INSURANCE. Why does only
about one in three unemployed persons
receive unemployment insurance benefits?
At a September 15 hearing of a House Ways
and Means subcommittee, Mary Ann
Wyrsch, director of the U.S. Labor Depart
ment’s Unemployment Insurance Service,
reported on a recent study by Mathematica
Policy Research, Inc. of this problem. Here
are highlights from her testimony:
After a series of discussions and a Con
gressional hearing in 1986, the Department
initiated, in the same year, a study designed
to develop an explanatory model of the ra
tio of insured to total unemployment. The
study was based on statistical analyses of na
tional data over the 1948-86 period, an indepth analysis of more detailed data from
all States over the 1971-86 period, and inperson interviews with key unemployment
insurance officials in the largest States. The
analysis in the report focused on the marked
decline in the ratio of insured unemployment
to total unemployment under regular State
unemployment insurance programs. (While
some aspects of the Extended Benefit pro
gram were examined in relation to its effects
on the regular program, the basic analysis
excluded extended benefits programs.) The
ratio declined from a level of over 40 per
cent in the 1970’s to a level of 35 percent
in the 1980’s (and 31 percent in 1987).
Findings. The researchers found that there
was no single factor which explained the ob
served decline in the ratio of unemployment
insurance claimants to the total number of
unemployed during the 1971-86 period.
Rather, the decline was caused by changes
in the general labor market and by a num
ber of policy changes at both the Federal and
the State levels. This primary finding of
the Mathematica study reinforced the
preliminary conclusions of a previous study
by the Brookings Institution, of the hearing
before the Government Operations Commit
tee, and of in-house Department examina
tions of the issue, that there were a dumber
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
of interacting factors affecting the insured
unemployment rate-total civilian unemploy
ment rate ratio.
The study assigned weights to a range of
potential causes of the gap which fall into
the following categories:
to adjust unemployment data for the 1970’s,
accounted for between 1 and 12 percent of
the decline.
The Department is continuing its efforts
on the “ gap” issue by undertaking the fol
lowing actions:
Economic factors. The decline in manufac
turing unemployment relative to total unem
ployment during the 1980’s accounted for
between 4 and 18 percent of the observed
decline in the proportion of the unemployed
claiming unemployment insurance benefits,
since it may be somewhat easier for
manufacturing workers to apply for benefits
than for other workers. Shifts in the geo
graphic distribution of unemployment ac
counted for about 16 percent of the decline
in the unemployment insurance claims ra
tio. During the 1980’s, relatively more un
employment occurred in States with low
claims ratios than in the 1970’s.
(1) On June 27, the first of a series of three
seminars on Unemployment Insurance was
held at the U.S. Department of Labor un
der the sponsorship of the Secretary. The
subject of this first seminar was the widen
ing gap between total and insured unem
ployment.
Federal policy. The partial taxation of un
employment insurance benefits accounted
for between 11 and 16 percent of the
decline.
State policy. Increased monetary eligibili
ty requirements for unemployment insurance
and reduced maximum potential durations
of benefits available under State programs
accounted for between 8 and 15 percent of
the decline; increases in disqualifying in
come denials (probably reflecting the pen
sion offset provisions) accounted for about
10 percent of the decline; and changes in
other nonmonetary eligibility requirements
countered by some reductions in
work test denials accounted for between 3
and 11 percent of the decline.
Changes in total unemployment. The im
proved coverage of Hispanics in the Cur
rent Population Survey, including a correc
tion for undocumented aliens along with the
way in which 1980 Census data were used
(2) The Unemployment Insurance Serv
ice is currently working with the Bureau of
Labor Statistics to add to the Current Popu
lation Survey, on a special supplementary
basis, specific questions for persons enumer
ated as unemployed. The questions, which
will be asked on four occasions, will relate
to the Unemployment Insurance program,
unemployment insurance benefit eligibility,
and reasons for not filing for unemployment
insurance benefits.
(3) Because of a lack of up-to-date infor
mation on the experiences, behavior, and
labor market characteristics of those who
have exhausted their unemployment insur
ance benefits entitlement, the Department of
Labor has recently signed a contract (also
with Mathematica) to conduct a sample sur
vey of unemployment insurance exhaustees
to gather this information.
(4) The Department will urge the States
to examine the unemployment insurance
gaps in their own jurisdictions. The
Mathematica study will be shared with the
States and individual State-level analysis will
be encouraged.
The study is available from the Employ
ment and Training Administration, Unem
ployment Insurance Services, (202)
535-0620.
□
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
OCTOBER 1988
VOLUME 111, NUMBER 10
ERRATUM: Page 2
Please insert the “ Labor Month in Review” appearing on the reverse to replace the August 1987
version erroneously republished on page 2.
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Occupational tenure in 1987: many
workers have remained in their fields
Generally, men have been in their current occupations
longer than have women, whites longer than blacks, and
college graduates longer than those with less education;
almost half o f the 55- to 59-year-olds
have been in their current occupations at least 20 years
M
ax
L.
Carey
Information on tenure— the length of time worked in
an occupation— can be useful to individuals, employers,
and labor market researchers. Individuals planning their
careers can use tenure information to help identify occu
pations having long- and short-term worker attachment.
In career planning, knowledge of tenure can aid in evalu
ating job satisfaction, job security, and career potential.
Employers can use occupational tenure information in a
variety of personnel planning activities. Together with in
formation on separations, tenure data can be used by
employers to anticipate the number of workers they may
be required to hire to replace workers who leave their
firm. The data also can be used to compare the occupa
tional tenure of a firm’s employees with the work force as
a whole. Researchers in Government agencies, universi
ties, employer associations, professional associations, and
unions can use tenure information to study labor market
behavior of workers in specific occupations of interest as
well as in the labor market in general.
The information presented in this article is based on
data obtained from a supplement to the January 1987
Current Population Survey. In that supplement, occupa
tional tenure was defined as the cumulative number of
years a person worked in his or her current occupation,
regardless of number of employers, interruptions in em
ploym ent, or tim e spent in other occupations. For
Max L. Carey is an economist in the Division of Economic Growth and
Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
example, a person who worked as a librarian for 2 years,
as a teacher for the next 5 years, and then as a librarian for
the last 2 years (their current job), would be classified as a
librarian with 4 years of tenure. This measure should not
be confused with employer tenure— the amount of time
worked for the same employer— which was treated sepa
rately in the survey and is briefly discussed later in this
article.
Median occupational tenure of the 109.1 million work
ers 16 years of age and older in January 1987 was 6.6 years.
(For ease of reading, medians henceforth will be called
averages in the text of this article.) Average tenure in
creased directly with age, rising from 1.9 years for workers
ages 16-24 to 21.9 years for those 70 and over. (See table
1.) Most teenagers, of course, have not been in the labor
force long enough to have much experience, and jobs held
by students typically are temporary. Moreover, young
high school and college graduates often try more than one
occupation before deciding on a career, and entry into
some fields is delayed until advanced degrees are com
pleted. By the time they are in their late twenties or early
thirti' s, however, many people have settled into a career
path. Almost 47 percent of all workers 35 to 39 years of
age had 10 years or more of tenure, while only 12 percent
had less than 2 years.1 A person who has accumulated a
lengthy amount of tenure in an occupation often will try to
remain in it until retirement, because a change in careers
could require a change of employers and result in a loss of
3
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Occupational Tenure
seniority and pension rights. About 46 percent of the
workers ages 55 to 59 had 20 years of tenure or more.
While the survey did not indicate when the current
occupation was first entered, the data suggest that some
older people had been doing the same kind of work virtu
ally all their adult lives. Almost one-fifth of the workers
ages 65 to 69, for example, reported 40 years of tenure or
more, which means they could have started before age 25
but not after age 29. Because tenure was measured cumu
latively, some of these people may have first entered their
occupation well before age 25, with time away for military
service, family responsibilities, or other reasons.
In addition to being a function of age, occupational ten
ure varies by sex, race, education, and other demographic
characteristics. Generally, men had more tenure than
women, whites more than blacks and Hispanics, and col-
Table 1. Occupational tenure of employed persons by age, sex, race, Hispanic origin, and employment status,
January 1987
Total employed
Characteristic
Number
(in thou Percent
sands)
Tenure In current occupation (percent distribution)
10 years or more
Less
than 2
years
2-3
years
4-5
years
6-9
years
Total
10-14
years
15-19
years
20-24
years
25-29
years
30-34
years
35-39
years
Median
tenure
(in
40 years years)
or more
Total, 16 years and older............
1 6 -2 4 ......................................
2 5 -2 9 ......................................
3 0 -3 4 ......................................
3 5 -3 9 ......................................
4 0 -4 4 ......................................
109,090
19,090
16,326
15,833
14,674
11,871
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
19.3
51.4
21.7
14.8
12.3
10.2
17.2
31.7
24.8
16.5
13.3
12.2
10.8
11.1
19.0
13.2
10.1
8.6
15.2
5.4
25.4
24.3
17.7
14.3
37.5
.4
9.1
31.3
46.6
54.7
14.1
.4
8.7
25.4
23.3
17.9
8.8
_
.3
3.6
18.2
18.2
6.1
_
_
.3
4.8
15.2
3.2
2.7
1.3
1.3
_
_
.3
3.2
_
_
.3
—
—
6.6
19
44
69
9.0
10.7
4 5 -4 9 ......................................
5 0 -5 4 ......................................
5 5 -5 9 ......................................
6 0 -6 4 ......................................
6 5 -6 9 ......................................
70 and olde r...........................
9,360
7,684
6,914
4,500
1,692
1,146
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
8.6
7.9
6.5
5.9
7.6
4.7
9.9
8.9
7.6
6.9
9.1
6.2
7.3
7.6
5.1
5.0
6.2
5.8
12.1
10.5
9.9
9.6
7.8
8.6
62.2
65.2
70.8
72.6
69.4
74.7
15.4
14.0
12.7
12.8
9.9
10.9
14.7
12.7
11.9
10.4
9.1
7.8
16.5
12.3
12.4
10.9
7.5
7.7
11.0
12.1
8.7
7.5
7.5
4.4
4.3
11.0
13.8
10.8
9.4
6.7
.3
2.7
7.8
9.7
6.8
4.2
.3
3.5
10.5
19.3
32.9
13.3
15.2
17.7
19.4
20.1
21.9
Men, 16 years and old e r.............
1 6 -2 4 ......................................
2 5 -2 9 ......................................
3 0 -3 4 ......................................
3 5 -3 9 ......................................
4 0 -4 4 ......................................
60,242
9,820
8,974
8,971
8,109
6,463
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
16.9
51.0
20.0
12.4
9.1
7.6
15.3
31.1
24.2
15.0
10.7
8.7
10.0
11.3
18.8
12.6
8.9
7.1
14.6
6.1
26.5
25.1
17.1
11.5
43.3
.5
10.5
34.9
54.2
65.1
14.6
.5
10.0
28.0
26.9
18.9
9.7
_
.4
6.4
21.2
22.3
7.2
_
_
.5
5.6
19.3
4.2
3.8
1.8
1.9
_
_
.5
4.2
_
.5
_
—
—
7.9
2.0
46
76
10.4
13.8
4 5 -4 9 ......................................
5 0 -5 4 ......................................
5 5 -5 9 ...................................
6 0 -6 4 ....................................
6 5 -6 9 ......................................
70 and olde r............................
5,208
4,341
4,006
2,673
1,000
678
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
6.3
6.0
5.0
5.0
7.7
3.3
7.1
6.8
5.7
6.5
9.0
6.0
6.2
5.4
3.9
3.6
5.8
6.4
8.6
8.9
6.9
7.3
7.1
8.3
71.7
72.8
78.4
77.6
70.4
76.0
12.4
11.7
9.4
10.3
6.3
8.2
16.6
11.2
10.5
7.9
5.8
6.5
21.7
14.5
12.5
9.9
5.6
5.2
14.8
17.2
11.0
7.8
5.6
3.6
5.8
14.4
19.5
14.1
11.2
6.1
.4
3.3
10.6
13.9
9.1
4.4
.5
4.9
13.6
26.7
42.1
17.5
20.0
21.9
23.9
26.9
30.5
Women, 16 years and older.......
1 6 -2 4 ......................................
2 5 -2 9 ......................................
3 0 -3 4 ......................................
3 5 -3 9 ......................................
4 0 -4 4 ......................................
48,848
9,270
7,353
6,863
6,565
5,408
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
22.2
51.7
23.7
18.1
16.3
13.3
19.6
32.3
25.6
18.4
16.4
16.3
11.9
11.0
19.3
13.8
11.6
10.5
16.0
4.7
24.1
23.2
18.4
17.6
30.3
.3
7.3
26.5
37.3
42.2
13.4
.3
7.1
22.0
18.9
16.6
7.8
_
.2
4.5
14.6
13.3
4.6
1.9
1.4
.6
6
_
.1
3.7
10.3
_
.1
1.9
_
.1
—
4 5 -4 9 .................................
5 0 -5 4 ..................................
5 5 -5 9 ......................................
6 0 -6 4 ......................................
6 5 -6 9 ...............................
70 and olde r............................
4,152
3,343
2,908
1,827
692
467
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
11.3
10.3
8.6
7.3
7.4
6.8
13.4
11.5
10.2
7.5
9.2
6.5
8.6
10.3
6.8
7.0
6.7
5.0
16.4
12.6
14.0
13.0
8.6
9.1
50.3
35.2
60.4
65.3
68.1
72.7
19.3
17.1
17.3
16.5
15.0
14.8
12.2
14.6
13.8
14.0
13.8
9.6
10.0
9.4
12.3
12.3
10.2
11.4
6.2
5.4
5.5
7.1
10.1
5.7
2.4
6.7
5.9
6.0
6.8
7.5
.1
1.9
3.9
3.4
3.6
4.0
1.6
6.0
8.7
19.6
10.0
10.8
12.4
14.5
15.6
18.8
White.......................................
Men...................................
Women .................................
95,044
53,096
41,949
100.0
100.0
100.0
18.9
16.2
22.2
17.0
14.8
19,7
10.7
9.7
11.8
15.3
14.6
16.2
38.2
44.6
30.2
14.1
14.8
13.2
8.9
9.9
7.6
6.2
7.4
4.6
3.4
4.5
2.0
2.9
4.0
1.5
1.4
2.0
.6
1.5
2.1
.7
67
83
5.4
Black...........................................
Men.........................................
Women ...................................
10,851
5,447
5,404
100.0
100.0
100.0
21.3
22.1
20.6
18.0
17.6
18.4
12.0
11.8
12.2
14.7
14.1
15.2
34.0
34.5
33.6
14.3
13.1
15.4
9.1
8.9
9.3
5.7
6.1
5.2
2.3
2.8
1.8
1.7
2.2
1.1
.6
.6
.5
.5
.6
.3
5.8
5.8
5.8
Hispanic origin ............................
Men.........................................
Women ...............................
7,198
4,408
2,790
100.0
100.0
100.0
24.3
22.2
27.6
23.0
21.6
25.2
11.8
11.2
12.7
15.9
16.0
15.8
25.1
29.1
18.7
12.2
13.9
9.7
6.1
6.7
5.2
3.2
3.7
2.4
1.7
2.3
.6
1.3
1.8
.5
.3
.4
.2
.3
.4
.1
45
51
3.7
Full-time workers........................
Men.........................................
Women ...................................
93,665
55,464
38,201
100.0
100.0
100.0
16.4
14.4
19.2
16.8
14.9
19.5
11.1
10.2
12.3
16.1
15.4
17.0
39.7
45.1
32.0
15.0
15.5
14.2
9.5
10.3
8.4
6.5
7.6
4.9
3.4
4.5
2.0
2.9
3.9
1.4
1.3
1.8
.6
1.1
1.6
.5
72
84
5.9
Part-time workers........................
Men........................................
W omen...................................
15,425
4,778
10,647
100.0
100.0
100.0
36.9
45.5
33.1
19.9
19.9
19.9
9.5
7.1
10.6
10.0
5.3
12.2
23.6
22.3
24.2
8.6
4.3
10.5
4.8
3.4
5.4
3.1
2.6
3.3
1.8
1.9
1.7
1.8
2.7
1.4
1.0
2.0
.6
2.5
5.3
1.2
31
24
3.6
Note :
Dashes indicate less than 0.1 percent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
—
54
19
41
60
7.0
8.0
lege graduates more than individuals with less education.
In addition, self-employed individuals had more tenure
than wage and salary workers, and full-time workers more
than those on part-time schedules. The average tenure in
any particular occupation not only reflects the ages and
other demographic characteristics of workers, but also em
ployment trends in the occupation. If employment has
declined, the lack of jobs for young entrants combined
with the aging of the experienced workers will tend to raise
average tenure. Conversely, very rapid em ploym ent
growth that provides jobs for many new workers will tend
to lower average tenure in the occupation.
Among the major occupational groups, average tenure
ranged from 10.4 years for farming, forestry, and fishing
workers to 4.1 years for service workers, reflecting differ
ences in the dem ographic profiles and em ploym ent
growth rates of the detailed occupations within the
groups. Averages are similar when workers are young, but
diverge with age. (See table 2.) Differences in average
tenure among detailed occupations were much greater
than among the major groups, ranging from 24.8 years for
barbers to 1.5 years for food counter and fountain work
ers. The relationship between tenure and age in detailed
occupations can be seen in table 3, which ranks 277 occu
pations having 50,000 or more workers by median tenure.
Employment trends. The number of persons in occupa
tions with the greatest average tenure generally has been
growing very slowly or declining, but these occupations
have sufficient appeal in terms of earnings, lifestyle, and
other considerations to encourage continued worker at
tachment. Farmers exemplify this type of occupation.
Although a career in farming is attractive to some young
people, opportunities for new owner/operators have been
limited by the growing expense of land and equipment
and the consequent merging of small farms into larger,
more economically viable holdings. As a result, fewer
young people have gone into this field and the farming
work force has aged. Only 6 percent of all farmers had 3
years of tenure or less, while 57 percent had 20 years or
more. Lack of employment growth also has contributed to
high average tenure in many other occupations, including
barbers, railroad conductors, clergy, and millwrights.
In contrast, some occupations that would be expected
to have high worker attachment have comparatively low
average tenure because they have emerged in recent years
and are growing very rapidly. Such occupations have a
large proportion of young people with relatively little
work experience. Computer programmers exemplify this
type of occupation. About 45 percent of the programmers
had 3 years of tenure or less, while only 7 percent had 20
years or more. Because of the impact of employment
growth on average tenure, when analyzing a specific occu
pation, it is important to know how the age distribution of
its workers compares with that of other occupations.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 2. Median years of tenure in current occupation, by
major occupational group and age, January 1987
Total,
16 and
older
Ages
16-2 4
Ages
2 5 -3 4
Ages
3 5 -4 4
Ages
4 5 -5 4
Ages
55 -6 4
Ages 65
and
older
Total, age 16
and older...........
6.6
1.9
5.4
10.0
14.3
18.2
20.6
Executive, administra
tive, and managerial...
8.4
2.4
5.6
10.1
15.1
17.9
26.3
Professional speciality
9.6
2.0
5.7
12.0
18.2
25.6
36.2
Technicians and relat
ed support...............
6.9
2.2
5.7
10.9
17.7
20.8
22.2
Sales occupations ....
5.1
1.7
4.7
7.7
10.5
15.5
21.6
Administrative support,
including clerical.....
5.4
2.1
5.0
7.6
10.9
14.6
15.4
Service occupations...
4.1
1.7
4.4
6.9
9.0
10.6
10.4
Precision production,
craft, and repair......
9.3
2.6
7.1
13.5
19.9
25.7
30.1
5.5
1.7
4.6
9.1
13.7
18.1
14.7
10.4
2.9
7.9
13.5
20.7
30.5
39.8
Occupational group
Operators, fabricators,
and laborers...........
Farming, forestry, and
fishing.....................
Sex, race, and ethnicity.
Average occupational tenure
was 7.9 years for men and 5.4 years for women. Although
the difference in tenure by sex was not significant for
young people, it increased steadily with age. Among
workers ages 60 to 64, the average was 23.9 years for men,
compared to only 14.5 years for women. Men had more
tenure mainly because their labor force participation has
been more continuous. Many women currently in the
work force interrupted their careers for extended periods
for home and family responsibilities and, moreover, some
resumed work in a different career. At all but the youn
gest ages, they were more likely than men to have recently
entered their occupation. The lower tenure of women also
may reflect their underrepresentation in the higher paying
managerial, professional, and craft jobs.
Men accounted for most of the employment in detailed
occupations having the longest average tenure. They rep
resented more than eight-tenths of the farm ers and
barbers, for example, and more than nine-tenths of the
clergy and railroad conductors. Women with the greatest
tenure generally were those who had pursued traditional
careers, such as elementary school teachers, registered
nurses, licensed practical nurses, and hairdressers and
cosmetologists.
White men had greater tenure than other men, averag
ing 8.3 years, compared to 5.8 years for blacks, and 5.1
years for Hispanics. White males were more likely to have
lengthy tenure because they were older, and had higher
labor force participation rates and lower unemployment
rates. They also had better jobs than other men, who
tended to be concentrated in lower paying jobs in the
service group and the operator, fabricator, and laborer
group. Black women, however, had more tenure than
other women and about as much as black men. Histori
cally, black women have been more likely than white
5
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Occupational Tenure
Table 3. Ranking of occupations by years of tenure in occupation and selected characteristics, January 1987
Occupation
Total
employed,
Median
January
tenure
1987
(in years)
(thou
sands)
Percent of employees, ages
Percent of employees with 3 years
or less
tenure
4 -9
years
tenure
10 -1 9
years
tenure
20 or more
years
tenure
Median
age
1 6 -2 4
2 5 -3 4
3 5 -5 4
55 and
older
Total, age 16 and olde r.................................
109,090
6.6
36.5
26.0
22.9
14.6
35.8
18.5
29.4
39.1
13.1
Barbers....................................................................
Farmers, except horticultural...................................
Railroad conductors and yardmasters.....................
Clergy ......................................................................
Dentists....................................................................
Telephone line installers and repairers....................
Millwrights................................................................
Locomotive operating occupations..........................
Managers; farms, except horticultural.....................
Telephone installers and repairers..........................
88
1,019
53
347
149
52
101
72
132
235
24.8
21.1
18.4
15.8
15.7
15.0
14.8
14.8
14.4
14.3
14.5
6.3
7.5
14.4
9.3
8.9
17.3
7.4
9.3
13.2
9.4
16.9
3.1
16.5
16.2
27.9
14.2
14.1
22.1
25.7
10.9
20.0
48.8
29.3
32.8
46.7
40.9
46.8
29.6
42.2
65.2
56.8
40.6
39.8
41.7
16.4
27.6
31.7
39.0
19.0
49.5
50.1
44.3
44.8
43.2
36.6
43.2
39.3
39.4
38.0
6.0
4.4
.3
2.2
.5
5.8
5.3
.4
11.1
5.6
13.4
17.6
17.8
22.0
20.0
35.7
22.0
25.8
29.6
29.4
47.1
38.2
61.0
47.9
52.4
55.0
55.8
58.6
37.2
57.6
33.5
39.9
21.0
27.9
27.0
3.5
16.9
15.2
22.1
7.4
Airplane pilots and navigators..................................
Supervisors; police and detectives..........................
Grader, dozer, and scraper operators.....................
Tailors......................................................................
Civil engineers..........................................................
Crane and tower operators......................................
Supervisors, n.e.c.....................................................
Teachers, secondary school ...................................
Teachers, elementary school ..................................
Dental laboratory and medical appliance
technicians...........................................................
86
76
75
51
237
97
500
1,182
1,412
14.0
13.8
13.3
13.3
13.0
12.9
12.9
12.5
12.4
3.0
9.2
13.6
24.6
17.8
10.8
12.2
14.9
14.3
29.6
20.7
17.2
12.4
19.7
26.2
24.0
22.3
24.3
28.1
43.8
39.0
24.1
28.9
31.9
33.8
39.4
41.3
39.3
26.4
30.2
38.9
33.5
31.2
29.9
23.4
20.1
41.6
42.1
41.4
44.2
38.8
41.6
39.1
39.8
39.0
1.3
.4
9.4
8.8
4.8
4.4
5.7
3.7
4.7
24.9
14.8
28.5
18.2
32.8
32.4
30.3
23.7
27.4
61.6
78.2
44.5
48.4
46.5
49.2
49.8
61.8
58.6
12.3
6.6
17.6
24.5
16.0
13.9
14.1
10.7
9.2
68
12.3
14.3
27.6
34.1
23.9
35.0
11.9
36.3
34.9
16.9
Separating, filtering, and clarifying machine
operators..............................................................
Tool and die makers................................................
Lathe and turning machine operators.......................
Machinists................................................................
Pharmacists..............................................................
Stationary engineers................................................
Mechanical engineers .............................................
Chemists, except biochemists.................................
Inspectors, testers, and graders..............................
59
151
77
453
141
93
288
134
103
12.1
12.0
11.9
11.9
11.8
11.7
11.4
11.1
11.0
15.1
17.8
32.8
17.2
17.9
17.0
21.9
14.5
24.5
27.3
16.0
11.3
23.9
25.8
24.7
23.7
29.1
23.4
41.0
30.6
25.7
32.2
31.2
31.2
24.2
25.8
29.5
16.5
35.6
30.2
26.6
25.1
27.0
30.2
30.7
22.6
37.1
39.8
34.1
36.9
38.1
41.5
39.2
37.7
36.5
9.0
8.2
13.4
12.4
5.7
4.4
6.8
6.8
13.0
33.7
28.4
40.2
32.6
36.4
29.0
33.1
34.1
32.1
48.6
41.1
34.8
41.0
42.6
46.2
45.0
46.0
43.8
8.8
22.3
11.7
14.1
15.3
20.4
15.1
13.2
11.1
Electricians...............................................................
Operating engineers................................................
Radiologic technicians.............................................
Electrical power installers and repairers ..................
Supervisors; mechanics and repairers.....................
Heavy equipment mechanics...................................
Bus, truck, and stationary engine mechanics..........
Physicians................................................................
Construction inspectors...........................................
Cabinet makers and bench carpenters....................
656
173
127
100
241
158
310
516
66
56
11.0
11.0
10.9
10.8
10.7
10.7
10.7
10.7
10.7
10.6
17.4
10.6
17.3
17.7
19.6
16.4
21.5
20.5
17.7
17.6
24.5
28.6
28.8
26.4
25.7
30.2
25.0
26.7
23.3
22.8
36.8
31.9
30.9
24.9
30.7
31.6
29.7
25.4
41.2
38.1
21.3
28.8
22.9
30.9
24.1
21.8
23.9
27.4
17.7
21.5
36.1
38.7
32.1
37.5
42.1
36.9
35.3
40.3
43.3
34.6
12.8
7.9
13.6
7.3
2.9
9.7
15.1
.8
6.9
19.9
33.6
31.8
44.9
34.1
23.5
32.8
34.1
30.9
16.9
33.1
42.5
48.6
35.7
49.3
58.2
46.4
39.5
51.2
55.2
34.5
11.2
11.8
5.7
9.3
15.4
11.0
11.2
17.1
21.0
12.5
Industrial machinery repairers..................................
Automobile body and related repairers....................
Electrical and electronic engineers..........................
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters....................
Licensed practical nurses........................................
Brickmasons and stonemasons..............................
Truck drivers, heavy.................................................
Tile setters, hard and soft........................................
Lawyers....................................................................
Supervisors; production occupations.......................
484
164
520
477
408
182
1,740
55
659
1,379
10.6
10.4
10.4
10.4
10.3
10.2
10.1
10.1
10.1
10.1
17.7
22.0
18.2
17.9
24.4
27.0
24.7
25.1
23.8
24.4
25.7
21.5
29.6
29.1
22.6
22.0
24.3
23.5
25.5
25.1
36.7
41.6
25.3
31.2
36.3
24.9
28.3
26.8
30.0
29.7
20.0
14.8
26.9
21.8
16.7
26.2
22.8
24.6
20.7
20.8
39.4
33.2
36.3
35.6
36.9
35.1
38.0
32.3
37.6
40.6
8.0
20.3
9.3
13.0
7.7
15.5
10.5
19.8
2.0
5.9
28.2
36.4
36.7
35.0
35.4
35.0
31.6
41.2
37.8
27.2
49.5
34.0
42.7
40.9
46.7
36.2
45.2
30.1
45.9
52.3
14.3
9.3
11.3
11.1
10.1
13.3
12.6
8.8
14.3
14.5
Administrators, education and related fields...........
Engineers, n.e.c........................................................
Excavating and loading machine operators.............
Firefighting occupations...........................................
Aircraft engine mechanics.......................................
Police and detectives, public service.......................
Counselors, educational and vocational .................
Architects ................................................................
Structural metal workers.........................................
Aerospace engineers..............................................
544
269
113
167
125
474
196
99
51
109
10.1
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
9.7
9.7
9.6
9.6
9.6
22.9
19.8
22.8
17.2
19.1
21.8
24.1
12.8
20.5
22.8
26.7
30.0
27.2
32.9
31.0
29.0
27.7
39.4
33.9
28.3
35.3
25.5
34.2
38.0
17.6
34.6
33.2
18.5
25.5
10.3
15.1
24.6
15.8
11.9
32.3
14.6
14.9
29.3
20.1
38.7
43.5
39.4
36.3
33.7
42.0
35.6
40.5
36.1
35.2
43.1
3.6
6.0
11.1
8.8
7.6
7.0
6.4
7.6
11.2
6.2
16.6
30.3
35.9
46.7
25.2
41.0
21.1
38.2
40.0
28.7
63.6
46.8
40.7
39.5
55.2
48.5
59.8
39.0
41.7
45.2
16.2
16.9
12.2
5.0
12.0
3.5
12.6
15.1
7.2
19.9
Miscellaneous material moving equipment
operators..............................................................
Dental hygienists......................................................
Automobile mechanics............................................
Registered nurses....................................................
Speech therapists....................................................
Binding and twisting machine operators ..................
Managers and administrators, n.e.c..........................
Personnel and labor relations managers..................
Office machine repairers.........................................
62
58
933
1,538
60
64
6,562
125
74
9.4
9.4
9.3
9.3
9.3
9.3
9.1
9.0
9.0
23.1
11.1
26.6
20.7
22.3
30.0
25.0
16.4
18.2
31.6
45.6
24.6
31.5
36.3
23.3
27.3
35.1
40.1
34.2
37.4
26.7
28.0
34.8
33.4
27.4
32.1
21.4
11.1
5.9
22.1
19.8
6.6
13.4
20.4
16.3
20.3
35.5
30.2
32.1
36.5
33.2
38.1
40.0
40.3
33.6
14.7
20.7
22.3
6.8
5.9
12.9
7.4
4.7
14.2
34.5
48.5
36.8
38.4
54.8
28.5
26.9
23.5
43.0
41.9
29.7
31.7
44.7
37.0
43.2
49.9
59.1
38.1
8.9
1.2
9.2
10.0
2.3
15.4
15.8
12.7
4.8
See footnote at end of table.
6
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 3. Continued— Ranking of occupations by years of tenure in occupation and selected characteristics, January 1987
Occupation
Electronic repairers, commercial and industrial
equipment............................................................
Welders and cutters.................................................
Punching and stamping press machine operators ...
Sheet metal workers................................................
Administrators and officials, public administration.........
Hairdressers and cosmetologists.............................
Industrial engineers.................................................
Librarians.................................................................
Inspectors and compliance officers, except
construction..........................................................
Upholsterers............................................................
Payroll and timekeeping clerks.................................
Furnance, kiln, and oven operators, except food......
Surveying and mapping technicians........................
Chemical engineers.................................................
Sheriffs, bailiffs, and other law enforcement
officers.................................................................
Total
employed,
Median
January
tenure
1987
(in years)
(thou
sands)
Percent of employees, ages —
Percent of employees with 3 years
or less
tenure
4 -9
years
tenure
10-19
years
tenure
20 or more
years
tenure
Median
age
16 -2 4
2 5 -3 4
3 5 -5 4
55 and
older
189
566
139
119
498
723
213
217
9.0
9.0
9.0
8.9
8.9
8.9
8.9
8.8
24.4
28.2
33.9
26.3
24.8
30.3
24.5
28.9
27.4
23.3
19.5
26.0
28.0
21.6
29.0
27.9
26.1
30.0
28.1
30.2
31.3
24.3
24.6
29.1
22.1
18.6
18.4
17.6
15.9
23.8
21.9
14.2
35.1
34.9
36.2
35.0
43.0
35.5
39.2
42.2
16.3
13.8
13.7
16.1
2.6
21.7
6.0
8.1
33.8
36.7
31.6
34.8
19.2
26.6
32.0
17.6
39.3
40.9
45.1
38.4
58.9
41.5
46.7
53.8
10.7
8.6
9.6
10.6
19.3
10.3
15.2
20.5
159
95
137
97
57
74
8.8
8.6
8.6
8.6
8.6
8.6
31.0
38.7
24.3
28.8
23.7
25.6
27.0
12.1
28.0
31.8
31.7
28.6
30.7
17.8
25.4
24.4
25.1
22.2
11.3
31.4
22.3
14.9
19.4
23.6
40.9
38.1
38.1
37.6
34.0
33.9
4.0
15.9
12.2
12.6
20.0
9.3
24.9
27.1
28.5
30.3
31.5
45.8
52.9
36.9
40.7
40.7
41.8
30.2
18.2
20.0
18.5
16.3
6.8
14.7
119
8.6
31.0
25.4
32.7
10.9
36.8
4.7
36.1
42.1
17.1
67
8.6
35.7
26.4
18.4
19.4
32.6
19.6
37.2
36.5
6.8
1,354
465
446
57
75
438
169
8.6
8.6
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.4
8.4
26.9
23.9
31.4
30.5
24.2
19.2
23.2
29.4
33.5
24.7
24.3
37.7
37.9
36.6
27.2
24.0
27.2
31.7
22.5
28.7
28.1
16.6
18.6
16.7
13.5
15.6
14.2
12.1
37.6
39.3
36.7
38.2
34.7
37.6
40.3
9.5
6.7
15.8
9.8
19.1
4.8
3.1
32.8
28.4
29.2
30.9
32.1
35.4
24.1
43.8
51.7
40.5
36.3
39.2
48.7
59.4
13.9
13.2
14.5
23.0
9.7
11.1
13.3
Teachers; special education....................................
Statistical clerks.......................................................
Designers................................................................
Water and sewage treatment plant operators..........
Printing machine operators......................................
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration
mechanics............................................................
Supervisors; distribution, scheduling, and
adjusting clerks.....................................................
225
93
549
52
306
8.4
8.3
8.3
8.3
8.2
26.2
29.2
31.9
28.3
33.3
31.6
34.4
24.4
41.7
25.3
33.8
24.7
25.9
23.8
16.0
8.3
11.7
17.8
6.2
25.5
36.4
37.5
35.4
35.5
33.0
6.2
15.5
12.1
9.4
22.0
38.2
27.8
36.2
42.1
33.3
46.5
40.3
40.8
35.2
34.3
9.1
16.4
10.9
13.3
10.5
269
8.1
29.5
29.4
22.5
18.6
34.8
17.6
34.0
39.0
9.3
164
8.1
28.0
25.5
26.9
19.7
38.4
6.4
31.5
48.0
14.1
Insurance sales occupations...................................
Carpenters...............................................................
Public transportation attendants..............................
Drafting occupations................................................
Butchers and meatcutters........................................
Miscellaneous electrical and electronic
equipment repairers.............................................
Dressmakers ...........................................................
Musicians and composers.......................................
Supervisors and proprietors; sales occupations......
591
1,222
81
281
275
8.1
8.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
31.0
29.7
45.5
28.8
29.7
25.8
26.7
13.2
29.9
29.0
22.1
26.6
30.0
19.1
18.9
21.0
17.0
11.3
22.2
22.5
39.7
32.7
33.7
32.5
35.2
7.9
20.6
12.3
20.4
21.0
27.1
36.9
42.8
35.6
29.0
49.4
31.9
42.7
31.8
36.1
15.6
10.6
2.2
12.2
13.9
82
94
187
3,539
7.9
7.9
7.9
7.9
26.0
35.1
21.9
30.3
28.6
17.2
29.5
26.8
26.4
18.0
18.0
25.0
19.0
29.7
30.6
17.8
37.1
47.9
33.7
38.3
9.3
6.4
15.7
10.3
34.8
15.7
40.3
29.7
41.6
40.5
29.3
44.2
14.3
37.4
14.7
15.7
Painters, sculptors, craft-artists, and
artist printmakers.................................................
Mechanics and repairers, not specified...................
Engineering technicians, n.e.c..................................
Clinical laboratory technologists and technicians ....
Purchasing managers..............................................
Purchasing agents and buyers, n.e.c........................
Photographers .........................................................
Chemical technicians..............................................
Managers; properties and real estate.......................
195
187
205
272
130
225
127
86
413
7.9
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.7
7.6
7.6
7.6
32.3
25.0
28.2
29.9
20.4
30.3
26.7
33.8
28.5
24.6
37.0
30.5
32.6
33.7
31.2
26.4
24.3
30.2
30.7
25.0
29.5
29.2
27.2
27.3
26.2
18.3
25.3
12.4
13.1
11.7
8.3
18.7
11.3
20.7
23.6
16.0
36.4
37.3
34.7
32.4
39.8
38.6
35.2
36.1
42.8
9.7
11.6
15.0
12.8
4.2
8.3
19.3
14.9
7.3
36.5
31.7
36.5
47.0
26.4
31.0
30.1
31.7
24.8
39.9
40.5
37.7
34.9
56.2
47.5
37.4
44.0
42.5
13.9
16.2
10.8
5.3
13.2
13.3
13.1
9.5
25.4
Accountants and auditors........................................
Religious workers, n.e.c............................................
Secretaries...............................................................
Social workers..........................................................
Operations and systems researchers and
analysts................................................................
Postal clerks, except mail carriers............................
Managers; marketing, advertising, and
public relations.....................................................
1,317
77
3,897
496
7.6
7.6
7.5
7.5
29.6
39.7
30.5
28.8
28.7
23.7
29.3
32.8
22.9
23.7
26.5
31.7
18.7
12.8
13.7
6.6
35.0
42.5
36.1
37.3
12.4
7.4
18.5
7.1
37.9
24.1
28.5
34.6
38.6
45.1
41.4
48.9
11.1
23.4
11.6
9.4
215
286
7.4
7.4
26.6
32.5
34.4
29.2
24.7
26.3
14.3
12.0
37.5
37.2
5.3
7.3
35.3
33.7
52.2
46.8
7.2
12.2
417
7.3
28.8
36.3
23.2
11.7
37.9
5.3
33.7
50.3
10.6
Farm workers...........................................................
Managers; medicine and health ..............................
Data processing equipment repairers......................
Bookkeepers, accounting and auditing clerks..........
Grinding, abrading, buffing, and polishing
machine operators................................................
Management related occupations, n.e.c...................
Supervisors; cleaning and building
service workers.....................................................
703
130
122
2,110
7.3
7.2
7.2
7.1
33.5
23.5
18.7
33.7
27.5
35.3
49.9
26.5
23.8
26.3
10.0
22.9
15.2
14.8
21.4
16.9
30.0
39.4
33.0
38.9
35.5
2.6
16.5
13.4
25.0
30.4
42.0
26.8
26.1
54.7
38.5
41.5
13.4
12.4
3.0
18.3
138
277
7.0
7.0
34.0
28.4
30.0
31.8
22.5
27.8
13.5
12.1
36.5
36.1
14.7
11.2
31.6
35.6
39.5
41.8
14.2
11.5
152
7.0
29.0
27.1
29.5
14.3
44.2
5.5
20.0
52.3
22.2
Concrete and terrazzo finishers...............................
Sales representatives, mining, manufacturing,
and wholesale......................................................
Supervisors; general o ffic e ......................................
Specified mechanics and repairers, n.e.c.................
Stenographers.........................................................
Typesetters and compositors..................................
Financial managers.................................................
Psychologists...........................................................
See footnote at end of table.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
7
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Occupational Tenure
Table 3. Continued— Ranking of occupations by years of tenure in occupation and selected characteristics, January 1987
Occupation
Total
employed,
Median
January
tenure
1987
(in years)
(thou
sands)
Percent of employees, ages
Percent of employees with 3 years
or less
tenure
4 -9
years
tenure
10 -1 9
years
tenure
20 or more
years
tenure
Median
age
16 -2 4
25 -3 4
35 -5 4
55 and
older
Management analysts.............................................
Science technicians, n.e.c........................................
Mall carriers, postal service......................................
Knitting, looping, taping, and weaving
machine operators................................................
Electrical and electronic technicians........................
Painting and paint spraying machine operators........
Postsecondary teachers, subject not specified........
Crossing guards.......................................................
218
79
284
7.0
7.0
7.0
30.5
29.7
34.6
28.0
30.7
25.9
22.5
29.2
27.1
19.0
10.3
12.4
42.2
32.4
38.7
5.0
20.4
6.4
24.7
39.0
31.2
47.5
33.9
46.5
22.8
6.8
15.9
54
294
185
192
67
6.9
6.9
6.9
6.8
6.8
34.3
33.7
38.5
35.5
37.2
18.2
26.6
26.8
29.3
28.2
35.8
25.7
22.3
23.7
28.9
11.8
14.0
12.4
11.5
5.7
37.2
32.9
32.5
38.5
51.5
14.8
15.9
25.3
11.6
2.6
29.1
39.5
33.6
29.0
10.8
48.8
36.7
32.8
43.5
39.1
7.2
8.0
8.2
15.9
47.5
Inhalation therapists.................................................
Carpet installers.......................................................
Computer systems analysts and scientists..............
Other financial officers.............................................
Industrial truck and tractor equipment operators.....
Textile sewing machine operators............................
Correctional institution officers.................................
Teachers, prekindergarten and kindergarten...........
Supervisors; financial records processing...............
78
123
433
594
402
740
190
418
89
6.7
6.7
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.6
6.5
6.4
6.4
17.4
38.1
31.5
32.0
33.0
35.5
37.4
36.5
26.7
50.3
21.9
33.9
31.9
27.6
27.9
29.0
27.3
43.5
30.4
20.7
25.8
25.0
29.6
23.1
24.5
28.0
27.8
2.0
19.2
8.9
11.2
9.8
13.5
9.1
8.1
2.0
32.4
30.3
34.9
36.8
33.9
37.8
33.8
35.9
40.0
8.1
24.5
9.6
8.3
18.8
12.3
12.1
13.4
4.8
55.3
44.6
41.1
34,8
35.5
29.8
42.8
34.1
32.0
35.5
24.4
45.6
45.6
38.3
43.4
36.1
46.2
48.3
1.1
6.5
3.7
11.4
7.4
14.4
9.0
6.3
14.9
Miscellaneous textile machine operators................
Production inspectors, checkers, and examiners.....
Actors and directors.................................................
Health technologists and technicians, n.e.c.............
Miscellaneous machine operators, n.e.c..................
Private household cleaners and servants................
Buyers, wholesale and retail trade, excluding
farm products.......................................................
Real estate sales occupations.................................
69
632
87
186
927
481
6.4
6.3
6.3
6.3
6.2
6.2
33.9
38.5
30.3
40.0
42.0
40.0
31.0
25.1
30.4
28.7
22.0
20.4
26.2
25.2
25.8
23.4
26.5
22.9
8.8
11.2
13.5
7.9
9.4
16.7
31.7
39.3
33.2
31.3
36.0
45.9
22.7
10.1
13.6
22.3
14.9
11.5
34.9
27.8
44.8
43.2
32.8
16.1
30.0
46.2
35.2
29.9
41.6
41.8
12.4
15.8
6.4
4.7
10.6
30.7
205
726
6.0
6.0
40.4
37.4
20.5
27.1
23.8
24.8
15.3
10.7
35.7
43.5
10.1
4.3
38.2
21.4
39.0
50.6
12.7
23.7
Electrical and electronic equipment assemblers .....
Bus drivers...............................................................
Editors and reporters................................................
Laundering and dry cleaning machine
operators..............................................................
Meter readers..........................................................
Painters, construction and maintenance..................
Driver-sales workers................................................
Teachers, n.e.c.........................................................
377
421
228
6.0
6.0
6.0
40.1
37.5
36.8
27.2
27.0
28.0
24.6
25.5
21.0
8.1
10.0
14.2
34.9
41.6
33.6
18.5
7.6
14.0
31.1
23.7
40.8
39.5
49.4
33.5
10.8
19.2
11.7
184
50
440
300
475
6.0
5.9
5.9
5.9
5.9
45.3
42.2
37.3
34.1
36.1
19.6
23.4
28.9
30.7
28.5
20.9
28.0
21.3
19.6
18.3
14.1
6.4
12.5
15.5
17.0
39.1
32.3
32.5
34.4
36.8
18.6
20.6
23.3
13.7
15.1
25.8
38.5
33.3
38.3
29.2
33.4
31.4
33.3
39.0
39.7
22.2
9.5
10.1
9.0
16.0
Order clerks..............................................................
Physicians' assistants.............................................
Billing clerks............................................................
Drywall installers......................................................
Construction trades, n.e.c.........................................
Telephone operators................................................
Authors....................................................................
Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants..................
Dental assistants.....................................................
Timber cutting and logging occupations...................
257
79
145
154
196
232
100
1,283
185
65
5.8
5.8
5.8
5.7
5.7
5.7
5.6
5.6
5.6
5.5
35.9
28.0
40.3
39.4
41.7
41.8
36.1
41.0
36.3
40.1
33.6
52.4
32.6
21.9
26.1
25.4
24.4
28.9
35.8
19.5
24.2
17.4
18.1
21.2
16.7
25.6
17.0
23.3
19.0
16.8
6.3
2.2
9.0
17.6
15.5
7.2
22.5
6.8
8.9
23.6
34.0
31.3
34.6
30.1
31.9
35.8
42.5
36.5
28.0
35.5
15.3
14.2
20.4
24.5
28.7
18.8
2.3
19.3
35.0
21.8
38.6
53.9
31.1
43.4
29.0
28.6
19.1
27.0
39.9
28.6
37.1
28.4
37.9
28.7
30.7
37.8
52.9
39.8
22.4
39.1
9.0
3.5
10.6
3.4
11.5
14.9
25.7
13.9
2.8
10.5
Molding and casting machine operators..................
Miscellaneous hand-working occupations...............
Production coordinators...........................................
Public relations specialists.......................................
Personnel clerks, except payroll and timekeeping.......
Assemblers..............................................................
Securities and financial services sales
occupations..........................................................
Salesworkers, furniture and home furnishings.........
95
78
195
120
63
1,033
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.5
5.4
5.4
46.3
39.2
35.1
36.5
44.7
43.6
22.3
24.8
■ 31.3
24.2
26.5
23.6
19.0
30.1
25.1
31.5
15.3
21.8
12.4
5.9
8.5
7.9
13.5
10.9
34.3
36.4
36.6
37.8
37.7
34.6
18.6
20.9
8.4
11.0
14.3
19.0
33.6
26.4
35.2
28.3
28.3
32.7
37.4
34.1
46.8
47.8
40.6
37.2
10.4
18.6
9.6
12.8
16.8
11.1
354
194
5.4
5.4
36.2
42.2
35.4
21.9
20.2
19.1
8.2
16.8
35.5
38.1
9.3
18.0
38.7
25.1
40.3
39.0
11.6
17.9
Insurance adjusters, examiners, and
investigators.........................................................
Pressing machine operators....................................
Roofers....................................................................
Graders and sorters, except agricultural..................
Supervisors; related agricultural occupations..........
Typists.....................................................................
Supervisors; motor vehicle operators.......................
Personnel, training, and labor relations specialists...
237
126
143
105
72
829
68
323
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.3
5.2
5.2
5.2
5.2
42.3
45.8
36.4
45.6
34.9
43.0
44.0
42.9
34.6
25.8
29.8
24.0
26.0
29.1
36.1
34.0
12.5
15.3
16.4
23.5
21.0
18.8
7.4
17.6
10.6
13.2
17.4
6.9
18.1
9.2
12.5
5.5
32.9
37.3
28.9
33.6
31.6
32.8
36.2
38.2
17.7
19.2
30.1
22.6
25.7
25.6
17.8
6.9
38.1
26.0
37.0
33.0
33.2
30.2
29.9
31.8
33.9
40.0
28.1
34.5
30.8
34.2
40.0
49.7
10.3
14.8
4.7
9.9
10.4
10.0
12.3
11.6
Legal assistants.......................................................
Physical therapists....................................................
Advertising and related sales occupations ..............
Records clerks.........................................................
Economists..............................................................
Technicians, n.e.c.....................................................
Expediters................................................................
Sales occupations, other business services.............
Computer operators.................................................
191
76
153
149
104
252
118
505
859
5.2
5.2
5.1
5.1
5.1
5.0
5.0
4.9
4.8
44.0
46.4
38.4
42.6
42.2
42.5
36.5
43.7
44.3
28.6
33.4
30.9
32.0
32.9
33.4
29.5
31.3
31.7
17.3
15.1
20.5
20.4
18.1
10.2
23.6
16.4
18.4
10.1
5.2
10.1
5.0
6.7
13.9
10.4
8.5
5.5
31.5
33.2
33.2
35.7
36.0
33.8
34.9
34.8
31.3
21.3
11.4
15.5
19.9
9.6
16.7
21.2
18.8
26.8
38.9
45.2
40.3
28.4
38.8
37.6
28.1
32.0
33.9
34.5
39.3
32.5
35.8
42.8
36.6
35.6
38.8
33.2
5.4
4.2
11.6
16.0
8.8
9.1
15.1
10.4
6.1
See footnote at end of table.
8
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Table 3. Continued— Ranking of occupations by years of tenure in occupation and selected characteristics, January 1987
Occupation
Total
employed,
Median
January
tenure
1987
(in years)
(thou
sands)
Percent of employees, ages —
Percent of employees with 3 years
or less
tenure
4 -9
years
tenure
10-19
years
tenure
20 or more
years
tenure
Median
age
16-2 4
2 5 -3 4
3 5 -5 4
55 and
older
Computer programmers...........................................
Investigators and adjusters, except insurance.........
Underwriters............................................................
Salesworkers, parts.................................................
Artists, performers, and related workers, n.e.c.........
Teachers' aides.......................................................
Maids and housemen..............................................
Sawing machine operators ......................................
Machine operators, not specified.............................
471
461
86
183
89
429
617
74
325
4.8
4.8
4.8
4.8
4.8
4.6
4.6
4.6
4.5
45.2
45.3
45.2
43.3
42.3
46.9
46.7
44.6
46.9
33.5
25.4
28.0
29.4
26.4
25.4
27.4
21.4
26.6
14.2
23.1
19.7
18.3
25.0
25.2
17.4
22.0
17.8
7.1
6.2
7.0
8.9
6.3
2.5
8.5
12.0
8.6
30.8
33.2
31.8
29.1
35.1
39.4
38.2
31.3
34.9
20.9
20.6
9.4
31.6
17.8
12.9
16.3
22.9
18.3
45.2
34.7
54.0
36.2
32.4
20.7
27.3
34.8
32.1
31.2
37.0
30.5
23.9
39.4
54.4
38.9
30.8
38.9
2.7
7.7
6.1
8.3
10.4
11.9
17.5
11.5
10.8
Weighers, measurers, and checkers........................
Traffic, shipping, and receiving clerks.....................
Salesworkers, hardware and building supplies.........
Biological technicians..............................................
Athletes....................................................................
Bill and account collectors.......................................
Taxicab drivers and chauffeurs...............................
Slicing and cutting machine operators.....................
Administrative support occupations, n.e.c................
53
466
204
64
68
103
186
161
939
4.5
4.5
4.5
4.4
4.4
4.4
4.4
4.3
4.3
47.6
46.9
46.8
45.6
48.4
45.8
48.1
48.6
48.2
17.5
28.7
23.2
35.0
14.8
32.8
26.2
26.2
28.3
17.4
18.5
21.0
4.6
27.4
12.4
18.7
16.9
16.2
17.5
5.9
8.9
14.9
9.4
9.0
7.1
8.3
7.3
37.0
32.3
32.7
33.8
29.3
33.8
38.2
34.0
35.5
21.6
23.6
27.6
19.5
36.9
16.3
13.8
23.3
18.3
23.4
33.6
30.3
35.7
33.3
37.2
29.8
29.4
30.2
39.6
32.5
23.5
34.8
22.7
34.3
35.4
33.5
38.8
15.4
10.3
18.6
10.0
7.1
12.2
21.0
13.9
12.6
Mixing and blending machine operators...................
Waiters and waitresses............................................
Janitors and cleaners...............................................
Production helpers..................................................
General office clerks................................................
Machine feeders and offbearers..............................
Interviewers..............................................................
Bartenders...............................................................
Eligibility clerks, social welfare.................................
Bank tellers..............................................................
97
1,303
2,073
54
695
100
142
354
58
450
4.3
4.2
4.2
4.1
4.0
3.9
3.9
3.9
3.9
3.8
49.1
48.3
48.8
49.1
49.9
50.7
50.3
50.8
51.4
52.1
23.2
30.3
25.7
30.8
21.0
24.0
29.8
27.4
10.6
28.2
20.2
15.8
17.8
18.2
17.4
19.6
16.1
15.8
24.6
15.7
7.4
5.5
7.8
1.9
11.7
5.7
3.8
6.1
13.5
3.9
33.5
25.9
38.5
29.0
35.1
31.9
34.3
32.1
38.4
28.4
19.9
46.0
21.4
38.2
24.4
23.9
23.9
22.2
8.7
35.4
35.7
28.9
21.8
28.6
25.4
35.3
28.2
36.5
23.5
30.6
35.8
19.7
34.8
24.5
35.7
31.8
36.6
33.0
55.9
28.5
8.5
5.3
22.0
8.7
14.4
8.9
11.3
8.3
11.9
5.5
Cooks, except short-order.......................................
Health aides, except nursing...................................
Laborers, except construction..................................
Welfare service aides..............................................
Salesworkers, motor vehicles and boats.................
Cost and rate clerks.................................................
Construction laborers..............................................
Stock and inventory clerks.......................................
Groundskeepers and gardeners, except farm..........
1,596
388
1,161
116
346
94
616
628
425
3.8
3.7
3.7
3.7
3.7
3.6
3.6
3.6
3.6
51.7
53.2
52.2
55.7
52.7
52.8
52.7
54.0
54.4
24.3
24.9
22.2
33.5
22.3
30.2
22.5
20.5
22.8
17.0
14.4
17.8
9.5
11.6
10.6
15.5
16.1
14.8
6.9
7.4
7.8
1.3
13.4
6.4
9.2
9.5
8.0
29.3
32.3
31.3
44.6
36.5
35.8
29.3
34.1
29.6
39.7
25.5
28.3
12.1
15.8
22.0
34.6
22.8
36.6
21.5
31.8
31.5
15.5
29.4
26.5
30.5
29.7
25.0
26.2
34.2
29.4
44.6
39.8
40.2
26.6
36.2
22.8
12.7
8.6
10.7
27.8
15.0
11.3
8.3
11.3
15.6
Hand packers and packagers..................................
Transportation ticket and reservation agents..........
Animal caretakers, except farm...............................
Photographic process machine operators...............
Freight, stock, and material movers, hand, n.e.c......
Data-entry keyers.....................................................
Bakers.....................................................................
Dispatchers..............................................................
Guards and police, except public service................
299
109
88
101
636
323
111
207
623
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.4
3.4
3.4
3.3
3.3
54.7
55.9
53.7
55.6
56.4
56.8
55.9
57.1
55.7
21.3
26.2
19.6
22.7
19.8
20.9
18.7
29.6
25.5
16.8
6.4
20.6
15.4
15.2
19.1
16.7
10.2
13.3
7.2
11.6
6.1
6.4
8.6
3.2
8.7
3.1
5.5
33.0
33.5
29.5
30.3
28.9
31.7
33.1
34.0
38.6
25.3
18.1
35.6
30.8
34.4
25.5
26.6
18.1
19.8
29.1
35.5
27.6
38.0
32.3
32.7
29.0
35.3
24.1
34.4
39.0
26.7
21.8
26.6
35.3
32.1
34.7
32.0
11.2
7.4
10.1
9.3
6.8
6.4
12.2
11.9
24.1
Packaging and filling machine operators..................
Receptionists...........................................................
Library clerks...........................................................
Truckdrivers, light.....................................................
Salesworkers, radio, television, hi-fi, and
appliances............................................................
Salesworkers, apparel.............................................
Sales counter clerks................................................
Salesworkers, other commodities............................
339
766
150
674
3.3
3.3
3.3
3.2
55.9
58.2
58.0
56.0
19.4
25.3
21.5
20.4
15.8
12.5
18.3
14.2
8.9
4.1
2.2
9.5
35.0
31.4
28.9
30.2
21.7
32.5
43.4
31.1
28.6
25.4
16.2
32.8
38.7
29.9
27.3
25.5
11.0
12.3
13.2
10.6
170
390
207
1,484
3.2
3.1
3.1
3.1
57.7
56.1
62.3
57.1
19.5
24.9
26.9
21.6
15.4
9.4
6.7
13.3
7.4
9.6
4.2
8.0
30.1
27.2
29.7
31.6
32.6
45.6
38.5
36.4
31.1
14.2
20.3
20.0
28.4
22.0
26.3
26.8
7.9
18.2
15.0
17.0
Small engine repairers.............................................
Supervisors, food preparation and
service occupations.............................................
Health record technologists and technicians...........
Helpers, construction trades....................................
Attendants, amusement and recreation facilities.....
Street and door-to-door salesworkers.....................
Child-care workers, private household ....................
Child-care workers, except private household.........
53
3.1
58.3
11.3
22.0
8.4
32.4
24.1
33.4
30.7
11.8
315
53
141
114
270
422
779
3.0
2.9
2.9
2.8
2.7
2.7
2.7
56.8
51.3
58.5
63.9
59.9
67.3
62.1
23.8
20.3
27.6
17.5
20.6
24.8
25.6
12.1
11.0
7.9
15.1
12.7
3.9
10.2
7.3
17.4
6.0
3.6
6.8
4.0
2.0
28.8
35.3
24.9
26.9
35.8
21.9
34.2
39.6
18.5
51.1
46.4
18.5
59.2
19.4
24.0
28.3
27.1
22.0
29.6
15.2
33.8
27.8
38.6
17.5
22.6
35.7
15.1
34.2
8.6
14.6
4.2
9.0
16.2
10.5
12.6
Information clerks, n.e.c...........................................
Hotel clerks..............................................................
Personal service occupations, n.e.c.........................
Salesworkers, shoes................................................
Garage and service station related occupations .....
Short-order cooks....................................................
File clerks................................................................
Cashiers...................................................................
Mail clerks, except postal service............................
257
78
83
102
246
104
289
2,123
181
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.6
2.6
2.5
2.5
2.4
2.3
62.3
57.1
63.1
72.8
68.2
60.2
66.7
65.9
67.0
20.0
29.0
22.0
9.9
15.6
24.1
17.3
19.8
13.1
7.6
8.2
11.8
13.7
11.9
11.5
13.4
11.3
15.5
10.1
5.7
3.0
3.6
4.4
4.2
2.6
3.0
4.4
33.6
27.7
33.8
22.3
23.8
20.9
28.5
24.4
29.8
29.9
36.6
35.2
62.4
54.1
63.9
40.4
52.2
32.7
23.2
28.8
17.8
13.6
17.6
17.6
23.4
20.5
28.5
33.1
23.8
26.1
12.4
17.9
14.6
24.1
20.1
25.8
13.8
10.8
20.9
11.7
10.3
3.9
12.1
7.2
13.0
See footnote at end of table.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
9
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Occupational Tenure
Table 3. Continued— Ranking of occupations by years of tenure in occupation and selected characteristics, January 1987
Occupation
Miscellaneous food preparation occupations..........
News vendors..........................................................
Vehicle washers and equipment cleaners...............
Messengers..............................................................
Kitchen workers, food preparation..........................
Stock handlers and baggers....................................
Walters' and waitresses' assistants.........................
Food counter, fountain, and related occupations.....
n.e.c.
=
Total
employed,
Median
January
tenure
1987
(in years)
(thou
sands)
653
101
232
149
107
933
323
310
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.3
2.1
1.9
1.7
1.5
3 years
or less
tenure
4 -9
years
tenure
10 -1 9
years
tenure
65.3
67.9
69.2
69.1
72.3
71.4
79.1
88.1
20.8
30.0
18.0
18.6
13.7
16.7
13.6
7.7
10.6
2.1
7.0
10.4
11.1
7.2
5.0
3.4
20 or more
years
tenure
3.4
.0
5.8
1.8
2.9
4.7
2.4
.8
Median
age
29.5
26.4
26.7
30.3
27.2
21.1
20.3
18.8
1 6 -2 4
2 5 -3 4
3 5 -5 4
55 and
older
42.2
46.3
43.1
35.6
43.6
67.5
68.9
80.7
17.0
23.9
27.3
25.3
21.2
16.6
13.7
9.6
26.5
19.8
22.4
23.4
24.8
11.3
10.8
6.9
14.2
10.0
7.3
15.8
10.3
4.6
6.6
2.8
not elsewhere classified.
women to head families without husbands and, thus, have
had a greater need for employment. Moreover, black
wives were more likely than white wives to continue
working after having children, compelled, in part, by the
relatively greater labor force difficulties of black hus
bands, compared with white husbands.2
Full- and part-time workers.
Average occupational ten
ure was 7.2 years for the 93.7 million full-time workers in
January 1987, compared to only 3.1 years for the 15.4
million part-time workers.3 Many part-time workers do
not have a strong attachment to their occupation and are
more likely than others to change jobs, become unem
ployed, or leave the labor force, thereby slowing their
accumulation of experience in any particular occupation.
A lm ost seven-tenths of all p art-tim e w orkers were
women, many of whom were employed in administrative
support occupations. Some mothers prefer shorter hours
or fewer workdays per week which allows them to sched
ule their jobs around family responsibilities. Almost 23
percent of the part-time workers were teenagers, com
pared with less than 3 percent of the full-time workers.
Retail sales and food service occupations are m ajor
sources of jobs for teenagers who are in school and want
to work part time.
Differences in the age distribution and gender of parttim e workers affected tenure. Interestingly, men in
part-time jobs had higher tenure than women at most
ages, but their overall average was lower because a dispro
portionately large number were young; relatively few
were of prime working age (25 to 54). More than one-half
of the men in part-time jobs were under 25 years of age,
compared with less than one-third of the women. Men in
part-time jobs also were more likely to be older work
ers— 15 percent were age 65 and older, compared with
about 6 percent of the women.
Many older part-tim e workers had lengthy tenure.
About 35 percent of those ages 60 to 64 and 45 percent of
those ages 65 to 69 had at least 20 years of tenure in their
10
Percent of employees, ages —
Percent of employees with —
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
current occupation. Many of these workers probably accu
mulated the bulk of the years while previously employed
full time in that occupation, and then decided to reduce
their hours or days of work, rather than retire altogether.
Education and training.
The strength of a person’s at
tachment to a specific occupation usually is dependant on
his or her investment in it in terms of education and
training. The greater the investment, the more likely a
person will remain in the occupation, because starting
another career can result in loss of earnings and related
benefits. An additional investment in training may also be
required to change careers. Therefore, tenure tends to be
lengthy for individuals in occupations th a t require
lengthy education, such as physicians, lawyers, engineers,
and teachers. Similarly, tenure tends to be long for work
ers in skilled crafts that require several years of on-the-job
or apprenticeship training, such as machinists, electri
cians, and plum bers. Some occupations that can be
entered without specialized education and training also
have long tenure, including police and firefighters, whose
job attachment is influenced by liberal retirement benefits.
Among workers under age 35, individuals who had
been in their current occupation the longest usually were
not those with the most education. In fact, young college
graduates frequently had less tenure than their high
school classmates who entered the work force earlier.
However, tenure for college educated workers was greater
than for other workers at age 35 and over, and increased
directly with the years of college completed. At ages 55 to
59, for example, average tenure was 22.3 years for work
ers with 5 or more years of college, 20.6 years for those
with 4 years of college, and 16.6 years for those with 1 to 3
years. (See table 4.) As a group, workers with no more
than 8 years of (elementary) school had high average ten
ure because a disproportionate number of them were
older workers, but at most age levels, they had somewhat
less tenure than individuals who attended or completed
high school.
Self-employment.
Average occupational tenure was
10.6 years for self-employed individuals and 6.2 years for
wage and salary workers. The self-employed generally
have greater flexibility in adjusting their work schedules
to suit their needs and, thus, are more likely than others
to continue working beyond customary retirement age.
More than 8 percent of them were age 65 and older,
compared to only 2 percent of the wage and salary work
ers. Self-employment was prevalent in many occupations
having the greatest tenure, including dentist, farmer, and
barber. Working beyond age 65, however, also contrib
uted to the high average tenure in some jobs having
relatively few self-employed people, such as clergy and
farm managers.
Earnings.
c p s data on earnings for wage and salary
workers who usually work full time indicate that occupa
tions with high earnings have longer tenure than those
with low earnings.4 Average (median) weekly earnings of
workers in more than one-half of the occupations in
table 3 were greater than the $358 total for all wage and
salary employees who usually worked full time in 1986. In
almost four-fifths (112) of these occupations, average ten
ure also was greater than the 6.6-year total for all workers
in January 1987. Similarly, about four-fifths of the occu
pations with less than average earnings had less than
average tenure.
The wage and salary workers with the greatest earnings
were concentrated in professional speciality and manage
rial occupations. People usually enter professional
specialty occupations soon after college and many remain
in their chosen field until retirement, particularly if they
have advanced degrees or highly specialized education.
Almost seven-tenths of the workers in the professional
specialty group who were ages 45 to 54 had been in their
occupation 20 years or more, and the proportion was
about nine-tenths among physicians and lawyers. How
Table 4. Median years of tenure in current occupation by
years of school completed and age, January 1987
Years of
school
completed
Total
Total
Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Ages Age
age
65
40
50
55
60
30
35
45
employed
16
25
16
to
to and
to
to
to
to
to
to
(in thou
to
and
64 older
44
49
54
59
24
29
34
39
sands)
older
6.6
1.9 4.4 6.9 9.0 10.7 13.3 15.2 17.7 19.4 20.6
5,633
8.9
1.7
12,050
43,827
4.2
6.4
1.4 4.3 5.7 7.5 10.0 12.7 15.1 17.7 16.8 20.2
2.1 5.0 7.2 8.5 10.4 12.2 14.0 16.0 17.1 18.1
22,669
14,679
6.0
6.8
2.2 4.6 7.3 9.3 10.6 12.9 15.4 16.6 20.7 21.8
1.9 4.0 6.9 9.7 10.8 13.8 16.6 20.6 22.2 25.4
Total... 109,090
Elementary
8 years or
less......
3.6 5.2 7.2 8.5 11.0 14.5 17.2 15.5 18.4
High school
1 to 3
years....
4 years ...
College
1 to 3
years....
4 years ...
5 years or
more ....
10,231 10.1 2.1
3.4 6.4 10.2 13.1 16.5 18.6 22.3 25.2 33.8
ever, many managerial workers have been promoted into
their occupations after years of working in other jobs and,
thus, have not had time to accumulate much tenure. Nev
ertheless, almost one-half of the managerial workers ages
55 to 64 had been in their jobs 20 years or more.
A large proportion of the wage and salary workers with
the lowest earnings were in food preparation and service
occupations and in retail sales jobs such as cashier and
counter clerk. Many others were child-care workers,
stock handlers and baggers, and garage and service sta
tion workers. The occupations with the lowest earnings
usually can be entered by individuals who have little, if
any, previous training or work experience, and who want
a job as an immediate source of income rather than a
long-term career commitment. Consequently, large num
bers of people enter these jobs but few stay very long. For
example, 88 percent of the food counter and fountain
workers had 3 years of tenure or less, while only 1 percent
had 20 years or more.
Table 5. Percent distribution of workers by years of tenure in current occupation and years of tenure with current employer,
January 1987
Tenure with current employer
Total employed
Tenure in current occupation
Number
(in
thousands)
Percent
Less than
2 years
2 years
3 years
4 -5
years
6 -9
years
10-1 4
years
15-1 9
years
2 0 -2 4
years
25 years
or more
Total, age 16 and older............................................. 109,090
Less than 2 years............................................... 21,022
10,404
2 years...............................................................
3 years...............................................................
8,361
11,831
4 -5 years..........................................................
16,598
6 -9 years..........................................................
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
28.8
88.4
20.7
19.3
19.2
15.5
11.4
2.7
66.8
7.5
8.6
6.9
8.6
1.7
2.6
60.7
7.2
6.2
10.8
1.9
2.2
3.8
54.0
8.7
13.8
2.0
3.0
3.0
4.4
55.8
10.8
1.4
2.2
2.8
2.8
3.1
6.6
.8
1.1
1.4
1.8
2.0
4.1
.6
.8
.6
.8
.8
5.2
.4
.6
.8
1.2
.9
15,343
9,649
6,608
9,272
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
12.7
9.4
9.7
7.4
6.5
5.0
4.2
3.7
5.1
4.3
3.8
3.3
8.9
6.6
7.2
5.5
11.6
11.0
9.8
8.0
49.6
10.8
11.3
8.3
2.5
47.9
9.5
7.2
1.4
2.6
41.3
8.4
1.6
2.5
3.3
48.3
10-14 years......................................................
15-19 years......................................................
20 -24 years......................................................
25 years or more................................................
No t e :
Occupational tenure is in cumulative years, whereas employer tenure is in continuous (uninterrupted) years.
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11
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Occupational Tenure
Employer tenure
Data on occupational tenure and employer tenure dif
fer because the former is measured in cumulative years
and the latter is measured in continuous (uninterrupted)
years. Nevertheless, as can be seen in table 5, there is a
link between the two. A change in occupations usually
means a change in employers. Of the 21 million workers
who had less than 2 years of cumulative tenure in their
occupation, about 88 percent also had less than 2 years of
continuous tenure with their employer and most of the
remainder had less than 10 years. Movement of workers
from occupation to occupation usually occurred between,
rather than within, employing organizations, except in the
case of advancement to managerial and supervisory posi
tions.
As expected, the probability of a change in employers
tended to diminish as occupational tenure increased. Of
the 9.3 million workers who had been in their occupation
for 25 years or more, almost one-half also had 25 years or
more continuous tenure with their employer and another
one-fourth had 10 to 24 years. A disproportionate number
of workers who had lengthy tenure in both categories
were in occupations that (a) have high concentrations of
self-employed workers, such as farmers and physicians, or
(b) are restricted or limited as to type of employer, such as
postal service mail carriers and firefighters. Only one-fifth
of the individuals with 25 years or more tenure in their
occupation had been with their employer 5 years or less.
Many of them were accountants, engineers, registered
nurses, automobile mechanics, carpenters, and heavytruck drivers.
Trends
Occupational tenure has increased in recent years and
further increases seem likely. Average years of tenure rose
from 5.7 in 1983 to 6.6 in 1987, as the work force aged.5
The increase, however, was more than just a reflection of
an older population, as men and women at almost every
age had been working in their occupation longer in 1987
than in 1983. Young people entering the labor force in
recent years may eventually accumulate even more tenure
than their parents. Unlike their mothers 20 or 30 years ago,
young women today are more likely to remain in the labor
force for a large part of their adult lives and to work even
when they have infants and toddlers at home.6 Another
factor that may eventually increase tenure among both
sexes is the changing occupational structure of employ
ment. Occupations that require the most education— and
thus, have the strongest worker attachm ent— are pro
jected to increase as a proportion of total employment.7 □
-F O O T N O T E S
’The amount of tenure reported by respondents was rounded to the
nearest year, or to zero if less than 6 months. In the tabulations, the
category, “less than 2 years,” actually consists of all workers who had up
to 1| years of tenure, including those with less than 6 months. The
category, “2 to 3 years,” consists of all workers with more than 1| years,
but less than 3t years, and so forth.
2See Howard Hayghe, “Rise in mothers’ labor force activity includes
those with infants,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , February 1986, pp. 43-45.
3Part-time work is defined as less than 35 hours per week. Persons
who usually work 35 hours or more per week, but for economic reasons
worked fewer hours during the survey week, were classified as full-time
workers. See Thomas H. Nardone, “Part-time workers: who are they?”
M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , February 1986, pp. 13-19.
The data on earnings are limited to wage and salary workers who
usually work full time, and consequently are not strictly comparable to
12
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
the tenure data presented in this article, which also include self-em
ployed workers as well as those on part-time schedules.
5Prior to January 1987, occupational tenure was measured in supple
ments to the January 1983 and January 1981 Current Population
Surveys. The economic recovery may have contributed to the increase in
age-specific tenure between 1983 and 1987. The results of the two most
recent surveys were difficult to compare with those from the January
1981 survey, because the latter used broader intervals to measure the
amount of time the worker had accumulated in the current occupation
and obtained the data only for workers who had not changed occupa
tions between January 1980 and January 1981.
6See Susan E. Shank, “Women and the labor market: the link grows
stronger,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , March 1988, pp. 3 -8 .
7See George T. Silvestri and John M. Lukasiewicz, “A look at occupa
tional employment trends to the year 2000,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w ,
September 1987, pp. 46-63.
Inflation holds steady
during the first half
Increase in Consumer Price Index
remains unchanged at 4.4 percent,
as a downturn in energy component
is offset by acceleration
in prices for food and apparel
Robert A. Kuemmerling
and
Patricia Hanson
During the first 6 months of 1988, the Consumer Price
Index for All Urban Consumers rose at a seasonally ad
justed annual rate of 4.4 percent, the same as that for the
12 months ended in December 1987. While overall rates
for the two periods were identical, the composition of
price change was different. The energy component turned
down slightly in the first half, after partially rebounding
in 1987 from the effect of the 1986 oil glut. Shelter costs
advanced at virtually the same rate as in 1986 and 1987.
But food prices surged in the second quarter, pushing
their year-to-date annual rate above 4 percent.
The index for all items excluding food, shelter, and
energy rose at an annual rate of 4.9 percent in the first
half, the largest increase since the first half of 1984.
Within this group, prices for both commodities and serv
ices accelerated. The sharp increase in apparel prices
accounted for more than 40 percent of the 1988 increase,
but most other commodity components also rose faster
than in 1987. All service groups other than apparel serv
ices accelerated in the first half of 1988. (See table 1.)
Robert A. Kuemmerling and Patricia Hanson are economists in the
Office of Prices and Living Conditions, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Current developments
Food. Effects of the drought of ’88 in the Nation’s Farm
Belt have evoked comparisons to the Dust Bowl of the
1930’s, or to the 1970’s when double-digit inflation was
preceded by commodity-price shocks. The comparisons
are illustrative but not necessarily predictive. Through the
first half of 1988, at least, the hot and dry weather has had
a minimal effect on food prices.
During the first 6 months of 1988, grocery store food
prices increased at an annual rate of 3.9 percent. Although
the increase was slightly higher than the 3.5-percent in
crease in 1987, the com position of the change was
different. For example, prices of fresh fruit and vegetables
increased a strong 12.8 percent in 1987 because of a combi
nation of strong demand, erratic weather, and a virus
which seriously damaged the winter lettuce crop, causing
prices to double. In contrast, over the first 6 months of
1988, fresh fruit and vegetable prices declined at a 13.6percent rate as there were no major disruptions of supplies
of potatoes, tomatoes, and seasonal fruits such as peaches,
melons, and cherries. Lettuce production rebounded sub
stantially from levels of late 1987 and prices plummeted.
However, prices for selected fruits in short supply, such as
apples, bananas, and oranges, jumped in the first half of
13
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Inflation During the First H a lf
1988. Prices for processed fruits rose mainly because of
production shortfalls of orange concentrate in Brazil.
The index for meats, poultry, fish, and eggs also dis
played a wide year-to-year disparity— climbing at a brisk
10.7-percent rate in the first half of 1988 compared with a
modest 1.1-percent increase in 1987. Beef and veal prices
rose sharply because, early in the year, ranchers held cat
tle from slaughter in an attempt to build up depleted
herds. But, as a direct result of the drought, grazing pas
tures became parched and feed grain supplies tightened
and rose abruptly in price. Cattlemen without the finan
cial wherewithal to survive these conditions were forced
to cull their herds by sending beef cows and steers to
slaughter. At the Producer Price Index (ppi) level, cattle
prices declined sharply in June; lower prices at the meat
market counter are likely to follow. But meat prices even
tually are expected to turn higher, as supplies are reduced
while ranchers rebuild their culled herds.
Prices for pork rose during the first 6 months of 1988,
partially in sympathy with beef prices. Higher feed grain
prices, because of the drought, were depleting breedinghog inventories. Fewer hogs for slaughter in the future
will result in higher retail prices. Poultry prices soared
24.1 percent in the first half because of increased exports,
production cutbacks, and strong incremental demand.
For fish and seafood, as with poultry, increased per-capita
consumption by health-conscious consumers at a time of
relatively static supply resulted in higher prices. The hot
weather and rising feed costs led to decreased egg produc
tion, causing prices to shoot up at a 29.6-percent annual
rate.
Several other food groups contributed to the accelera
tion in the food index during the 6-month period ending
June. Prices for cereals and bakery products rose at a 7.0Table 1. Percentage changes for major categories of the
Consumer Price Index, 1982-June 1988
Percent changes, 12 months ended December
Expenditure category
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
6
months
ended
June
19881
All Items.............
3.8
3.8
3.9
3.8
1.1
4.4
4.4
Energy.....................
Energy commodities
Energy services......
1.3
-5.0
14.1
-.5
-3.2
4.1
.2
-1.8
3.5
1.8
3.4
-.6
-19.7
-30.5
-3.3
8.2
17.8
.2
-.4
-1.2
.2
All Items less energy..
F ood.......................
Shelter....................
4.2
3.1
2.4
4.5
2.7
4.7
4.4
3.8
5.2
4.0
2.6
6.0
3.8
3.8
4.6
4.1
3.5
4.8
4.7
4.2
4.7
All Items less food,
shelter, and energy ..
6.1
5.0
4.3
3.7
3.3
3.8
4.9
Commodities less
food, shelter, and
energy................
5.5
5.0
3.1
2.2
1.4
3.5
4.3
Services less food,
shelter, and energy
7.3
4.9
6.0
5.4
5.6
4.3
5.6
Seasonally adjusted annual rates.
14
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
percent annual rate with anticipatory price increases for
drought-impacted grains partly responsible. The index for
alcoholic beverages rose at a 5.8-percent annual rate,
while food away from home rose at a 4.4-percent rate.
Finally, two groups that helped to moderate the food
price increase were nonalcoholic beverages and dairy
products— up 1.5 and 0.9 percent, respectively.
Shelter.
Shelter costs increased at an annual rate of 4.7
percent during the first half of 1988, about the same as in
all of 1987. Renters’ costs rose at a 6.0-percent annual rate
during the 6-month period after moving up 3.9 percent
during 1987. The acceleration in renters’ costs resulted
from large increases in the index for out-of-town lodging,
which advanced at a 12.0-percent annual rate in the first 6
months of 1988, dramatically higher than the 3.9-percent
rise in 1987. The 3.4-percent rate of increase for house or
apartment rents during the first 6 months of 1988 fol
lowed a 4.0-percent rise for 1987. Similarly, the index for
homeowners’ equivalent rent, up at a 4.4-percent rate dur
ing the first half of 1988, rose less than in 1987 when
prices increased 4.8 percent. The index for household
maintenance and repairs advanced at an annual rate of 2.5
percent in the first 6 months of 1988, compared with a
3.3- percent increase in 1987.
Energy. During the first half, energy prices declined at an
annual rate of 0.4 percent, in contrast to the 8.2-percent rise
in the index during 1987. The drop in the index can be linked
to the continuing disarray within the Organization of Petro
leum Exporting Countries (opec). Despite short-lived price
surges resulting from attempts by opec to curb overproduc
tion, the Producer Price Index for crude petroleum fell at an
annual rate of 12.2 percent in the first 6 months of 1988. The
index had soared 28.8 percent in 1987.
The drop in crude oil prices resulted in moderate 6month index changes for fuel oil and gasoline in the cpi.
Fuel oil rose at a modest annual rate of 1.8 percent, after
advancing 17.9 percent in 1987. Gasoline prices dropped
at an annual rate of 2.2 percent, after an 18.7-percent
increase in 1987. The current surge in fuel consumption
has restrained any additional decrease in gasoline prices;
there are more cars on the road, being driven longer dis
tances, more often. Both indexes remained below the peak
levels reached in early 1981. Energy services (gas and
electricity) advanced at the same rate as in 1987, up 0.2
percent. Charges for natural gas dropped at a rate of 0.4
percent, partially offsetting a 0.7-percent increase in the
index for electricity.
Services less food, shelter, and energy. The index for serv
ices excluding food, shelter, and energy rose at an annual
rate of 5.6 percent in the first half of 1988, compared with a
4.3- percent increase in all of 1987. (See table 2.) Most ser-
Table 2. Price changes for consumer services other than food, shelter, and energy, December 1982-June 1988
[In percent]
December
1987 to
June
1988'
December
1982 to
December
1983
December
1983 to
December
1984
December
1984 to
December
1985
December
1985 to
December
1986
December
1986 to
December
1987
Services less food, shelter, and energy.......................
4.9
6.0
5.4
5.6
4.3
5.6
Other utilities and public services.............................
Telephone services...............................................
Water and sewerage maintenance.......................
Cable television.....................................................
Refuse collection..................................................
Housekeeping services............................................
4.8
3.6
8.5
(2)
(2)
2.5
8.1
9.2
5.5
6.1
3.2
2.4
5.0
4.7
5.5
6.0
6.4
3.9
3.7
2.7
5.4
3.8
9.4
1.8
1.9
-1.3
5.2
9.5
10.2
1.8
2.3
Apparel services......................................................
5.0
4.9
4.9
3.9
3.9
2.1
Transportation services............................................
Automobile maintenance and repair........................
Other private transportation services.......................
Automobile insurance...........................................
Automobile finance charges.................................
Automobile registration, licensing, and
inspection fees..................................................
Public transportation ................................................
Airline fares...........................................................
Other Intercity public transportation.....................
Intracity public transportation...............................
3.8
3.8
3.8
9.1
-7.9
6.2
3.2
7.6
7.9
6.8
4.9
3.3
5.3
12.0
-8.3
5.8
6.8
11.8
-7.3
4.3
3.8
5.4
5.8
5.9
4.9
4.8
6.1
9.2
-2.6
7.8
3.8
4.8
7.0
2.1
8.5
6.4
6.5
10.7
5.9
2.1
5.1
6.3
6.4
3.6
3.4
6.0
5.3
4.9
6.8
1.7
1.8
1.6
2.0
2.4
10.8
1.8
.2
10.9
2.0
Medical care services...............................................
Professional medical services..............................
Hospital and related services...............................
6.2
7.6
10.4
5.8
6.3
7.6
6.8
6.5
5.0
7.9
6.3
7.2
5.6
6.3
7.0
Consumer service category
3.7
.2
7.2
3.2
8.1
6.2
7.5
7.7
10.9
Entertainment services............................................
5.4
5.7
4.4
5.4
4.3
4.9
Personal and educational services..........................
Tuition and other school fees...............................
Personal expenses (legal, financial, and funeral)..
9.9
9.4
12.2
9.2
10.1
6.5
8.1
8.4
6.1
8.0
7.9
9.0
6.5
7.6
4.4
8.5
9.1
6.3
'Seasonally adjusted annual rates.
2Data not available.
vice categories experienced more rapid price increases in the
first half of 1988. The medical care services component
advanced at an annual rate of 7.5 percent in the first half,
following a 5.6-percent increase during 1987. The accelera
tion reflected larger increases for both professional medical
services and hospital and related services.
Transportation services increased at a 4.9-percent rate
during the first 6 months of 1988, after advancing 4.3
percent in 1987. Automobile insurance costs rose at a 9.2percent annual rate during the first 6 months, up from the
5.8-percent rise in 1987, but still slightly below the dou
ble-digit increases of both 1985 and 1986. The index for
automobile registration, licensing, and inspection, which
had increased only 1.7 percent in 1987, moved up at an
annual rate of 10.8 percent in the first half. Partially off
setting these larger increases was a decline at an annual
rate of 2.6 percent in automobile finance charges. Public
transportation costs rose at a 1.8-percent rate in 1988, the
same as in 1987. Increases in fares for airlines and intra
city mass transit slowed in 1988 but were offset by a sharp
advance in other intercity transportation costs, up at a
10.9-percent annual rate.
The index for personal and educational services ad
vanced at an 8.6-percent rate in the first 6 months of 1988.
Charges for tuition and other fees continued to advance
sharply— up at a 9.1-percent rate. The index for personal
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expenses accelerated, reflecting a jump in charges for
personal financial services, which include banking and
accounting expenses.
Among the non-shelter housing services, the index for
housekeeping services accelerated, largely as a result of
the April increase in postage rates by the U.S. Postal
Service— the first increase since February 1985. Charges
for other utilities and public services continued to register
moderate increases despite a 7.2-percent rise in the water
and sewerage maintenance index. This advance reflected
general sewer rate increases and special “drought rates”
to promote water conservation.
Within the entertainment services component, which
rose at an annual rate of 4.9 percent, the index for club
membership fees jumped 10.9 percent in the first half,
after rising only 1.7 percent in 1987. The only major
service group to decelerate, apparel services, increased at
a 2.1-percent rate, after advancing 3.9 percent in 1987.
Smaller increases in charges for laundry and drycleaning
services were responsible for the slowdown.
Commodities less food, shelter, and energy.
Several
groups of commodities have a high proportion of imports
in market sales. (See table 3.) It follows that these groups
are susceptible to price acceleration after a sustained pe
riod of decline in the value of the dollar exchange rate
15
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Inflation During the First H a lf
such as occurred between early 1985 and the end of 1987.
For example, prices for apparel commodities rose at an
accelerated clip during the first half, 7.6 percent, com
pared with 7.4 percent for the same period last year and
4.9 percent for all of 1987. The introduction of substan
tially higher-priced spring and summer merchandise was
consistent throughout the apparel group. Especially sharp
rates of increase were displayed by women’s and girls’
apparel (10.5 percent) and men’s and boys’ apparel (5.7
percent). It is probable that for all of 1988 the increase in
apparel commodities will surpass the gain for 1987 (the
largest on record). M ajor clothing manufacturers have
already indicated that, due to sharp increases in their
costs for imported wool and other fabrics, prices will be
commensurately higher when the fall and winter mer
chandise is unveiled.
Another import-sensitive commodity, new cars, pro
vides an example of market conditions overriding the
effects of exchange rate movements. The index for new
cars increased at a modest 1.6-percent annual rate during
the first half of 1988, compared with a 1.8-percent in
crease in 1987. While new cars sold at a slightly higher
rate this year as opposed to 1987, the manufacturers and
dealers had a difficult time weaning consumers from
incentive packages. Although prices of imported cars in
creased more than prices of domestic models, the rise was
below expectations based on the lengthy appreciation of
the currencies of the exporters. There are several explana
tions. First, manufacturers of foreign cars displayed a
willingness to sacrifice profit margins in the short run
rather than experience an erosion of market share. Sec
ond, dealers, who had previously added substantial
surcharges to the sticker price of imports in short supply,
were cutting or eliminating entirely these markups. In
deed, some imports, especially the luxury European mod
els, were marketed with incentive packages comparable to
those of their domestic counterparts. Finally, the distinc
tion between an import and a domestic automobile was
becoming blurred as several “foreign” model nameplates
are now wholly or partially manufactured in the United
States.
Among groups of commodities insulated from the
gyrations of the dollar and imports, price movements
were disparate. Tobacco and smoking products rose at a
9.9-percent annual rate in the first 6 months of 1988 com
pared with a 7.9-percent increase in 1987. Late last year,
the manufacturers of tobacco products raised wholesale
prices which the retailers quickly passed on to the con
sumer. And the prospect is for more increases in the price
of tobacco products for the remainder of 1988 because the
manufacturers again raised their wholesale prices in June.
The index for medical care commodities, consisting of
both prescription and nonprescription drugs, rose at a
slightly slower pace during the first half of 1988 than
during 1987— 5.7 percent versus 7.1 percent. Finally, the
index for used cars displayed a complete turnaround from
1987, when prices rose 8.9 percent. In contrast, in the first
half of 1988, used car prices declined at a 1.5-percent
annual rate. The surprisingly good pattern of new car
sales this year resulted in a surfeit of late-model used cars
on dealer lots. Hence there was dealer reluctance to bid
aggressively at the wholesale auto auctions for anything
but clean, ready-to-sell cars.
Current outlook
During the past 6 years, particularly if the volatile en
ergy component is excluded, the movement of consumer
prices has been relatively stable. Recent concerns, how-
Table 3. Seasonally adjusted annual rates of change for Consumer Price Indexes for certain commodities with
higher-than-average import proportions, selected periods, December 1982-June 1988
[In percent]
December
1982 to
December
1983
December
1983 to
March
1985
March
1985 to
June
1986
Commodities less food, shelter, and energy..........
5.0
3.5
0.7
Wine at home.................................................
Whiskey at home............................................
Alcoholic spirits, excluding whiskey...............
-1.5
1.5
.7
1.3
2.0
2.6
7.8
9.7
-1.3
-4.1
1.0
-5.1
Category
TV and sound equipment...............................
Clocks, lamps, and decor items.....................
Tableware, serving pieces, and nonelectric
kitchenware.................................................
Lawn equipment, power tools, other hardware
1.0
-
2.2
2.4
1.6
2.3
.5
1.9
Men's and boys' apparel.................................
Women's and girls' apparel.............................
Infants' and toddlers' apparel .........................
Jewelry and luggage........................................
Footwear..........................................................
2.3
3.3
3.5
3.4
New vehicles....................................................
'Jewelry only.
16
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1.6
June
1986 to
December
1986
December
1986 to
December
1987
December
1987 to
June
1988
3.5
-.3
3.8
1.3
.9
3.8
2.1
2.1
-3.0
-5.8
-3.7
1.7
-.5
6.1
.2
2.2
.9
-1.9
1.8
1.3
1.3
5.3
-2.9
2.3
2.5
5.5
.3
1.3
-2.3
4.6
1.0
2.0
-1.4
.9
5.0
-4.3
5.1
3.9
3.1
5.9
2.4
’ 11.5
3.8
5.7
10.5
3.5
16.4
3.8
3.3
3.0
4.1
5.8
1.8
1.4
-
1.1
ever, are that the rate of inflation is accelerating. Most
private and public sector estimates of consumer price
change for the second half of 1988 and for 1989 show an
upward drift. We will examine some of the factors on
which these forecasts are based.
The most direct, and highly publicized, influence on
prices in the next 18 months will come from this summer’s
heat and drought. While the economic consequences of the
drought will be serious, particularly for farm incomes, the
effect on the overall c p i is not generally anticipated to be
that large. The consensus forecast, after consideration of the
drought, has added 0.1 percentage point to the 1988 esti
mate of the change in the c p i and 0.2 to 0.3 percentage
point to the 1989 estimate. The shortages of crops have both
a direct and an indirect effect on the food component of the
c p i . The crop failure of durum wheat (for which there are
no carryover reserves) used to make pasta is an example of a
food component which will be directly affected. More im
portant to food prices, however, are the indirect effects of
the failure of the feed grain crops. As noted, higher priced
feed is pressuring ranchers to send their livestock to slaugh
ter sooner. The temporary oversupply will lead to lower
meat prices. However, the need to rebuild the herds will
likely result in higher prices next year.
A second inflationary factor cited revolves around the
delayed impact of the long decline in the exchange value
of the dollar, that is, the prices of imports will inevitably
rise further. The recent U.S. experience was discussed
above in the section on commodities less food, shelter, and
energy. The evidence suggested that recent exchange rate
movements did not consistently portend the magnitude or
duration of price movements. Other competitive forces
such as the desire to retain market share or the availability
of substitute products often mitigated the effects of cur
rency gyrations. Barring a further substantial decline in
the value of the dollar (the dollar appreciated slightly over
the first half of 1988), there is no reason to believe that
any future impact will be significant.
Of greater concern are the inflationary implications of
the current stage of the business cycle, typified by high
industrial capacity utilization, low unemployment, and
accelerating material costs. Through June, the current
expansion had lasted 68 months, which exceeded in
length 7 out of the 8 post-World War II expansions— the
exception being the 106-month period from February
1961 to December 1969. It is usually during the advanced
stage of an economic recovery that prices begin to acceler
ate.1 Although fears of impending recession persist, the
current expansion does not yet appear to have run its
course. And the behavior of several statistical series do
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
seem to harbinger upward pressure on prices in the months
ahead.
The 14-year low in the civilian unemployment rate
achieved during the first half of 1988 has stirred concern
about rising wages and their impact on prices. Civilian
worker compensation is measured by the Employment
Cost Index. During the second quarter of 1988, the an
nual rate of change in this index rose above 4 percent for
the first time since early 1986. But, while rising wage costs
usually correlate to rising prices in the long run, advances
in productivity can offset this upward pressure. Another
indicator influenced by rising wages is the index of unit
labor costs, which are the labor compensation costs in
curred in the production of a unit of output (and are
derived by dividing compensation by output). The unit
labor cost index has averaged an annual increase of 2.2
percent during the current expansion. The index rose 3.0
percent, however, between the second quarters of 1987
and 1988. Nevertheless, this should be contrasted to the
last 2 years of the 1961-69 business cycle, when unit
labor costs rose at a 7.1-percent rate.
An additional characteristic of the latter stages of an
expansion is an acceleration of material costs. In good
part this can be tied to the fact that the U.S. factory
utilization rate during the second quarter rose to its
highest level in more than 8 years. The best measure
of accelerating material costs is the finished goods compo
nent of the P roducer Price Index, which rose at a
3.6-percent annual rate in the first half of 1988, following
a 2.2-percent increase for all of 1987. While some of the
acceleration in the p p i was because of rising food prices,
this was partially offset by the downturn in energy prices.
Finished goods less food and energy rose at a 3.9-percent
annual rate over the first half, almost twice the 2.1-percent rate of last year.
In summary, the drought and the delayed impact of the
deterioration of the exchange value of the dollar are likely
to have only a small effect on the c p i in the next 18
months. The recent acceleration in labor and material
costs will probably put the most pressure on consumer
prices. However, even these cost increases, when viewed
with a historical perspective, are consistent only with a
gradual drift upwards from the 4-percent inflation level of
the past 6 years.
□
--------- F O O T N O T E --------'See John F. Early, Mary Lynn Schmidt, and Thomas J. Mosimann, “Inflation and the business cycle during the postwar period,”
M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , November 1984, pp. 3 -7 .
17
Employer-sponsored dental insurance
eases the pain
Dental care plans grew in prominence
from 1980 to 1986; plan cost control measures,
as well as plan benefits, kept pace with the
rising cost o f dental care
R ita S. Jain
In recent decades, dental insurance plans have been one of
the fastest-growing items on the employee benefits scene.
Between 1967 and 1985, the number of persons in the United
States with dental coverage grew from 4.6 million to nearly
100 million,1 largely because of the adoption of worksitebased group plans. In 1986, 68 percent of all full-time
employees in medium and large firms participated in dental
plans financed wholly or partially by their employers.
These plans provide a variety of services, ranging from
routine examinations to more expensive treatments such
as orthodontia and restorative procedures. But more often
emphasis is on preventive care.
This article examines several key features of dental plan
design, including benefits piovided, methods of reimburse
ment, funding arrangements, and employee contributions
to plan premiums. It is based on data from the Bureau of
Labor Statistics’ 1980-86 surveys of benefits for full-time
Rita S. Jain is an economist in the Division of Occupational Pay and
Employee Benefit Levels, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
18
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
employees in medium and large firms. The 1986 survey
studied a sample of 1,500 establishments, which repre
sented approxim ately 46,000 business establishm ents
em ploying 24 m illion w orkers; the coverage of the
1980-85 surveys was virtually the same.2 Data were tabu
lated for three broad occupational groups: professional
and administrative workers, technical and clerical work
ers, and production workers. The first two groups are
considered white-collar workers, in contrast to blue-collar
or production workers.
The 1986 survey studied approximately 1,900 plans
providing dental benefits. (Plans with dental benefits lim
ited to oral surgery or other services necessitated by
accidental injury were not classified as dental plans.) In
cluded in the study were both com prehensive plans
combining dental and other health benefits and dental
plans that were independent of plans providing hospital,
surgical, medical, and related health benefits. In 1986,
five-eighths of the participants had dental coverage that
was separate from their main health insurance plan.
Dental plan participation: 1 9 8 0 -8 6
According to the 1986 Employee Benefits Survey, den
tal coverage, wholly or partially financed by the employer,
was available to 71 percent of full-time employees with
health insurance in medium and large firms— a 27-percent
increase in the proportion recorded for 1980. Coverage
rose 28 percent for white-collar workers and 21 percent for
blue-collar workers.
However, the rise in dental plan participation was un
even throughout the 1980-86 period. Participation grew
gradually, reaching a peak in 1984; since then, there has
been a small decline for all occupational groups. The
slowdown in the growth of dental insurance participation
may be traced to several factors. Employment declines in
some industries, such as basic steel, which traditionally
provided dental benefits, affected overall participation
rates. Efforts to control health care costs have caused
some companies to reconsider expanding their benefit
programs to include dental care. Additionally, flexible
benefits programs enabled employees to switch insurance
plans in favor of other benefits. The following tabulation
shows the percent of full-time health insurance partici
pants with dental benefits in medium and large firms
during the 1980-86 period:
Years
Professional Technical
A ll
and
and
participants administrative clerical Production
.........
.........
.........
.........
56
61
68
74
60
67
76
79
55
60
68
72
56
59
64
72
1984 .........
1985 .........
1986 .........
77
76
71
79
79
75
75
76
72
76
73
68
1980
1981
1982
1983
Table 1. Percent of full-time participants in dental plans
with scheduled cash allowances by maximum payable for
selected dental procedures, medium and large firms, 1986
Procedure
Professional
Technical
and
All
and clerical
administrative
participants
participants
participants
Production
participants
Examinations:
Total.......................
$10 and under...........
$ 1 1 -1 5 .....................
$ 1 6 -2 0 .....................
$ 2 1 -2 5 .....................
$ 2 6 -3 0 .....................
$ 3 1 -3 5 .....................
$ 3 6 -4 0 .....................
$ 4 1 -5 0 .....................
More than $50 ..........
Not determinable......
100
2
5
14
19
11
15
9
22
1
1
100
—
2
10
19
8
17
9
31
1
2
100
1
2
6
23
6
20
11
30
2
(1)
100
5
9
21
16
17
11
9
11
(1)
Fillings:
Total.......................
$10 and under...........
$ 1 1 -1 5 .....................
$ 1 6 -2 0 .....................
$ 2 1 -2 5 .....................
More than $25 ..........
Not determinable......
100
14
36
42
7
1
1
100
10
37
42
8
1
2
100
6
34
51
6
1
(1)
100
21
36
36
6
1
1
Dental surgery to repair
fracture of the mandi
ble:
Total.......................
$25 and under...........
$ 2 6 -5 0 .....................
$ 5 1 -7 5 .....................
$76-100 ...................
$101-125 ................
$126-150 ................
$151-175 ................
$176-200 ................
More than $200.........
Not determinable......
100
6
13
22
11
24
4
4
2
9
5
100
4
12
28
11
21
5
4
3
6
6
100
3
10
25
11
33
6
3
2
4
3
100
8
16
16
11
22
4
4
—
15
9
Crowns:
Total.......................
$100 and under.........
$101-150 ................
$151-200 ................
$201-300 ................
$301-400 ................
Not determinable......
100
6
22
31
40
1
1
100
4
18
32
44
1
2
100
6
13
31
48
1
(1)
100
8
29
30
32
(1)
(1)
(')
1Less than 0.5 percent.
N o t e : Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals.
Dashes indicate no employees in these categories.
E xtent o f coverage
In 1986, 98 percent of the participants were in dental plans
with provisions that covered all family members. Employees
were more likely to share in plan costs if coverage was ex
tended to their dependents. One percent were in plans that
covered the employee only; an additional 1 percent had
coverage for only the employee and the spouse. Less than
0.5 percent of the participants were in plans providing dental
benefits only for dependent children.
Nearly all dental plans covered a wide range of services,
including preventive care, such as examinations and x rays;
restorative procedures, such as fillings, inlays, and crowns;
dental surgery; and periodontal care (treatment of tissues
and bones supporting the teeth). Plans paying all or part of
the cost of orthodontic services, at least for dependent chil
dren, covered 75 percent of dental participants in 1986, up
from 62 percent in 1980. Aside from the growth in orth
odontic benefits, there was little change in the incidence of
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services covered during the period studied. The following
tabulation is illustrative:
Percent o f plan participants
Procedure
1980
1983
1986
E xam inations..............
Fillings ........................
C ro w n s........................
O rthodontia.................
100
100
97
62
99
100
99
73
100
100
98
75
M ethods o f reimbursement
Dental plans pay for covered services in one of four
ways: (1) full or partial payment of usual, customary, and
reasonable charges (ucr)3; (2) payment according to a
schedule (list) of cash allowances; (3) incentive payment
schedules; and (4) copayment methods. The methods
used varied somewhat in 1986 by the type of dental proce-
19
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
dure, as the following tabulation shows:
P e r c e n t o f p la n p a r tic ip a n ts c o v e r e d f o r p r o c e d u r e
S c h e d u le
o f c a sh
P ro ced u re
T o ta l
E xam inations......
Fillings .................
C ro w n s.................
O rthodontia.........
100
100
100
100
UCR
I n c e n tiv e C o p a y m e n t
a llo w a n c e s
s c h e d u le
m e th o d
17
27
27
20
3
3
1
—
*
1
2
3
80
69
70
77
* Less than 0.5 percent.
Dash indicates no participants in this category.
Over the 1980-86 period, little change was noted in the
prevalence of the reimbursement methods.
For all procedures examined, the most common type of
reimbursement was through the ucr method. However,
the portion of ucr charges paid for by dental plans often
varied by the type of procedure. To encourage preventive
care, less costly diagnostic and preventive procedures
were usually covered at 80 percent or 100 percent. (It is
assumed that participants who seek preventive care are
less likely to require more expensive restorative work in
the future.) Fillings, surgery, and periodontal care were
most likely to be covered at 80 percent; while the most
costly procedures— inlays, crowns, and orthodontia—
were often reimbursed at 50 percent of ucr charges. The
following tabulation shows reimbursements for 1986:
Employer-Sponsored Dental Insurance
sors revise scheduled allowances, on average, to reflect
increases in the price of dental care. The following tabulation
shows that, for selected procedures, average allowances in
creased 11 to 49 percent from 1983 to 1986. During this
period, the dental services component of the Consumer Price
Index for All Urban Consumers rose 19 percent.
Average m aximum
benefit payment
Procedure
1983
1986
Percent
increase
Exam inations............................ ..
Fillings......................................
Dental surgery to repair
fracture of the m andible......
Crow ns..........................................
$27
13
$30
15
11
15
81
166
121
194
49
17
Three percent of dental plan participants had services
covered by an incentive schedule in 1986. To encourage
participants to seek preventive care, under this method of
reimbursement the percentage of dental expenses paid by
the plan increases each year if the participant is examined
regularly by a dentist. For this reason, preventive proce
dures were more likely to be subject to incentive schedules
than complex restorative and orthodontic procedures.
Table 2. Percent of full-time participants in dental plans
by type of deductible and method of reimbursement,
medium and large firms, 1986
Percent o f plan participants
Procedure
Total
Exam inations......
Fillings .................
C ro w n s.................
O rthodontia.........
100
100
100
100
With dental deductibles —
Charges covered at
50%
80% 100% Other %
1
6
50
81
23
55
18
5
71
13
6
5
5
26
26
9
Method of
reimbursement1
Examinations:
Total..................
Scheduled cash
allowance...........
UCR...........................
During the 1980-86 period, there was little change in the
proportion of ucr charges paid for by the plans studied.
In 1986, about one-fourth of the dental plan partici
pants were reim bursed based on a schedule of cash
allowances. In this arrangement, dental services are paid
for up to a maximum dollar amount specified for each
procedure. Restorative procedures, such as fillings, dental
surgery, and crowns, were more likely to be subject to this
type of schedule than preventive procedures (examina
tions and x rays).
Table 1 shows the range of cash allowances that plans
had specified for selected dental procedures. In 1986, plans
typically paid from $15 to $50 for most routine dental ex
aminations, while simple fillings were seldom reimbursed
for more than $25. However, coverage for dental surgery to
repair a fracture of the mandible (jaw) usually allowed pay
ments up to $125; and payments for more expensive crowns
commonly ranged from $150 to $300.
Unlike the ucr reimbursement method, scheduled allow
ances do not automatically change in tandem with prices for
dental services. However, survey data reveal that plan spon
20
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Incentive schedule
Fillings:
Total..................
Scheduled cash
allowance...........
UCR...........................
Incentive schedule
Dental surgery:
Total..................
Scheduled cash
allowance...........
UCR...........................
Incentive schedule
Crowns:
Total..................
Scheduled cash
allowance...........
UCR...........................
Incentive schedule
Orthodontia:
Total..................
Scheduled cash
allowance...........
UCR...........................
Incentive schedule
Total
Separate deductible
Annual
Lifetime
Overall
No
deductible
deductible
100
15
2
4
79
100
100
100
7
17
6
1
2
25
1
4
92
77
70
100
54
7
3
35
100
100
100
44
60
22
17
2
25
1
5
38
32
53
3
35
1
4
34
34
47
—
-
100
55
7
100
100
100
47
59
25
19
2
28
100
58
5
4
33
100
100
100
46
65
38
16
1
30
1
5
37
29
32
100
24
13
100
100
—
22
25
—
19
11
—
-
—
3
4
—
61
58
60
'Services reimbursed through the copayment method were not subject to
deductibles.
N o t e : Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals.
Dashes indicate no employees in these categories.
Table 3. Percent of full-time participants in dental plans with deductibles by type of deductible, medium and large firms, 1986
Preventive,
restorative, and
orthodontic
Preventive
and
restorative
Restorative
and
orthodontia
Preventive
only
Restorative
only
Orthodontia
only
Subject to basic dental deductible...........
10
26
24
(1)
43
10
Yearly deductible:
T o ta l.............................................
Under $ 2 5 ........................................
$25....................................................
$26-49 ............................................
$50....................................................
$51 -9 9 ............................................
$1 00.................................................
More than $100.................................
9
(1)
4
(1)
5
(1)
(1)
—
23
1
7
1
12
(1)
1
(1)
18
—
6
(1)
11
1
1
—
(1)
—
(1)
—
(1)
—
—
41
—
18
(1)
20
1
1
(1)
1
—
—
—
1
Lifetime deductible:
T o ta l.............................................
Under $ 2 5 ........................................
$25....................................................
$26-49 ............................................
$50....................................................
$51-99 ............................................
$100 .................................................
More than $100.................................
(1)
—
—
—
(1)
—
—
—
3
(1)
(1)
—
(1)
2
(1)
—
6
—
—
—
6
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
2
—
—
—
2
—
—
9
—
—
—
—
—
(1)
—
Type of deductible
Subject to both........................................
8
1
(1)
r)
1Less than 0.5 percent.
N o t e : Because of rounding and the existence of multiple deductibles in a plan, sums of individual items may not equal totals. Dashes indicate no employees in these
categories.
One to three percent of dental plan participants in 1986
were required to make copayments, a reimbursement
method that was not found in the 1980 survey. Under this
arrangement, the employee pays a specified amount (such
as $10) for a dental procedure, and the plan pays the
balance. It is essentially the opposite of the scheduled cash
allowance method. Restorative procedures and more ex
pensive procedures, such as orthodontia, were more likely
to be paid for under this method than were preventive
procedures.
Deductible requirements
Participants were commonly required to pay a specified
amount of dental expenses (deductible) before the plan
paid any benefits. The most common requirement was a
$25 or $50 deductible each year. However, some plans
called for the participant to pay a “lifetime” deductible
(usually $50) only once while a member of the plan,
rather than every year. White-collar workers were more
likely than blue-collar workers to have plans with deduct
ible requirements, a pattern that has remained essentially
the same since first studied in 1980.
Deductibles were found in combined hospital-medicaldental plans and also in separate dental plans. In the
combined plans, the deductible almost always applied
specifically to dental charges and not to all health care
expenses.
Four percent of dental plan participants were subject to
overall health insurance plan deductibles. In these plans,
dental expenses were included along with other types of
medical expenses in meeting an overall deductible. For ex
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
ample, if the health insurance plan deductible was $200, the
participant would have to pay $200 in dental or other medi
cal care expenses before the plan would pay any benefits.
The following tabulation shows that separate dental
deductibles have become somewhat more common since
1980. However, the amounts of the deductibles have
changed little: in all 3 years, annual deductibles were
evenly divided between $25 and $50 amounts, while $50
was the most common lifetime deductible. This is in
marked contrast to the rise in overall health insurance
deductibles.4 The data exclude separate deductibles for
orthodontic procedures.
Percent o f plan participants
Deductible requirement
Deductible applies only to
dental expenses ........................ ..
Deductible applies to medical
and dental expenses .................
Without deductible....................... ..
1980
1983
1986
53
61
63
5
42
8
32
4
32
When dental deductibles were specified, they did not
necessarily apply to all procedures. As shown in table 2,
only 17 percent of participants in 1986 had to satisfy a
separate dental deductible before receiving reimburse
ment for preventive care, compared with about 60 percent
for more expensive treatm ents— fillings, dental surgery,
and crowns. Deductibles are less commonly applied to
preventive procedures to avoid discouraging participants
from getting regular checkups.5
Orthodontic services, which are likely to be the most
costly dental procedures, were subject to separate dental
21
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
E m ployer-Sponsored D ental Insurance
deductibles for nearly two-fifths of the participants. Be
cause orthodontic work often continues beyond 1 year
and is not likely to recur, lifetime— rather than annual—
deductibles were more common than for other proce
dures. For the same reasons, deductibles— which are
designed to eliminate multiple small claims— are often
not applied to orthodontic expenses.6
Table 2 also shows the relationship between the method
of reimbursement and deductibles. Except for examina
tions, there was no appreciable difference in the incidence
of deductibles among plans basing payments on the u c r
and scheduled allowances methods; in ucR-based plans,
lifetime deductibles were less likely to appear than in
plans based on scheduled allowances.
Deductible expenses, for the most part, apply to groups
of dental expenses rather than to all procedures or to each
separate procedure. Table 3 examines the relationship be
tween the type and amount of deductibles and the dental
procedures to which they applied. Deductibles were most
commonly applied to restorative care alone, and were
evenly split between $25 and $50 annual amounts. In
plans in which either preventive or orthodontic expenses
were included under the same deductible, an amount of at
least $50 was specified more frequently. When a separate
deductible applied to orthodontic expenses, it was usually
a single lifetime deductible of $50 per individual.
M aximum benefit limits
Nearly all participants in 1986 were in plans with a
ceiling on total payments for dental care. Maximum limits
on nonorthodontic care were applied on a yearly basis,
while orthodontia was subject to separate lifetime limits.7
In 1986, maximum annual limits for nonorthodontic
services applied to 88 percent of dental plan participants.
The most common limit was $1,000; few exceeded $1,500.
The trend since 1980, however, has been to raise the an
nual ceilings. Ceilings greater than $1,000 applied to 19
percent of plan participants in 1986, up from 11 percent in
1983, and 6 percent in 1980.8
Orthodontic care was usually subject to a separate lifetime
cap on payments from the plan. In 1986, maximum lifetime
limits applied to 94 percent of participants in plans that cov
ered orthodontia. The most common lifetime ceiling was
$1,000. Over the 1980-86 period, orthodontic maximums
increased significantly. Limits of $1,000 or more applied to
17 percent of participants in 1980, 35 percent in 1983, and 50
percent in 1986.
Funding arrangements
Considerable change has taken place since 1980 in the
financial arrangements for providing dental care. As the fol
lowing tabulation shows, there has been a marked shift from
providing benefits through commercial insurance carriers to
self-funded arrangements. Commercial carriers provided
benefits to half of the participants in 1986, down from threequarters in 1980; while the incidence of self-funded plans
(those self-insured by employers) more than doubled, cover
ing two-fifths of the participants in 1986, up from one-fifth in
1980. Coverage through Blue Cross-Blue Shield plans was
relatively unchanged; but other arrangements for providing
dental care, such as health maintenance organizations
( h m o ’s), preferred provider organizations ( p p o ’s), and den
tal societies, increased their share of participants during the
period studied.9 This parallels the shift to providing medical
services through self-funded arrangements, h m o ’s , and
p p o ’s . 10
Percent o f plan participants
Funding medium
1980
1983
1986
T o ta l...................................
100
100
100
Blue Cross-Blue S h ield ........
Commercial c a rrie r..............
Self-funded.............................
h m o and o th e r.....................
5
77
18
2
5
66
23
5
6
48
39
8
N ote : Because of rounding, sums of individual items may not equal totals.
medium and'large firms *1986 participants in seParate dental plans by provisions for deductibles and employee contributions,
Percent of participants, 1986
Employee contributions
Total
Yearly deductible
Total with deductible
$25
$50
$100
Lifetime deductible
No deductible
Other
Noncontributory plans'.............
100
65
24
28
2
2
16
35
Contributory plans2.......................
100
88
28
45
4
7
11
12
Monthly employee contribution:3
Less than $1.99...................
$ 2 -3 .9 9 ...............................
$ 4 -5 .9 9 ..........................
More than $5.99...............
100
100
100
100
90
87
97
64
33
23
33
7
54
29
59
57
11
2
23
3
3
24
10
13
-
36
'Premiums are fully financed by the employer.
Employees are required to contribute toward plan premiums.
3„
.
,
,
Monthly premiums are shown only where fixed monthly rates applied.
22
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Because annual and lifetime deductibles sometimes existed in the
same Plan- sums of deductibles may exceed 100 percent. Dashes indicate no
employees in these cateqories.
No t e :
The growth in participation in h m o ’s has not, however,
had as large an effect on how dental services are financed
as it has had on other types of medical services. The main
reason for this is that only 7 percent of the h m o enrollees
studied in 1986 were in plans that also provided dental
care and, when dental care was covered under h m o ’s , it
was almost always limited to preventive services (exami
nations and x rays). The most common practice for
h m o ’s (as well as for fee-for-service medical plans) is to
be supplemented by separate employer-financed dental
plans.11
Table 5. Percent of full-time participants in dental plans
by provisions for employee contributions, medium and
large firms, 1986
Regular health plan
Item
Without dental
benefits
With dental
benefits
Separate
dental
plans
Individual coverage
Percent of participants in —
Contributory plan s'............
Noncontributory plans2 ......
Average employee monthly
contribution3.........................
42
58
34
66
27
73
$13
$13
$3
63
37
46
54
45
55
$42
$37
$10
Family coverage
Employee contributions to plan premiums
A majority of the participants in dental insurance plans in
1986 received coverage paid for entirely by their employers.
(See table 4.) The incidence of these fully paid plans was
greater for three-eighths of participants in combined hospi
tal-medical-dental plans than for the five-eighths in separate
dental plans. (All told, 99 percent of the dental plan partici
pants also had health insurance coverage.)
For participants in comprehensive health insurance
plans, employee premium payments were usually speci
fied for the health care plan as a whole, and it was not
possible to determine the portion intended to help finance
dental benefits. Total employee contributions in these
plans, on average, differed little when plans with dental
care benefits were compared to those without such bene
fits (table 5).12
Among the employees who were covered by separate
dental care plans, about one-fourth contributed to the cost
of their own coverage and nearly one-half helped finance
Percent of participants in —
Contributory plan s'............
Noncontributory plans2 ......
Average employee monthly
contribution3.........................
'Employees are required to contribute toward plan premiums.
Premiums are fully financed by the employer.
3Average monthly contributions were computed only for plans that specified a
fixed monthly premium.
family coverage. Monthly contributions for individual
coverage averaged about $3, while contributions for fam
ily coverage averaged about $10.
The relationship of employee premium payments and den
tal plan deductibles was also studied. Both ways encourage
employees to share plan costs. As shown in table 4, noncon
tributory plans were less likely to apply deductibles than
contributory plans. Among contributory plans, deductibles
of $50 or more tended to be more prevalent— compared to
$25 deductibles— as the employee’s monthly premium in
creased. Thus, both methods of cost-sharing exist in tandem,
rather than to substitute for each other.
□
■FO O TN O TES-
'See 1 9 8 6 - 1 9 8 7 S o u r c e B o o k o f H e a lth I n s u r a n c e D a ta (Washington,
Health Insurance Association of America, 1987), table 1.6.
2E m p lo y e e B e n e fits in M e d iu m a n d L a r g e F irm s, 1 9 8 6 , Bulletin 2281
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1987). The 1980-85 survey results are re
ported in the following bulletins: 1980 survey (Bulletin 2107); 1981
survey (Bulletin 2140); 1982 survey (Bulletin 2176); 1983 survey (Bul
letin 2213); 1984 survey (Bulletin 2237); 1985 survey (Bulletin 2262).
3The usual, customary, and reasonable rate ( u c r ) is a rate that is not
more than the dentist’s usual charge; within the customary range of fees
in the locality; and is reasonable, considering the circumstances.
4The proportion of major medical insurance plan participants subject
to deductibles of $150 or more rose from 8 percent in 1980 to 36 percent
in 1986. During the same years, the proportion of participants with
major medical deductibles of $50 or less declined from 28 percent to 12
percent. See E m p lo y e e B en efits , 1 9 8 6 , p. 28. For details on dental deduct
ibles, see E m p lo y e e B en efits , 1 9 8 0 , p. 20; E m p lo y e e B en efits , 1 9 8 3 , p. 36;
and E m p lo y e e B en efits, 1 9 8 6 , p. 44.
5See, for example, Ronald L. Huling and John T. Lynch, “Dental Plan
Design,” in Jerry S. Rosenbloom, ed., The H a n d b o o k o f E m p lo yee B en efits:
D esign, F unding, a n d A d m in istra tio n (Homewood, i l ., Dow Jones-Irwin,
1984), p. 190.
6Huling and Lynch, pp. 189-90.
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7Nonorthodontic services were rarely subject to lifetime limits; simi
larly, yearly limits were infrequently observed for orthodontic charges,
usually only when one maximum limit applied to all types of dental
services.
8E m p lo y e e B en efits , 1 9 8 0 , p.
E m p lo y e e B en efits, 1 9 8 6 , p. 44.
21;
E m p lo y e e B en efits, 1 9 8 3 ,
p. 36; and
9Health Maintenance Organizations provide comprehensive health
care on a prepayment rather than fee-for-service basis. Preferred Pro
vider Organizations are groups of hospitals, physicians, and dentists who
contract to provide comprehensive health care services. To encourage
the use of these provider members, the p p o limits reimbursement rates
when participants use nonmember services.
10For example, h m o ’ s provided hospital care to 13 percent of health
care participants in 1986, up from 2 percent in 1980. For further details,
see E m p lo y e e B en efits, 1 9 8 0 , p. 23; and E m p lo y e e B en efits, 1 9 8 6 , p. 48.
"For additional information on h m o ’ s, see Allan Blostin and William
Marclay, “ h m o ’ s and other health plans: coverage and employee premi
ums,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , June 1983, pp. 28-33.
12Of course, other variables, such as the plan sponsor’s policy towards
cost control and differences in coverage of the underlying health insur
ance plan could account for these relationships. These variables,
however, were not examined in this study.
23
Evaluation of mean wage estimates
in the Industry Wage Survey program
Variances and wage distribution data provide the basis
for evaluating the reliability o f mean wage estimates:
sampling size, worker counts, and wage dispersion
were found to affect relative standard errors
Penny L. A sbury
and
Carl Barsky
The first annual report of the Commissioner of Labor,
published in 1886, included the results of an occupational
wage survey conducted by what is now the Bureau of
Labor Statistics (bls).1 The results, taken from payroll
records of 582 establishments in about 40 mostly manu
facturing industries, contained daily mean wage rates by
occupation, industry, and State.
Since that first report, the bls has continued the study
of occupational wages by industry. This Industry Wage
Survey program now includes approximately 25 manufac
turing and 15 nonmanufacturing studies, which represent
a total of about 65 industries. About eight surveys per
year are conducted. Most surveys are done on either a 3or a 5-year cycle. For each survey, average (mean) wages
and wage distributions for workers in selected occupa
tions are published on a national, regional, or locality
basis.
For any statistical survey program such as the Industry
Wage Survey, a measure of the sampling error should be
available for each mean wage estimate derived from the
survey sample to provide an indication of the quality of
the survey data. Sampling errors occur because the esti
mates are based on observations from a subset of the
population rather than from the entire population. The
particular sample selected for a survey is one of a large
number of possible random samples of the same size that
could have been selected.
Penny L. Asbury is a mathematical statistician in the Office of Comp
ensation and Working Conditions, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Carl
Barsky, formerly an economist in that office, is currently in the Bureau’s
Division of Systems Design.
24
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The most commonly used measure of sampling errors is
the variance. Accordingly, this article discusses a variance
estimation procedure used in five manufacturing and two
nonmanufacturing surveys from the 1985 and 1986 In
dustry Wage Survey program. In general, it was found
that most of the variances were at the acceptable level of
below 3 percent. The variances increased inversely with
the sample size of the survey and with the number of
workers in an occupation. However, they varied directly
with the dispersion of wage rates in an occupation.
U ses o f variance estim ates
The purposes of calculating variances for the Industry
Wage Survey program are 1) to evaluate the quality of
survey data, 2) to publish information on the reliability of
the survey estimates, and 3) to improve the efficiency of
sample allocations. By evaluating the variances of mean
wages among occupations, the bls can improve its sam
pling procedures by determining the conditions under
which the sample size for a given occupation or industry
should be increased or decreased to provide the desired
overall precision.
For the surveys discussed in this article, relative stand
ard error, a form of variance, is used as a measure of
survey reliability. A calculation of variance is converted
into a relative standard error by dividing the square root
of the variance by the mean wage estimate. The relative
standard error is used because it measures the precision of
an estimate, while eliminating the level differences caused
by the different mean wage estimates among occupations.
Relative standard errors permit a comparison of the reli-
ability of mean wage estimates between different occu
pations or geographic areas.
For example in the Industry Wage Survey of hospitals,
the mean wage for the occupation head nurse can be com
pared across all metropolitan areas studied. In Oakland,
c a , the mean wage was $17.53 an hour and in Buf
falo -N iag ara Falls, N Y , it was $11.89 an hour. The
relative standard errors were 0.94 for Oakland, and 0.92
for Buffalo-Niagara Falls. The relative standard errors
show that for both areas the mean wage estimates, al
though different, are equally reliable. When comparing
two estimates, a smaller relative standard error indicates
greater precision.
The estimated relative standard errors can also be used
to calculate a 95-percent confidence interval around the
mean wage estimate. A 95-percent confidence interval
means that if similar samples were repeatedly drawn from
the same population, and estimates of the mean wage and
its relative standard error were computed for each sample,
then the true population mean would be included in the
confidence interval for approximately 95 percent of these
samples.
A 95-percent confidence interval has a lower limit
equal to the estimated mean wage minus 2 times the rela
tive standard error times the estimated mean wage, and an
upper limit equal to the estimated mean wage plus 2 times
the relative standard error times the estimated mean
wage. For example, the nationwide estimated mean wage
for production workers in the survey of the petroleum
refining industry was $14.20 in 1986, with a relative
standard error of 0.23 percent. Therefore, a 95-percent
confidence interval for the estimate is from $14.13 to
$14.27. (The lower confidence limit is $14.20 minus 2
times 0.0023 times $14.20, or $14.20 minus $0.07. The
upper limit is $14.20 plus $0.07.)
Characteristics of evaluated surveys
The surveys covered by the variance estimation procedure
discussed in this article were mostly in manufacturing: cot
ton and manmade textiles, synthetic fibers, petroleum
refining, industrial chemicals, and glassware. There were
more than 100 establishments in the sample for all manufac
turing surveys except that for synthetic fibers which,
because of the industry’s size, included only 37 establish
ments. The surveys provided mean wage estimates on a
national or regional basis with industrial chemicals and cot
ton and manmade textiles also providing some locality
estimates.
The two nonm anufacturing surveys, hospitals and
nursing homes, had sample sizes of around 500 establish
ments each, and provided estimates for approximately
two dozen metropolitan areas.2
These seven surveys were chosen to evaluate the general
Industry Wage Survey program because of their varying
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degrees of statistical complexity. The hospitals and nursing
homes surveys involved simple sample designs which pro
vided mean wage estimates only by locality. More complex
sample designs, such as those used in the surveys of the
cotton and manmade textiles and industrial chemicals in
dustries, provided estimates not only at the locality level,
but also at regional and national levels. The industrial
chemicals survey also produced separate estimates for the
inorganic and organic chemicals subclassifications.
Because sample designs vary by survey, the variance
estimation procedure must be modified for each survey in
the Industry Wage Survey program. For locality surveys,
the procedure is straightforward. However, for surveys
involving national, regional, and locality estimates, the
procedure must be adapted for each level of estimation.
Sampling design
The variance estimation procedure used to compute
relative standard errors for any survey depends on the
sampling design of the survey and the estimator. For sam
pling, the establishments in the Industry Wage Survey are
separated by the characteristics associated with wage dif
ferences, such as geography and number of employees.
Then, a simple random sample is chosen from each group
(or cell) of establishments with similar characteristics.
The assumption is that occupational wages and benefits
tend to be similar among establishments with similar
characteristics.
The number of sample establishments in each cell
chosen for a survey is based on the proportion of employ
ment in that cell to the employment of establishments
within the scope of the industry. In practice, because the
sampling design assumes that variance is proportional to
the number of workers in an establishment, the usual
consequence of this is that a cell which contains 10 per
cent of the total industry em ploym ent is allocated
approximately 10 percent of the total sample establish
ments. There are two additional constraints that are
imposed on the sample allocation procedure to reduce
variance and to ensure minimum bias in sampling and
nonresponse adjustment procedures:3
1) All establishments with 2,500 employees or more
are included in a survey sample; and
2) Minimum sample sizes are required for each cell
based on the total number of establishments in the
cell.4
Industry Wage Survey samples would ideally be de
signed so that estimates of average wages have relative
standard errors no greater than 7.5 percent. However, the
Unemploy- ment Insurance file, which serves as the
source for the survey universe of establishments in an
industry, does not include any information on wages. (A
universe is a list of all eligible establishments from which a
sample is chosen.) Employment size is the only measure
25
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Mean Wage Estimates In Industry Wage Surveys
of establishment characteristics available from the Unem
ployment Insurance file. Therefore, sample size and
sample allocation for the surveys have been determined
under the requirement that estimates of total employment
have relative standard errors no greater than 7.5 percent.
The validity of this approach to Industry Wage Survey
sample design rests on the assumptions that wages are less
variable than establishment size in terms of number of
employees and that the number of workers in the occupa
tions studied is directly proportional to establishment
size.
As the relative standard errors are calculated for the
different Industry Wage Surveys, they will be compared
from occupation to occupation to determine whether the
sampling design requirements are fulfilled. After evalua
tion, it may be determined that some occupations will
need more observations in future surveys to obtain the
required precision, while the number of observations may
be decreased for others.
Variance estimation procedure
For the surveys evaluated in this article two variance
estimation procedures were considered. The first was a
replication technique.5 In this procedure, the survey is
divided into subsamples (replicates) in accordance with
the sampling design, and estimates of mean wages are
computed for each. Then, the sample variance among the
several mean wage estimates is computed. This is a rela
tively simple procedure, and with large sample sizes
produces an accurate estimate of variance.
The estimation procedure which was actually used in
calculating the variances is an approximation of the for
mulas used to produce the survey mean wage estimates.6
Although it is more involved than the replication tech
nique, it provides more reliable estimates of variances for
the wage surveys which have relatively small sample sizes.
Implementing the variance estimation procedure is diffi
cult because it must be modified for each survey. Any
sample cell with only one establishment must be combined
with another cell with similar characteristics, because the
procedure does not allow for the computation of a relative
standard error for a cell with one establishment.
Each survey also must be evaluated for sampling areas
that overlap. For example, in industrial chemicals, the
data used to produce locality estimates for Philadelphia,
Newark, and Buffalo must be combined with the data for
the rest of the Middle Atlantic region to compute regional
estimates.
Relative standard errors are calculated on mean wage
estimates for each occupation in each published tabula
tion. In the industrial chemicals survey, for example,
wage estimates are published not only for the overall in
dustrial chemicals classification, but also for the organic
and inorganic chemicals industries. These figures include
26
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estimates for the Nation, and for nine economic regions.
Estimates also are published for the overall industrial
chemicals classification for eight localities of industry
concentration. The 35 occupations for each industry sec
tor and geographic tabulation in the survey result in 1,330
possible mean wage estimates for which relative standard
errors can be computed.
In the less complicated nursing homes industry survey,
estimates are published for three categories (all workers,
full-time, and part-time) in 15 professional and technical
occupations in 22 localities for a possible total of 990
mean wage estimates. Because there are no overlapping
areas, the relative standard errors are easier to compute.
Analysis of relative standard errors
For the surveys studied, 85 out of the possible 120
locality, regional, and national wage tabulations were ana
lyzed.7 As the following tabulation shows, of those
relative standard errors that were calculated, most are
u n d e r 3 p erc en t:8
Percentage o f
occupations
Relative standard error
Less than 1 percent..........................................
1 and under 2 p erc en t...............................................
2 and under 3 p erc en t...............................................
3 percent or m o re.......................................................
T o tal........................................................................
Number of occupations evaluated ...............
27
36
17
19
100*
2,934
*Due to rounding, sums of individual items do not total 100.
In general, the relative standard errors for national esti
mates are lower than those for regional estimates which,
in turn, are lower than those for locality estimates. Note
from the tabulation below how the quality of the estimates
improves as geographic areas become larger:
Relative standard error
National Regional Locality
Less than 1 p erc en t.................. ....
1 and under 2 p e rc e n t.............. ....
2 and under 3 p e rc e n t..............
3 percent or m o re ..................... ....
45
30
11
14
35
28
16
20
T o ta l........................................ ....
Number of occupations......... ....
100
248
100*
916
21
41
19
19
100
1,770
*Due to rounding, sums of individual items do not total 100.
This pattern occurs because the relative standard error
of an estimate generally varies inversely with the sample
size of the survey. The national estimates have a larger
number of establishments in their samples and smaller
relative standard errors than the regional or locality esti
mates from the same survey. Because the hospitals and
nursing home surveys are designed to obtain only locality
estimates, their estimates are not as reliable as the other
surveys, which provide mostly regional and national
estimates.
The relative standard error can also vary inversely with
the number of workers sampled in an occupation. This
explains why the national mean wage estimates for occu
pations with large worker counts have smaller relative
standard errors than the regional or locality wage esti
mates with their smaller worker counts. However, because
of the sampling design it should be noted that relative
standard errors are calculated on establishment wage
means and not on wages for individual workers.
An inverse relationship was also found between relative
standard error and occupation with different employment
level, as the tabulation below shows:
Percent o f occupations with
employment o f—
Less
than
100
Relative standard error
100
250
500
and
and
and 1,000
under under under and
250
500 1,000 over
24
34
23
18
27
46
17
10
32
53
8
7
44
46
7
2
T o ta l................................ . 100*
100
100
100
100*
Number of occupations .. . 1,158
629
412
282
453
Less than 1 p e rc e n t...........
1 and under 2 percent ......
2 and under 3 percent ......
3 percent or m o re ..............
.
.
.
.
22
25
21
33
*Due to rounding, the sums of individual items do not total 100.
Nine-tenths of the occupations with 1,000 workers or
more had relative standard errors of less than 2 percent,
whereas slightly more than half of the occupations with
fewer than 100 workers had relative standard errors ex
ceeding 2 percent. For example, in the container segment
of the glassware survey for the United States, the occupa
tion batch mixer has 153 workers and a relative standard
error of 1.50 percent, while mold metal maker, with 1,280
workers, has a relative standard error of 0.25 percent.
Thus, when an occupation has a large number of work
ers, the relative standard error of the estimate is lower.
The “all production worker” estimate in manufacturing
surveys is another good example. Because this broad em
ployment category includes all production workers from
each region, State, or locality, it has the largest number of
workers contributing to a mean wage estim ate, and
should have a small relative standard error.
Of the 51 relative standard error estimates for the all
production worker level in the five manufacturing sur
veys, half are less than 1 percent. Nine-tenths of these
relative standard errors are under 2 percent. Similarly, the
smallest relative standard errors in the hospitals and nurs
ing homes surveys are in the occupations, such as licensed
practical nurse and general duty nurse, which have the
largest worker counts.
Relative standard errors are also directly related to the
dispersion of wage rates in an occupation. A mean wage
estimate for an occupation with a large dispersion of wage
rates is more likely to have a large relative standard error
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than an estimate for an occupation with less wage disper
sion, unless the sample is extremely large.
To illustrate, in the industrial chemicals survey, relative
standard errors are larger for the occupations in organic
chemicals than for those in inorganic chemicals. A com
parison is presented in the following tabulation:
Percent o f
occupations
Relative standard error
Inorganic Organic
chemicals chemicals
Less than 1 p erc en t.............................................
1 and under 2 p e rc e n t........................................
2 and under 3 p e rc e n t........................................
3 percent or m o re ................................................
38
31
15
15
31
22
17
30
T o ta l.................................................................
100*
100
Number of occupations...................................
124
132
*Due to rounding, sums of individual items do not total 100.
Organic chemicals has a wider variety of processes which
creates a wider dispersion in occupational wage rates.
Conversely, inorganic chemicals wages are less dispersed
not only because the industry has few processes but also
because it is highly unionized.
Another highly unionized industry, petroleum refining,
has a narrow dispersion of wages and consequently the
smallest relative standard errors of all industry surveys
studied. Almost three-fourths of the relative standard er
rors for occupations in the petroleum refining survey are
under 1 percent.
Occupations or industries with wide wage dispersions
require larger sample sizes to generate acceptable relative
standard errors. Conversely, selected occupational sam
pling (collecting wage data for particular selected occupa
tions from only a subset of the sample) should be possible
for those occupations with large worker counts and nar
rowly dispersed wage rates. A variance estimation proce
dure is necessary to identify the situations in which this is
possible.
To illustrate this point, the occupation general duty
nurse in the hospitals survey has comparatively small rel
ative standard errors for mean wages in all areas surveyed,
ranging from 0.54 percent to 1.01 percent. By contrast, if
half of the sampled establishments were used for this occu
pation, then these relative standard errors would increase
to only 0.57 percent and 1.85 percent. Thus, general duty
nurses in the hospitals survey would be a valid candidate
for selected occupational sampling.
Wage distribution as assessment tool
The published releases and bulletins of the Industry
Wage Survey contain data on the distribution of workers
by straight-time hourly wages in selected occupations.
These distributions can also be used to assess the reliabil
ity of survey data. Distributions around the mean wage
rates show the dispersion of the data that relative stan27
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Mean Wage Estimates In Industry Wage Surveys
dard errors measure. A small relative standard error
reflects a small spread in the distribution of wages, or a
large number of workers in the occupation, or both.
Relative standard errors provide convenient, reliable
measures of variability. However, the published wage dis
trib u tio n tables can be used to explain the relative
standard errors and to present more information as well.
The wage distribution tables include not only the lowest
and highest wage rates surveyed, but also the concentra
tion of observations in between the extremes. The tables
also provide estimates of the number of establishments
and employment within the survey coverage along with
the actual number of establishments in the survey sample.
Survey sample sizes give an additional indication of the
quality of a mean wage estimate. Reliability of survey data
is related to the sampling ratio. Thus, an estimate derived
from 50 workers in a sample of 7 out of 8 establishments
will probably be more accurate than an estimate calcu
lated from 250 workers in a sample of 40 out of 80
establishments.
The effect of the distribution of wage rates on the vari
ance calculation is evident for janitors in the petroleum
refining survey. Two regions, Midwest I and Midwest II,9
had similar sample sizes and sampling ratios. The wage
spread in the Midwest II region, however, was larger than
that in Midwest I. The larger relative standard error of
2.03 percent in the Midwest II region, compared to a
relative standard error of 0.42 percent in Midwest I, is due
to the larger wage spread. (See table 1.)
Occupations that have workers clustered at two or
more points in the distribution usually have large relative
standard errors. The mean wage falls between and poorly
represents the wage clusters. In this situation, the mean,
by itself, does not provide a clear indication of where wage
rates are concentrated.
An example of this occurs for the occupation chemical
operator II in the industrial chemicals survey in Newark,
n j . (See table 2.) In this locality, the wage spread for the
occupation of electrician was more concentrated, with a
Table 1. Wage distributions for janitors in petroleum
refining, selected regions, June 1985
Wage distribution
Midwest I
Midwest II
Number of workers.................................................
Mean hourly wages................................................
Relative standard error (percent)............................
22
$13.20
.42
20
$12.00
2.3
Percent of workers receiving
straight-time hourly wages of—
$8.50 to $9.00......................................................
9.00 to 9.50......................................................
9.50 to 10.00......................................................
10.50 to 11.00......................................................
11.00 to 11.50......................................................
—
—
—
—
—
—
11.50 to
12.00 to
12.50 to
13.00 to
13.50 to
28
12.00......................................................
12.50......................................................
13.00......................................................
13.50......................................................
14.00......................................................
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
10
—
—
_
—
18
55
27
40
5
40
5
—
T a b le 2. W a g e d is tr ib u tio n s f o r s e le c te d o c c u p a tio n s in
in d u s tr ia l c h e m ic a ls in N e w a rk , n j , J u n e 1986
Chemical wage distribution
Number of workers.................................................
Mean hourly wages................................................
Relative standard error (percent)............................
Percent of workers receiving
straight-time hourly wages of —
Less than $11.75.................................................
$11.75 to $12.00 .................................................
12.00 to 12.25.................................................
12.25 to 12.50.................................................
12.50 to 12.75.................................................
12.75 to
13.00 to
13.25 to
13.50 to
13.75 to
13.00.................................................
13.25.................................................
13.50.................................................
13.75.................................................
14.00.................................................
14.00
14.25
14.50
15.00
15.50
14.25.................................................
14.50.................................................
15.00.................................................
15.50.................................................
16.00.................................................
to
to
to
to
to
Chemical
operator II
Electrician
207
$13.46
.82
19
$12.65
.25
11
—
37
11
32
—
_
_
—
—
—
37
—
—
—
12
—
—
—
_
_
2
5
3
30
—
21
—
—
large proportion of workers falling in a single wage inter
val, from $11.75 to $12.50. As expected, chemical oper
ators II, with a concentration of wages at two levels, $12 to
$12.25 and $15.50 to $16, had a larger relative standard
error (0.82 percent) than electricians (0.25 percent).
In the cotton and manmade textile Industry Wage
Survey, 7 out of 11 establishments were surveyed in Bur
lington, N C . The mean wage for the 202 loom fixers
employed by these firms was $8.65 an hour with a relative
standard error of 0.73 percent. In Georgia, 40 out of 110
establishments were surveyed. The wages of 895 workers
employed as loom fixers were $8.29 an hour with a rela
tive standard error of 1.32 percent. The relative standard
error for Burlington is smaller for two reasons: the high
sampling ratio and the greater concentration of the wage
data. (See table 3.)
As discussed previously, worker counts also are related
to the quality of the survey estimates. In the hospitals
survey, the occupation of general duty nurse in Boston
and Milwaukee has similar sample sizes and similar wage
dispersions, but the relative standard error was 0.89 per
cent in Boston and 1.01 percent in Milwaukee. The
slightly smaller relative standard error in Boston is due
partly to the larger number of workers surveyed— 8,260,
compared to 2,680 in Milwaukee.
One cautionary note is necessary on the use of wage
distribution data. As indicated earlier, relative standard
errors are calculated on establishment wage means, not on
wages for individual workers depicted in the wage distri
butions. Thus, a wide range of worker wages does not
always yield a large relative standard error, even if the
distribution is wide within each establishment. However,
if the distribution of wages within each establishment is
closely concentrated, but the establishment mean wage
varies substantially among establishments, a large relative
standard error will result.
In the industrial chemicals survey, for example, the wages
of the occupation instrument repairer range from $11 to
over $20 with a mean of $15.64. However, the relative
standard error is only 1.07 percent. This comparatively small
relative standard error results from establishment means
which are closely concentrated, not from the actual wages
of the repairers.
Future possibilities
Although the variance estimation procedure has been
successfully applied in a variety of Industry Wage Surveys,
there are further projects that need to be undertaken. The
relative standard errors and variance calculations could
be programmed into the occupational wage survey com
puter system so that they can be published concurrently
with the survey results.
Because of the number of different estimates produced
in each Industry Wage Survey (and the sample design
differences between surveys), computing and publishing
the relative standard errors on a regular basis will require
resource and publication trade-offs. The publication alter
natives are to 1) provide the relative standard errors for
all survey mean estimates; 2) provide a graph of com
puted generalized variances (a technique useful for
surveys which publish a large amount of data); 3) provide
frequency table distributions of the relative standard er
rors associated with the occupation means; or 4) publish
only the mean wage estimates of those occupations which
meet a specified precision.
The relative standard errors can also be used to evalu
ate and improve the efficiency of the Industry Wage
T a b le 3. W a g e d is tr ib u tio n in c o tt o n a n d m a n m a d e
te x t ile s f o r lo o m fix e r s , s e le c te d a re a s , J u n e 1985
Textile wage distribution
Number of workers.................................................
Mean hourly wages................................................
Relative standard error (percent)............................
Percent of workers receiving
straight-time hourly wages of —
Less than $6.75....................................................
$6.75 to $7.00....................................................
7.00 to 7.2 5....................................................
7.25 to 7.50....................................................
7.50 to 7.75....................................................
7.75 to 8.0 0....................................................
8.00
8.25
8.50
8.75
9.00
to 8.2 5....................................................
to 8.5 0....................................................
to 8.7 5....................................................
to 9.00 ....................................................
and o ve r..................................................
Burlington, nc
Georgia
202
$8.65
.73
895
$8.29
1.32
3
5
5
1
—
—
—
—
—
—
11
_
12
72
12
4
14
11
40
1
8
Survey sample allocation procedure. By comparing the
relative standard errors among the mean wage estimates
for the different occupations in a survey, the Bureau of
Labor Statistics will be able to evaluate the sample sizes
for each survey and adjust them accordingly. It might be
possible to sample selected occupations to reduce respon
dent burden when relative standard errors indicate that
this is possible or revise the occupation list if the relative
standard errors indicate a problem.
Finally, if possible, the relative standard errors will be
computed using a replication technique. Computer simu
lation of this approach might be compared to the results
obtained by the current procedure to determine if the
results are similar. If the replication method gives compa
rable results, it m ight be chosen as a more efficient
production method to obtain the relative standard error
data.
□
-F O O T N O T E S -
'For more detailed information on the early years of the Industry
Wage Survey program, see H.M. Douty, “A century of wage statistics:
the b l s contribution,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , November 1984, pp.
16-28.
2For detailed accounts of these surveys, see I n d u s tr y W a g e S u r
vey: P e tr o le u m R e f in in g , J u n e 1 9 8 5 , Bulletin 2255; I n d u s t r y W a g e
S u rv e y : T e x tile M ills , J u n e 1 9 8 5 , Bulletin 2265; I n d u s tr y W a g e S u rv e y :
H o s p ita ls , A u g u s t 1 9 8 5 , Bulletin 2273; I n d u s tr y W a g e S u rv e y : S y n th e tic
F ib ers, S e p te m b e r 1 9 8 5 , Bulletin 2268; I n d u s tr y W a g e S u rv e y : N u r s in g
a n d P e r s o n a l C a re, S e p te m b e r 1 9 8 5 , Bulletin 2275; I n d u s tr y W a g e S u r
v e y : P r e s s e d o r B lo w n G la s s a n d G la s s w a r e , J u n e 1 9 8 6 , Bulletin
2286; I n d u s tr y W a g e S u r v e y : I n d u s tr i a l C h e m ic a ls, J u n e 1 9 8 6 , Bulletin
2287 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
3Nonresponse adjustment involves reweighting for those establish
ments for which no data were obtained.
4For a more complete description of the sampling design of the iws
program, see b l s H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s , Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor
Statistics, 1988), ch. 6, pp. 41-48.
5Kirk M. Wolter, I n tr o d u c tio n
Springer-Verlag, 1985).
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
to V a ria n ce E s tim a tio n
(New York,
6William G. Cochran,
& Sons, 1977).
S a m p lin g T e c h n iq u e s
(New York, John Wiley
7Relative standard errors were not computed for all published tables,
because the approximation used to develop the relative standard errors is
only valid for sample sizes of 30 or more. For universes with smaller
sample sizes and large sampling fractions (ratio of sample establishments
to universe establishments), the relative standard errors can be used to
evaluate the relative quality between two estimates. Confidence inter
vals, however, have little meaning because the normal theory assump
tions on which they are based usually are not valid. Also, when the
sample consists of almost all of the units in the universe, the relative
standard errors are essentially meaningless because there is minimal
variability associated with sampling.
8 These relative standard error limits were chosen to correspond with
the frequency table of the Bureau’s National Survey of Professional,
Administrative, Technical, and Clerical Pay ( p a t c ). Occupational levels
in the p a t c are published only if their relative standard errors are
smaller than 5 percent.
9 The region Midwest I includes Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan,
Ohio, and Tennessee. Midwest II includes Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Mis
souri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
29
Variety stores experience
shifting trend in productivity
Output per hour o f all persons decreased
at an average annual rate o f 0.5 percent
during 1967-86; however, from 1977,
productivity improved modestly,
aided by technological innovations
Ja m e s
D.
Y ork
Productivity, as measured by output per hour of all per
sons, in the variety store industry1 decreased at an average
annual rate of 0.5 percent from 1967 to 1986, compared
with an average annual rate of 1.0 percent for the total
nonfarm business sector of the economy during the same
period.2 The overall decline in productivity reflects an
average annual decrease in output of 2.6 percent and a
slightly slower rate of decrease in hours of 2.1 percent.
(See table 1.) The decline in industry productivity was not
a steady, gradual decline, but reflected a sharp falloff from
1972 to 1977, with modest increases in both adjoining
subperiods.
In the 1967-72 period, productivity in the variety store
industry advanced at a rate of 1.7 percent. Output rose at
a rate of 2.7 percent and hours increased at a rate of 1.0
percent. Productivity and output both peaked in 1972.
However, from 1972 to 1977, productivity declined at an
annual rate of 4.3 percent, output declined at a rate of 7.1
percent, and hours declined at a 2.9-percent rate. It was
the only sustained drop experienced by the industry and
accounted for the overall decline in industry productivity.
Within this period, the two largest declines were 13.0 and
6.5 percent, which occurred in 1976 and 1977. In those
years, output fell by 14.7 and 6.7 percent, respectively,
while hours dropped by only 2.0 and 0.3 percent.
Productivity turned around in 1978, increasing by 0.5
percent. This increase continued in 5 of the next 8 years.
In the third subperiod, 1977 to 1986, productivity rose at
James D. York is an economist in the Division of Industry Productivity
and Technology Studies, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
30
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
an average annual rate of 1.4 percent. Output fell at a rate
of 1.4 percent, but this was more than offset by the rate of
decrease in hours of 2.7 percent. In contrast to the first
subperiod, productivity in the 1977-86 subperiod grew in
the face of declining output. In the first subperiod, both
output and hours were advancing.
Productivity in this latter period was quite volatile,
declining in 1982, 1985, and 1986, and increasing substan
tially (10.3 percent) in 1981 as output declined by 0.5
percent and hours fell by 9.9 percent.
Unlike most of the industries examined by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, there is little correlation between out
put movements and changes in the business cycle for
variety stores. Since the early 1970’s, demand for variety
store products has been adversely affected by increasing
competition from drug stores, supermarkets, discount
stores, and specialty stores. This has been a crucial factor
in the average annual output decline of 3.4 percent since
1972. A m ajor industry retailer declared bankruptcy in
1972. The vacuum left by this bankruptcy was not com
pletely filled by other variety store operators and, as a
result, industry output suffered.
Industry structure and employment
As their name suggests, variety stores offer the con
sumer a broad selection of merchandise. Sales of apparel
constitute the largest category as a proportion of total
sales. Other m ajor categories include kitchenware and
home furnishings; drugs, health, and beauty aids; sewing,
knitting, and needlework goods; stationery and school
supplies; toys; and curtains, draperies, and dry goods. The
industry is characterized by moderate-size establishments.
Almost half of the industry’s sales are transacted in estab
lishments with 20 to 99 paid employees. By contrast, only
about 7 percent of sales took place in stores with more
than 100 employees in 1982. This is a very different situa
tion from departm ent stores, which are also general
merchandise stores. They transacted 84 percent of their
sales in stores with more than 100 employees in 1982.
As is the case with sales, about 54 percent of all paid
employees worked in establishments with 20 to 99 em
ployees in 1982. This proportion has remained relatively
steady over time.
From 1967 to 1972, the number of establishments in
creased slightly— from 21,046 to 21,852. However, the
total number of establishments in the industry has de
clined since 1972. Most of the industry’s sales are trans
acted by large chains. In 1982, about three-fourths of all
sales took place in firms with 100 establishments or more.
There were 12 such firms and they operated about 46
percent of the industry’s establishments.
Between 1967 and 1986, the number of persons work
ing in the variety store industry decreased by 18.0 percent,
from 306,200 to 251,200. This represents an average an
nual rate of decrease of 1.8 percent. The total hours of all
persons declined at an average annual rate of 2.1 percent.
This reflects a decline in the average weekly hours of
nonsupervisory employees of 4.2 percent— from 30.7 to
29.4— and a rise in part-time workers.
The work force of the variety stores industry consists of
nonsupervisory employees, supervisory workers, partners
and proprietors, and unpaid family workers. Nonsupervi
sory employees make up the largest group, representing
about nine-tenths of all variety store personnel in 1967.
Their proportion of the total remained relatively constant
throughout the period and stood at 87 percent in 1986.
The number of self-employed workers fluctuated through
out the period but declined overall, from 12,000 in 1967 to
9,000 in 1986.
M arketing and sales occupations accounted for the
bulk of the industry’s work force. In 1984, they repre
sented about 67 percent of the total. The largest group is
represented by salespersons, accounting for 40 percent of
the industry total. Cashiers accounted for nearly 16 per
cent and sales floor stock clerks for 6 percent. Managerial
and management related occupations were the next larg
est category and accounted for more than 14 percent of
the total. Administrative support occupations, including
clerical, were the third largest group and accounted for
about 12 percent of the total. This group is largely domi
nated by various types of clerical workers.3
Factors affecting productivity
Productivity growth has been hindered by a number of
factors. Declining industry output has contributed to the
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Table 1. Variety stores indexes of output per hour of all
persons and related data, 1967-86
(1977=100)
Output per
hour of all
persons
Output
per
person
Output
Hours of
all
persons
All
persons
1967.........
1968.........
1969.........
113.2
119.2
121.2
117.9
122.3
124.1
121.8
127.4
129.3
107.6
106.9
106.7
103.3
104.2
104.2
1970.........
1971.........
1972.........
1973.........
1974.........
126.1
118.1
126.7
121.2
119.7
131.5
124.9
134.0
126.8
122.5
136.4
133.1
141.1
139.4
132.5
108.2
112.7
111.4
115.0
110.7
103.7
106.6
105.3
109.9
108.2
1975.........
1976.........
1977.........
1978.........
1979.........
122.9
106.9
100.0
100.5
102.1
128.4
109.6
100.0
98.6
103.7
125.7
107.2
100.0
98.6
101.2
102.3
100.3
100.0
98.1
99.1
97.9
97.8
100.0
100.0
97.6
1980.........
1981.........
1982.........
1983.........
1984.........
107.3
118.4
112.5
119.7
123.7
107.9
116.3
113.0
121.9
124.8
94.5
94.0
90.6
91.2
94.6
88.1
79.4
80.5
76.2
76.5
87.6
80.8
80.2
74.8
75.8
1985.........
1986.........
114.3
101.2
114.8
102.0
91.7
86.5
80.2
85.5
79.9
84.8
Year
Average annual rates of change (in percent)
1967-86 ..
1981-86 ..
-0.5
-2.0
-0.7
-1.7
-2.6
-1.0
-2.1
1.0
-1.8
0.7
overall poor performance of productivity. Output peaked
in 1972 and has been falling since. Although larger firms
in the industry have been introducing and using sophisti
cated electronic technology, many firms cannot afford
such investments and therefore have been unable to utilize
computer technology to improve the efficiency of store
operations. Also, this technology has been entering the
industry more in recent years, so it would have had a
limited effect in the earlier years of this study.
Because variety stores handle such a wide assortment of
merchandise, they face tough competition from other
retailers. Many competitors have expanded their mer
chandise offerings, limiting the available market and pos
sible scale economies for the variety store industry. Drug
stores have provided competition in toiletries and non
prescription drugs. Supermarkets have expanded their
general merchandise items and traditional department
stores, discount stores, and specialty stores all offer alter
natives to the consumer. The low prices offered by many
competitors have further held down variety store reve
nues and reduced the capital available for investment in
computer technology.
Variety stores have also been adversely affected by the
inability to locate in high sales volume areas. They have
generally been unable to afford the rents associated with
major shopping mall locations. Consequently, they have
been unable to take advantage of the heavy shopper traffic
which flows through these malls and shopping centers.
This has had a negative effect on their merchandise turn31
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Productivity In Variety Stores
over. Lower merchandise turnover has resulted in a
reduced ability to utilize the benefits of economies of scale.
Mergers within the industry have led to increased con
centration and the market share held by the largest chains
has continued to increase. By 1982, the sales of the four
largest firms were up to 61 percent from 51 percent in
1972. The economies of scale and greater financial
strength of the largest chains has facilitated the introduc
tion and utilization of computer technology. With all
their retail outlets, they are better able to justify the in
vestment in modern point-of-sale technology. However,
the effect of this technology on the industry has been
limited because many firms, especially smaller ones, are
unable to afford the high cost of much of this equipment.
Many firms in the industry have not utilized the advan
tages of computer technology, but firms which could
afford the investment in computers and point-of-sale tech
nology have been able to derive a number of benefits.
Inventory and the stocking of shelves can be controlled by
computer technology.4 Coded information attached to
merchandise can be picked up by optical character read
ing devices at checkout registers or manually entered into
the computer, thereby keeping track of sales volume.5 The
computer can alert the appropriate personnel when the
supply of certain items is getting low. In addition to elimi
nating employee tim e required for m onitoring shelf
stocks, a computer system can avert the loss of sales by
monitoring inventory.
The use of optical character recognition equipment in
conjunction with computers or other memory-equipped
devices removes the need to update price labels on indi
vidual products. Price information for all items can be
entered into the system ’s memory. The point-of-sale
equipment reads the coded information on the product
labels and the appropriate price to charge the customer
can then be retrieved from the system’s memory. As
prices change, information in the memory is updated,
alleviating the need to reprice items on the shelves.
Unfortunately, financial and other factors have limited
the adoption of this equipment.
Because of their capability to store information and
make it readily accessible, computers have been used to
perform recordkeeping and administrative functions and
thus greatly reduce the amount of worktime required for
these tasks. They can handle the payroll, accounts pay
able, and accounts receivable. The word-processing ability
of computers can reduce time spent on correspondence.
Computers have also helped store operators increase sales
by providing the necessary information to determine the
best selling items so that ordering can focus on a more
optimal product mix.
'The variety stores industry is designated as Standard Industrial Clas
sification (sic) 5331. It consists of establishments primarily engaged in
the retail sales of a variety of merchandise in the low and popular price
ranges. Sales usually are made on a cash-and-carry basis, with the open
selling method of display and customer selection of merchandise. These
stores generally do not carry a complete line of merchandise, are not
departmentalized, do not carry their own charge service, and do not
deliver merchandise.
32
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Outlook for productivity
Industry productivity growth should gain some benefit
from continued diffusion of computers and wand reading
or other such scanning equipment. The development of
more affordable personal computers should lead to more
widespread adoption of computer technology within the
variety stores industry.6 Increasing industry concentra
tion should also serve to make new technology more
affordable to firms and thus hasten its adoption. Point-ofsale technology should become more widely used. This
technology permits optical character recognition equip
ment to be connected to computers so that information
from coded merchandise can be automatically fed into a
computer. In addition to the advantages of eliminating
the need to update price stickers on merchandise, the
marketing information gathered as a byproduct of mer
chandise sales should be helpful in boosting sales volume.
In addition to the expansion of current uses for com
puters, new uses may also be developed. One possibility
would be the use of computer-aided design to lay out
stores more efficiently. Because store design and layout
can influence merchandise turnover, the use of computers
to help with this sort of planning is a definite possibility.
Computers make it easier for planners to produce solu
tions to “ what if’’ questions. Among other things, a
planner can input whatever restrictions there will be in a
given store and use the computer generated information
to help in developing an optimum layout.7
Although these technologies are available to increase
sales per employee in the industry, their diffusion will
depend on im proved sales and capital expenditures.
Declining demand has, to a large extent, limited produc
tivity growth in the variety stores industry and this may
be an im portant determinant of future trends in output
per hour. Declining demand means smaller revenues to
support investments in productivity enhancing equip
ment. Even available technologies will probably continue
to be adopted very slowly and often on a limited basis.
Declining demand also means a reduced ability to utilize
the advantages of economies of scale. These problems
may well continue to limit any future improvements in
productivity if the industry cannot halt the decline in its
market.
□
2A11 average rates of change are based on the linear least squares
trends of the logarithms of the index numbers.
5See Judith Morrison Lipton, “ O C R - A n Update,”
pp. 46-48.
3Data for 1984-95 are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, National
Industry Occupational Matrix.
6See Jules Abend, “ p c ’ s,” S to r e s , October 1983, pp. 58, 61, 64, 68, and
72; and “ p c ’ s, Easier Software,” S to r e s , August 1985, pp. 25, 26, 27, 29,
and 30.
4See “Variety Stores,” U .S. I n d u s tr i a l O u tlo o k (U.S. Department of
Commerce, 1987), pp. 56-58. Also see C h a in S to r e A g e (General Mer
chandise Ed.), April 1981, p. 17.
7See David P. Schulz, “Computer-Aided Design,”
1985, pp. 47, 48, 74.1.
APPENDIX:
July 1981,
S to r e s ,
March
Measurement techniques and limitations
Indexes of output per hour of all persons measure
changes in the relationship between the output of an in
dustry and hours expended on that output. An index of
output per hour is derived by dividing an index of output
by an index of industry hours.
The preferred output index for retail trade industries
would be obtained from data on quantities of the various
goods sold by the industry, each weighted (that is, multi
plied) by the employee hours required to sell one unit of
each good in some specified base period. This concept also
embodies the services associated with moving the goods
from the retail establishment to the consumer. Thus,
those goods which require more retail labor are given
more importance in the output index.
Data on the quantities of goods sold usually are not
available for trade industries, including variety stores.
Therefore, real output was estimated by removing the
effects of changing price levels from the current dollar
value of sales. Because an adjustment for changing price
levels usually lowers the dollar value, such a series is
usually referred to as a deflated value measure.
Output measures based on deflated value have two ma
jor characteristics. First, they can reflect shifts in sales
among products of different value which have the same
unit labor requirements. (For example, if customers begin
to purchase more unadvertised brands instead of “nation
ally advertised” brands, dollar sales will decrease if the
unadvertised brand is priced lower.) Thus, a change can
occur in the output per hour index even if the labor re
quired to sell the merchandise does not change.
Second, the sales level, both in current and constant
dollars, reflects differences in unit values for identical
products sold in different types of establishments. For
example, the unit value associated with a product sold in a
self-service “discount” store may be lower than the unit
value associated with the same product sold in a store that
provides many sales clerks and delivery service. The out
put measure, therefore, reflects changes in the level of
service provided to customers insofar as differences in
unit values reflect the differences in service among the
various types of establishments.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
S to r e s ,
In addition to the deflated value technique, weights
relating to labor importance were used to combine seg
ments of the output index into a total output measure.
The weights used were gross m argin weights. These
weights, calculated for each merchandise line category,
represent the percentage markup provided by the variety
store industry. Gross margins are used in place of labor
importance weights which are unavailable for this indus
try. These procedures result in a final output index that is
closer, conceptually, to the preferred output measure.
The index of hours for the variety store industry is for
all persons, that is, hours for paid employees, partners and
proprietors, and unpaid family workers. As in all of the
output per hour measures published by the Bureau of
Labor Statistics, hours and employment in variety stores
are each considered homogeneous and additive. Adequate
information does not exist to weight the various types of
labor separately.
The indexes of output per hour relate total output to
one input— labor time. The indexes do not measure the
specific contribution of labor, capital, or any other single
factor. Rather, they reflect the joint effect of many inter
related influences such as changes in technology, capital
investment, capacity utilization, store design and layout,
skill and effort of the work force, managerial ability, and
labor-management relations.
No explicit adjustments were made to the measure for
variety stores to take into account increases or decreases
in some services provided to the consumer. Data are not
available to measure the effect of any such changes.
The basic sources for the output series for this measure
consist of the total sales data and sales by merchandise
line data reported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The deflators were developed using various Consumer
Price Indexes published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The gross margin weights were developed from data re
ported by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The basic sources for the all person hour series consist
of data on employment and hours published by the Bu
reau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of the Census,
supplemented by data compiled for the Bureau of Labor
Statistics by the Bureau of the Census.
33
Technical Notes
Adjusting the c p i shelter index
to compensate for effect of depreciation
Walter F. Lane , William C.
and Stephen A. Berenson
Randolph ,
Beginning with the Consumer Price Index (cpi) for Janu
ary 1988, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls) introduced
an adjustment into the cpi shelter indexes for the phe
nomenon known as “age bias.” The need to correct the
shelter indexes (the rent index and the owners’ equivalent
rent index) arises from the need to keep the quality of
consumer items in the cpi market basket constant over
the period for which price change is observed.
The cpi measures price changes for urban consumers in
the United States.1 It does this by following the prices of a
sample of consumer goods and services called the cpi
market basket. Using longitudinal surveys, the cpi tracks
the prices of consumer goods and services in the market
basket, comparing their current prices to those previously
observed. The percent change in the cpi is an average of
these price changes. For this to be an accurate measure of
price change, it is critically important that the quality of
the goods and services be identical in both periods for
which prices are observed.
The cpi measures price change for both renter-occu
pied and owner-occupied housing with a longitudinal
survey of housing units. The residential rent index, which
is the measure of the change in the cost of renter-occupied
shelter, is based on the movement of rents in the survey.
Since 1983, the Bureau has also used the changes in the
rents of rental units in the survey to estimate the change
in the owners’ equivalent rent index, which measures the
change in the cost of owner-occupied shelter.2 Currently,
the Bureau does this by imputing an implicit rent for each
owner-occupied unit in the survey from an initial estimate
obtained at the first interview with the unit’s owner, and
then periodically adjusting this estimate with the average
rent change of similar renter-occupied housing units
Walter F. Lane, William C. Randolph, and Stephen A. Berenson are
economists in the Office of Prices and Living Conditions, Bureau of
Labor Statistics.
34
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
nearby, bls agents ask for rent information from the
rental units in the survey every 6 months. At each inter
view they obtain the rent and services provided for the
rent, bls computes the rent change for each sample unit
and then averages the rent change. Following the same
units— which provide services that rarely change— and
computing the average rent change from the individual
units’ rent changes avoids most apparent problems with
quality changes between periods of rent comparison.
Consequently, a large proportion of the sample appears
to be of “constant quality.” In other words, the services
offered in exchange for rent are the same at successive
interviews. However, the Bureau has procedures to esti
mate the value of and adjust for common changes in the
services offered. For example, if an apartment's owner
stops providing electricity as part of the rental services,
the bls estimates its value and adds it to the rent for the
current month. The estimated value depends on the elec
trical appliances and size of the unit, and the climate and
price of electricity in that area. Currently, bls does not
estimate the value of changes such as the addition of a
room or a bathroom. When a rental unit in the sample
experiences such a change, the Bureau leaves it out of the
cpi calculation for one period.
Because quality changes of the types mentioned above
occur quite rarely in the housing survey, there are rela
tively few problems with them. However, following the
same units over time introduces the possibility of a subtle
but potentially significant quality change. Even though
bls surveys the same set of housing units in successive
periods, the quality of the units is not exactly the same
because in the later period they are older and their quality
is slightly lower. Of course, some housing units receive
maintenance that slows and can even prevent them from
wearing out. However, because most housing eventually
wears out and is torn down or is closed down for complete
rehabilitation, the housing stock as a whole— and there
fore the average housing unit— clearly depreciates. Em
pirical estimates of the physical depreciation show that it
is small but significant.
Measuring the age bias
The question of how much housing depreciates during
each period must be answered empirically. To do this, bls
researchers3 used a hedonic regression model in which the
logarithm of the rent of a housing unit is a function of (1) its
structural characteristics— such as number of rooms, (2) its
location, (3) services, such as utilities, included in the
rent, (4) neighborhood characteristics, such as percent of
the population with some college education, and (5) a set of
six “depreciation” variables. The depreciation variables are
the only variables in the model that depend directly on the
age of the dwelling. The first two depreciation variables
are (1) the age, (2) the age squared divided by 2. The others
are variables interacting with age, namely: (3) age times a
dummy for detached housing, (4) age times a rent control
dummy, (5) age times the number of rooms, and (6) age
times a dummy variable for very old units (built before
1900). (Table 1 lists all the variables, except the location
variables, which are very numerous.)
bls economists used data from the cpi housing survey
and the 1980 Census of Housing to estimate the model.
The data for the structural characteristics, location, ser
vices included in the rent, age, and other data needed for
the depreciation variables came from the cpi survey.
Neighborhood characteristics data came from the small
est published geographic levels of the 1980 census (usually
the census block) containing the housing unit. The Census
Bureau defined these areas to be relatively homogeneous
with respect to population characteristics, economic sta
tus, and living conditions.4 bls accounted for location by
letting all regression parameters vary over the four census
Table 1. National averages of parameter estimates in age
bias adjustment model for selected variables (multipled by
100)
Average
-0.48
-.026
.06
-.37
.05
Structural characteristics
Detached.......................
Bedrooms.....................
Other rooms..................
Complete kitchen..........
Dishwasher...................
Washer/dryer...............
16.0
14.6
3.1
7.3
Oil heat.........................
Electric heat.................
Central air conditioning ....
Window air conditioning....
Extra bathroom............
Rent control..................
-.21
.57
10.9
4.2
9.9
-7.5
11.0
6.6
Services included in rent
Gas...............................
Electric.........................
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Average
Continued— Services
included in rent
Depreciation
Age.............................
Age‘ Rent control........
Age*Old.....................
Age*Detached...........
Age'Room s...............
Item
4.2
7.3
Fuel oil..........................
Parking .........................
Furnishings...................
Swimming pool..............
Other recreation...........
2.3
3.5
-2.6
4.3
1.7
Neighborhood
characteristics
(by percent)
Renters.........................
White.............................
Large buildings..............
Two or more autos........
Without complete
plumbing...................
Air conditioned..............
Children age 6 to 1 8 .....
College students...........
Families below poverty
level..........................
Elderly over 6 5 ..............
Mobile homes...............
Unemployment..............
With college education..
-.05
.11
.08
-.036
-.63
-.065
-.13
-.04
-.15
.12
-.17
-.32
.46
regions and letting many of them vary across
areas within regions.
cpi
pricing
The model was estimated both with maximum likeli
hood and with ordinary least squares regression methods.
The maximum likelihood estimates are slightly more effi
cient; however, the ordinary least squares estimates are
much easier to obtain and they are unbiased. For this
reason, the least squares method was chosen for comput
ing the aging adjustments for the shelter indexes.
To provide lower variance depreciation estimates for
individual cpi areas, the Bureau uses a composite estima
tion procedure5 that combines the regional depreciation
estimate with that of the local area. Similar procedures
are used elsewhere in the cpi— most notably in the calcu
lation of base-period expenditure weights— to reduce
variance.
The hedonic regression model can be summarized with
the following expression:
(1)
Log (rent)
= /( 1 3 structural characteristics variables,
various location and survey variables,
13 neighborhood characteristics variables,
7 dummy variables for services provided
with rent,
6 depreciation variables, and a random
error term)
The function is linear in most of these variables. After
bls estimated the coefficients using the data and the he
donic regression techniques, this function became a
formula that can project the log of rent for any unit for
which the values of the explanatory variables are known.
In addition, a coefficient estimated for a variable in such a
semilog function (the log is taken of the dependent vari
able only) can be interpreted as an approximation of the
expected percentage change in the dependent variable
(here, the rent) that will result from a unit change in the
explanatory variable. For example, the national average
of the coefficients for the structural characteristic variable
“more than one bathroom” is about 0.099, which implies
that a housing unit with an additional bathroom would
have a rent about 10 percent higher than another housing
unit in which all else was the same. Table 1 provides
estimates in percentage terms of the effect of the regres
sion variables on rent.
Depreciation is the effect of aging on the quality of a
housing unit. The partial derivative of the full equation
with respect to age provides a formula for depreciation,
which can be interpreted as the approximate percent
change in rent (net of inflation) as the rental unit ages 1
year. Note that the only variables in the formula that
contain age are the depreciation variables. When the par
tial derivative is taken, the other terms drop out, leaving
only the depreciation terms. Keep in mind that the inclu
sion of other variables influences the estimates of the
depreciation variables’ coefficents.
35
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Technical Notes
We can obtain depreciation as:
(2)
. .
depreciation
=
9log (rent)
dage
=
g (depreciation variables)
Depreciation, or the amount of quality change lost be
cause the sample does not keep the age constant, can be
found from this simpler formula.
To derive the depreciation formula explicitly, we can
rewrite equation (1), the hedonic regression for the loga
rithm of rent, as:
(3)
log (rent)
=
a X + bj age + b2 (age2) + b3 age (number
of rooms)
+ b4 age (very old unit) + b5 age (de
tached housing)
+ b6 age (rent control),
where X is a vector of the variables that do not measure
depreciation and a is the vector of regression coefficients
for the variables in vector X. The depreciation variables,
which are all functions of the age of the housing unit, are
listed individually. The derivative provides an explicit
version of equation (2):
(4)
9log (rent)
r
a®e
=
bj + 2b2 (age) + b3 (rooms)
+ b4 (very old unit)
+ b5 (detached) + b6 (rent control)
Because none of the variables in vector X depends directly
on the age of the unit, those variables do not appear in the
derivative.
Vintage effects
The results from this approach to measuring the age
bias are subject to possible error caused by vintage (or
year built) effects. The regression coefficient estimates for
the age variables (the depreciation variables) may reflect
something other than the effect of aging. If the housing
units built in a certain year are consistently better or
worse than those built in years before or since, the
regression would not be able to separate the effect of
depreciation from the effect of vintage on the rent of a
housing unit. For example, older homes that still survive
may have been more soundly constructed, have more
mature landscaping, or be in better locations than newer
homes. On the other hand, newer homes may have better
floor plans, insulation, appliances, equipment, wiring, and
plumbing. To the degree that the market values newer
houses more highly or less highly than older ones, the
regression equation estimating the effect of age on the rent
may be distorted. However, bls research6 on the subject
indicates that the regression, by including structural and
neighborhood variables, accounts for most vintage effects
or that vintage effects that favor older housing are offset
by other vintage effects favoring newer housing. The
36
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
model used to adjust the shelter indexes for depreciation
ultim ately rests on the assum ption th at, when the
regression contains such variables, vintage effects are
negligible. In light of empirical evidence, such an assump
tion is preferable to assuming—as the cpi implicitly did
before aging adjustments began—that housing does not
depreciate and that depreciation effects can be ignored.
Results
Equation (4) provides a way to estimate the deprecia
tion of housing units for the cpi housing index and also
provides adjustments for the cpi rent and owners’ equiva
lent rent indexes. To minimize the variance that this new
procedure introduces, bls uses the same adjustment for
all housing units in a cpi area. To obtain the adjustment
for each area, bls estimates the area’s average value for
the depreciation variables with equation (4). The Bureau
then uses the composite estimation procedure that com
bines the adjustments estimated at the regional level with
those from the local level to obtain the final local values.
Table 2 gives the estimates of the corrections for the
largest cpi areas. These are the annualized values, in
percentage terms, of the corrections introduced in Janu
ary 1988. They will be recomputed yearly using the same
(or improved) methods with newer data, bls makes the
adjustments by adding the estimated percent change from
depreciation to the percent change in rent for each shelter
index in each of the 85 cpi pricing areas. For example, if
an area has an annual adjustment of, say, 0.3 percent, onetwelfth that amount (0.025) would be added to the per
cent increase for the rent and owners’ equivalent rent
indexes in each month of the year. In the future, bls may
apply the corrections at smaller geographic levels, possi
bly as low as the sample unit level.
The adjustments in table 2 show relatively little variation
in housing depreciation by region. This is a result of the
composite estimation process described on the preceding
Table 2. Age bias adjustments for selected metropolitan
areas
[In percent]
Pricing area
Annual
adjustment
Northeast
New Y ork........................
Philadelphia....................
Boston ............................
Pittsburgh.......................
Buffalo .......................
Annual
adjustment
South
0.36
.36
.36
.36
.35
Washington, d c ...............
D allas..........................
Baltimore....................
Houston........................
Atlanta.........................
Miami............................
.22
.24
.21
.24
.21
.22
.24
.23
Los Angeles..................
San Francisco..............
Seattle.........................
San Diego..................
Portland, o r ..................
Honolulu.......................
Anchorage ...................
Denver....................
Midwest
Chicago..........................
Detroit...........................
St. Louis.........................
Cleveland........................
Minneapolis....................
Milwaukee.......................
Cincinnati........................
Kansas C ity ....................
Pricing area
0.17
.14
.17
.11
.17
.16
West
.22
.23
.25
.21
.24
.22
.19
.24
page. Among the regions, the Northeast has the highest
depreciation rates and therefore requires the largest adjust
ment. This may reflect the effects of the severe climate, but
it also results from the prevalence of rent control and multi
unit housing in that region. The lower rates in the South result
from the milder climate, more detached housing, and less
rent control.
CH
--------- F O O T N O T E S --------'For a complete description of the Consumer Price Index, see chapter
19 of the b l s H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s , Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor
Statistics, April 1988).
2Rental equivalence is described in the b l s H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s , and
in more detail in “Changing the Homeownership Component of the c p i
to Rental Equivalence,” c p i D e ta ile d R e p o r t, January 1983, pp. 7-1 1 .
3The full development of the aging adjustment is described in William
C. Randolph, “Housing Depreciation and Aging Bias in the Consumer
Price Index,” J o u r n a l o f B u s in e ss a n d E c o n o m ic S ta tis tic s , July 1988, pp.
359-71.
4See C e n su s o f P o p u la tio n a n d H o u s in g
reau of the Census, 1982), p. 221.
T e c h n ic a l D o c u m e n ta tio n
(Bu
5For a complete development of the composite estimation procedure,
see William C. Randolph and Kimberly D. Zieschang, “Aggregation
Consistent Restriction Based Improvement of Local Area Estimators,”
P r o c e e d in g s o f th e B u s in e ss a n d E c o n o m ic s S e c tio n (American Statistical
Association, January 1988).
6For a full development of the vintage effect question, see William C.
Randolph, “Estimation of Housing Depreciation: Short-Term Quality
Change and Long Term Vintage Effects,” J o u r n a l o f U rb a n E c o n o m ic s,
March 1988, pp. 162-78.
Establishment survey incorporates
March 1987 employment benchmarks
John B. Farrell
With the release of data for May 1988, the Bureau of
Labor Statistics introduced its annual revision of national
estimates of employment, hours, and earnings from the
monthly survey of establishments. The revision uses em
ployment counts for March 1987 as a benchmark. As part
of the annual benchmarking process, the Bureau also re
vised seasonally adjusted series for the past 5 years, and
computed new seasonal adjustment factors.
Adjustment procedure
Monthly estimates from the Current Employment Sta
tistics (ces) survey are based on information collected
from a sample of approximately 300,000 establishments.
To help improve their accuracy, the Bureau adjusts ces
estimates each year to new benchmarks. Benchmarks are
John B. Farrell is an economist in the Division of Monthly Industry
Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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comprehensive counts of employment based primarily on
mandatory unemployment insurance reports filed by em
ployers with the State employment security agencies.
The current revisions are based on March 1987 bench
marks and affect all unadjusted series from April 1986
forward. As is the usual practice with the introduction of
new benchmarks, the Bureau has also revised the season
ally adjusted series from January 1983 forward and has
published new seasonal adjustment factors to be used for
the coming year.
Current revisions. The March 1987 benchmark level for
total nonagricultural employment— 100.4 million— was
only 35,000, or 0.04 percent, below the corresponding
sample-based estimate, resulting in one of the survey’s
smallest benchmark revisions. The pattern of revisions
was mixed across industry divisions, with downward revi
sions in the goods-producing industries (-0.7 percent)
being about offset by upward revisions in the serviceproducing industries (0.2 percent). Table 1 provides the
revisions for March 1987 by industry division.
New estimates were computed for April 1987 forward,
based on the new March 1987 benchmark levels and re
com puted seasonal adjustm ent and bias factors. In
addition, the sample was redistributed into estimating
cells that reflect their March 1987 employment size, and
sample reports were added that had been received since
the original estimates were made. The combined effect of
the new benchmark level, recomputed seasonal and bias
factors, the resized sample, and added late reporters re
sulted in the new estimates generally showing larger
over-the-month employment gains than previously re
ported. The cumulative effect on the survey estimate from
April 1987 through February 1988 was the addition of
Table 1. Differences between nonagricultural employment
benchmarks and estimates, by industry division, March
1987
[Numbers in thousands]____________________________________________
Difference
Estimate
Industry
Benchmark
Total nonagricultural..
100,427
100,462
-3 5
Total private..................
Mining.........................
Construction...............
Manufacturing............
Transportation and
public utilities............
83,173
696
4,531
18,810
83,152
718
4,599
18,897
21
-22
-68
-8 7
(1)
-3.2
-1.5
-.5
5,274
5,275
-1
Wholesale trade .........
Retail trade ................
Finance, insurance,
and real estate..........
Services.....................
5,763
17,902
5,725
17,737
38
165
(1)
.7
.9
6,443
23,754
6,478
23,723
-3 5
31
-.5
.1
Government..................
Federal .......................
S ta te ..........................
Local..........................
17,254
2,916
4,050
10,288
17,310
2,916
4,036
10,358
-5 6
0
14
-70
-.3
0
.3
-.7
Number
Percent
0
’ Less than 0.05 percent.
37
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Technical Notes
364,000 workers to the estimate of total nonagricultural
employment. (See table 2.)
Sources o f the differences.
Differences between the
benchmark totals and the sample-based estimates are
caused by both sampling and nonsampling error. Sam
pling error occurs whenever inferences are drawn from a
sample about its universe.
Nonsampling error in the c e s survey has three major
sources: (1) new firm bias, (2) procedures for handling
changes in industrial classification, and (3) other errors
of coverage, response, processing, and collection. New
firm bias is attributed to the fact that the sample does not
readily capture new firms, nor the employment growth
from these firms. The survey’s sample design also places a
higher probability of selection on firms with greater em
ployment. This too creates bias problems, because small,
newer firms tend to be responsible for an important por
tion of the overall employment growth.
Revisions to other data.
Benchmarks are not available
for the series on women, production or nonsupervisory
workers, and hours and earnings. Women and production
workers series are revised by applying the sample-derived
ratio to the revised employment estimate at the basic cell
level. These revisions are then summarized to the broader
industry groupings. P roduction and nonsupervisory
worker employment estimates are used as weights in the
estimation of hours and earnings at aggregate industry
levels. Benchmark revisions to employment may cause
shifts in these weights, affecting summary level estimates
of hours and earnings.
Seasonal adjustment.
Each year, employment, hours,
and earnings data from the new benchmark are incorpo
rated into the calculation of new seasonal adjustment
factors. These new seasonal factors are applied to the
38
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Table 2. Differences in seasonally adjusted levels and
over-the-month changes, total nonagricultural employment,
April 1987-February 1988
[Numbers in thousands]
Over-the-month
changes
Levels
Month
As
revised
As
previously
published
Difference
As
revised
As
previously
published
Difference
A pril...........
May............
June...........
July............
August.......
101,615
101,829
102,078
102,430
102,672
101,598
101,708
101,818
102,126
102,275
17
121
260
304
397
355
214
249
352
242
269
110
110
308
149
86
104
139
44
93
September..
October......
November...
December...
102,906
103,371
103,678
104,001
102,434
102,983
103,285
103,612
472
388
393
389
234
465
307
323
159
549
302
327
75
-84
5
-4
104,262
104,729
103,827
104,365
435
364
261
467
215
538
46
-71
1987
1988
January......
February.....
unadjusted m onthly estimates to produce seasonally
adjusted estimates for the period April 1988 through
March 1989. The Bureau uses the X - l l ARIMA seasonal
adjustment method, an adaptation of the standard ratioto-moving average method, which provides for “moving”
adjustment factors to take changing seasonal patterns
into account.
Publication o f revised estimates.
Revised estimates for
all c e s series appear in the June issue of Employment and
Earnings, along with a more complete explanation of the
benchmarking procedure and the new seasonal adjust
ment factors. Revisions to historical series appear in the
Supplement to Employment and Earnings, published in
August. Estimates reflecting the new benchmarks appear
in the Current Labor Statistics section of the Monthly
Labor Review beginning with the July issue.
Research Summaries
bls to obtain a broader scope of pay data within current
budgetary limits.
White-collar pay in nonservice
industries, March 1988
While the type of business that a firm performs influ
ences salaries to a large extent, skill and experience
continue to be prim ary determ inants of white-collar
pay levels, as can be seen in table 2. Engineers, the sur
vey’s most populous occupational group, demonstrate the
effect of rising skill levels on pay: recent engineering grad
uates (level I) averaged $29,592 annually in March 1988,
while engineers responsible for highly complex engineer
ing programs (level VIII) averaged $87,914.4 Likewise,
salaries for accountants ranged from $22,198 for begin
ners (level I) to $68,270 for those responsible for dev
eloping complex accounting systems (level VI).
In clerical and technical jobs, differing skill levels also
contributed to wide variations in pay. Salaries for four
levels of general clerks ranged from $11,150 a year for
clerks who follow detailed procedures in performing
simple and repetitive tasks (level I) to $20,642 for those
who use knowledge and judgment to complete various
nonroutine assignments (level IV). Pay for five levels of
secretaries ranged from $17,577 to $30,823.
Computer operators are classified on the basis of re
sponsibility for problem solving, variability of assign
ments, and scope of authority for corrective actions. Level
I operators, whose work assignments consist of on-the-job
training, averaged $15,039 a year. The largest group sur
veyed, level II, averaged $18,452; the highest publishable
level (V) recorded $30,900.
Drafters averaged between $16,676 at level II (those
who prepare simple, easily visualized drawings from
sketches or marked-up prints) and $32,567 at level V
C. Joseph Cooper, Jr .
White-collar workers employed in mining and utilities
typically earn more, on average, than their counterparts
in such industry sectors as construction, manufacturing,
trade, and finance. This is one of many findings from the
Bureau of Labor Statistics’ March 1988 survey of whitecollar pay in private nonservice industries,1 (See table 1
for examples of pay relationships in selected occupations
and industry divisions covered.) The study, commonly
referred to as the patc survey, yielded average salary
information for workers in 28 occupations (112 work lev
els) spanning a broad range of duties and responsibilities.
The results, however, cannot be compared with those
from last year’s survey, which was limited to private serv
ice industries.2
The March 1988 survey also reflects changes introduced
in 1986 to broaden coverage of the white-collar pay survey
to more industries and to smaller establishments by con
ducting the survey in two segments: The private service
industries in 1987 and the private nonservice industries in
1988.3 The 1988 survey findings will be combined with up
dated information from the services establishments studied
in 1987 to permit annual pay comparisons between Federal
white-collar workers and their counterparts in private in
dustry. Rotating industry coverage in alternate years allows
C. Joseph Cooper, Jr., is an economist in the Division of Occupational
Pay and Employee Benefit Levels, Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Table 1. Relative pay levels by type of nonservice industry and selected occupations, March 1988
[All industries“ 100]
Mining
Construction
Manufacturing
Public utilities
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Finance, insurance,
and real estate
Accountants III ..............................
Buyers I I ........................................
Computer programmers III.............
Systems analysts I I ........................
Drafters III......................................
110
120
111
109
123
103
104
97
90
86
101
99
101
100
98
104
110
103
105
116
98
104
100
96
95
95
102
99
99
92
94
98
97
98
99
Computer operators II....................
Accounting clerks II........................
Key entry operators I .....................
Secretaries III.................................
General clerks III............................
103
114
113
106
112
95
97
125
93
93
102
101
103
102
101
115
120
124
109
115
96
100
98
100
96
90
93
93
90
88
96
95
95
92
91
Selected occupations
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39
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Research Summaries
Table 2. Average salaries in selected occupations, national survey of professional, administrative, technical, and clerical pay
in the private nonservice industries, March 1988
Occupation and class
Number of
employees1
Average
annual
salaries2
Professional and administrative
Accountants
Accountants
Accountants
Accountants
Accountants
Accountants
$22,198
27,093
33,293
42,140
53,453
68,270
1,423
2,452
3,418
1,869
23,473
28,359
34,753
42,434
I ..
II.
III
IV
940
1,028
500
110
40,691
53.316
69.316
88,608
Attorneys I ..............
Attorneys II..............
Attorneys III.............
Attorneys IV.............
Attorneys V .............
Attorneys V I.............
1,310
3,432
4,625
4,407
2,116
676
34,073
42,539
55,362
70,231
87,595
110,162
8,421
23,555
17,656
5,125
22,170
27,999
36,088
43,620
I .....
II.....
III....
IV....
V ....
8,770
29,726
37,369
17,593
6,986
22,531
26,422
31,440
37,396
45,536
Systems analysts I................
Systems analysts II...............
Systems analysts III..............
Systems analysts IV ..............
Systems analysts V ..............
20,895
42,898
26,377
827
31,380
37,848
44,214
52,054
65,388
6,131
4,931
1,882
228
49,164
55,735
65,056
75,579
Auditors
Auditors
Auditors
Auditors
I ................
I I ...............
III...............
IV ..............
Chief accountants
Chief accountants
Chief accountants
Chief accountants
Buyers
Buyers
Buyers
Buyers
I ...................
I I ..................
III ................
IV ................
Computer programmers
Computer programmers
Computer programmers
Computer programmers
Computer programmers
Systems analyst managers
Systems analyst managers
Systems analyst managers
Systems analyst managers
I ..
II.
III
IV
Job analysts I I .......................
Job analysts I II.....................
Job analysts IV .....................
Directors of
Directors of
Directors of
Directors of
personnel
personnel
personnel
personnel
I..
II.
III
IV
Chemists I ...
Chemists I I ..
Chemists III .
Chemists IV .
Chemists V ..
Chemists V I.
Chemists VII
Engineers
Engineers
Engineers
Engineers
Engineers
Engineers
Engineers
Engineers
1..
.
11..
III .
IV .
V.
V I.
VII
VIII
.
8,021
40
Average
annual
salaries2
1,601
4,220
184
$23,443
28,545
35,059
Licensed practical nurses II
352
19,640
Engineering technicians I ..
Engineering technicians II..
Engineering technicians III.
Engineering technicians IV.
Engineering technicians V .
3,930
13,496
28,498
31,375
17,341
17,879
21,317
25,028
30,043
34,742
Drafters II..........................
Drafters III.........................
Drafters IV.........................
Drafters V .........................
9,375
16,971
15,097
8,749
16,676
21,345
26,535
32,567
Computer operators I ........
Computer operators II ......
Computer operators III......
Computer operators I V .....
Computer operators V ......
6,635
30,874
23,538
6,480
1,001
15.039
18,452
22,846
27.040
30,900
Photographers I I ...............
Photographers III ..............
Photographers IV ..............
671
664
358
24,620
29,164
33,844
I ..
II .
III.
IV
34,867
136,952
77,406
25,149
13,505
15,544
18,865
22,906
File clerks I ..............
File clerks II.............
File clerks III...........
15,068
9,695
2,278
11,082
13,113
16,452
Key entry operators I ..............
Key entry operators I I ..............
59,276
29,675
13,817
18,434
Messengers............................
8,068
12,952
3,165
4,936
3,599
1,559
14,399
17,761
21,178
24,713
4,524
7,178
4,047
1,033
14,518
18,245
23,398
31,292
17,577
19,640
22,530
25,858
30,823
Registered nurses I..
Registered nurses II.
Registered nurses III
Technical support
Clerical
Accounting
Accounting
Accounting
Accounting
clerks
clerks
clerks
clerks
418
755
495
25.957
32.958
41,904
Personnel
Personnel
Personnel
Personnel
1,717
2,421
1,042
301
42,091
50,589
70,900
87,696
Purchasing
Purchasing
Purchasing
Purchasing
2,304
5,526
7,775
8,033
4,292
1,469
370
26,616
31,013
38,113
45,812
54,971
Secretaries I .....
Secretaries II ....
Secretaries III....
Secretaries IV ...
Secretaries M ....
47.787
55,333
105,161
41,150
11.788
clerks/assistants
clerks/assistants
clerks/assistants
clerks/assistants
I.
II.
III
IV
Stenographers I .
Stenographers II
4,354
2,901
21,345
22,691
29.607
65,445
121,166
134,682
89,649
36.607
9,360
1,542
29,592
33,278
38,353
45,777
55,194
65,710
75,594
87,914
Typists I ..............
Typists II.............
15,880
7,520
13,538
17,702
General
General
General
General
16,138
70,787
74,803
37,957
11,150
13,543
16,723
20,642
clerks/assistants
clerks/assistants
clerks/assistants
clerks/assistants
I ..
II .
III.
IV
66,011
79,759
’ Occupational employment estimates relate to the total in all establishments
within scope of the survey and not to the number actually surveyed.
Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and
late shifts. Also excluded are performance bonuses and lump-sum payments of
the type negotiated in the auto and aerospace industries, as well as profit-sharing
payments, attendance bonuses, Christmas or yearend bonuses, and other
nonproduction bonuses. Cost-of-living allowances and incentive payments,
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Number of
employees1
Continued— Professional and administrative
15,209
33,353
45,508
23,190
7,506
1,448
I ..
II.
III
IV
V.
VI
Occupation and class
clerks
clerks
clerks
clerks
I ..
II .
III.
IV
however, are included.
Note:
The following occupational levels were surveyed but insufficient data
were obtained to warrant publication: chief accountant V; job analyst I; director
of personnel V; chemist VIII; registered nurse IV; licensed practical nurse I and III;
nursing assistant I-IV ; civil engineering technician l-V ; drafter I; computer
operator VI; photographer I and V; and personnel clerk/assistant V.
(work closely with designers preparing unusual, complex,
or original designs).
In contrast to contributing to wide variations in pay
within a single profession, skill levels can also act as a
source of pay uniformity for the same level of work
among different occupations. The following tabulation
shows a relatively narrow (8-percent) spread separated
the highest and lowest paid of six equivalent work levels
in the survey:
Work level
Annual salary level
Director of personnel I I I ...........
Attorney IV ..................................
Chief accountant I I I ...................
$70,900
70,231
69,316
Accountant VI ............................
Chemist VI ..................................
Engineer V I ..................................
68,270
66,011
65,710
Unequal market demands, however, can nullify equiva
lent skill level pay consistency, especially in entry level
professional positions. Average pay for beginning engi
neers in the survey, for example, was well above that of
entry level accountants.
A d e t a i l e d a n a l y s i s of white-collar salaries and com
plete results of this year’s survey are forthcoming in the
bulletin, National Survey o f Professional, Administrative,
Technical, and Clerical Pay, March 1988. It will include
salary distributions by occupational work level, tabula
tions by establishment size, and relative employment and
salary levels by nonservice industry division, such as man
ufacturing, utilities, and trade.
EH
--------- F O O T N O T E S --------'The white-collar survey (National Survey of Professional, Adminis
trative, Technical, and Clerical Pay— patc) is conducted by the Bureau
of Labor Statistics, but survey occupations and coverage such as estab
lishment size and the private industries to be included are determined by
the President’s Pay Agent— the Secretary of Labor and the Directors of
the Office of Management and Budget and the Office of Personnel Man
agement. This arrangement reflects the use of patc findings in the pay
setting process for Federal employees. The role of the patc survey is
described in George L. Stelluto’s, “Federal pay comparability: facts to
temper the debate,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , June 1979, pp. 18-28.
The 1988 survey covered establishments employing 50 or more work
ers and primarily engaged in the following activities: Mining; con
struction; manufacturing; public utilities (transportation, communica
tions, electric, gas, and sanitary services); wholesale trade; retail trade;
and finance, insurance, and real estate .
2See C. Joseph Cooper, Jr., “White collar salaries vary widely in the
service industries,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , November 1987, pp. 21—23.
3See John D. Morton, “bls prepares to broaden scope of its whitecollar pay survey,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , March 1987, pp. 3 -7 .
4In the survey coding structure, the level designations among various
occupations are not synonymous: for example, the first level of attorneys
is comparable to the third level of engineers, accountants, and most
other professional and administrative occupations. Classification of em
ployees in the occupations and work levels surveyed is based on factors
detailed in definitions which are available upon request.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
BLS sizes up pay and benefits
in men’s shirt factories
Individual earnings of production and related workers in
m en’s and boys’ shirt and nightw ear m anufacturing
plants varied substantially in June 1987, ranging from
$3.35 an hour to more than $8 an hour. The index of wage
dispersion, a statistical measure of such variation, was
43— among the highest recorded in the Bureau of Labor
Statistics’ industry wage program.1 Contributing to this
factor were the low incidence of single-rate pay systems
(about 5 percent of the workers) and the relatively high
incidence of incentive systems (80 percent).
Production workers averaged $4.91 an hour in June
1987, according to a study by the Bureau of Labor Statis
tics.2 This represents a 5-percent increase in earnings
since a similar survey was conducted in May 1984.3 By
comparison, the wage and salary component of the Bu
reau’s Employment Cost Index for nondurable goods
manufacturing industries rose 12 percent between the sec
ond quarters of 1984 and 1987.
Wages for a substantial portion of the industry’s work
force also reflect a continued attachment to the Federal
minimum wage. One-fourth of the workers earned $3.75
per hour or less in June 1987, within 40 cents of the
Federal minimum hourly wage of $3.35.
Average hourly earnings for the seven regions studied
separately were between $5.83 in New England and $4.58
in the Pacific States, a spread of 27 percent. In the South
east, where nearly three-fourths of the production work
ers were employed, hourly earnings averaged $4.79.
Twenty-three jobs representing the production proc
ess, from the cutting of the fabric to the pressing and
boxing of the finished garment, were selected for separate
study. Plant wide, hourly averages ranged from $8.02 for
sewing-machine repairers to $4.04 for thread trimmers.
(See table 1.)
The shirtmaking process begins in the cutting room
where workers mark, spread out, or cut fabric using a
power-cutting machine. Assemblers, who gather bundles
of garment parts for distribution to sewing units, were the
most numerous of the five jobs studied in this department.
They averaged $4.93 an hour. Machine cutters were the
highest paid workers in the department, averaging $6.36
an hour.
Sewing department operations involve joining various
garment sections, attaching buttons, or sewing button
holes (sewing-machine operator); loading machines that
automatically sew garment parts (machine loader); and
inspecting the quality of work during shirt assembly (in
termediate inspector). Sewing-machine operators were
the largest occupational group, constituting nearly threefifths of the industry’s production work force. They
41
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Research Summaries
averaged $4.83 an hour. Occupational averages for other
jobs in this department were between $4.86 (underpressers) and $5.28 (collar-top trimmers).
Finishing operations include inspection, repair, and
preparation of completed garments for sale. Averages for
the seven jobs studied in the finishing department ranged
from $4.04 for thread trimmers to $5.01 for garment
folders.
Nationwide, four-fifths of the workers were employed
under incentive pay systems, typically individual piece
rates. Among the one-fifth usually paid time rates were
janitors, sewing-machine repairers, work distributors,
and workers in cutting room occupations.
V irtually all workers were in establishm ents with
weekly work schedules of 40 hours. One-third of the work
Table 1. Number of workers and average straight-time
hourly earnings, men's and boys' shirt and nightwear
manufacturing plants, selected occupations, United States
and Southeast region, June 1987
United States'
Department and occupation
All production workers4..............
Men........................................
W om en..................................
Southeast2
Number of
workers
Average
hourly
earnings3
Number of
workers
Average
hourly
earnings3
59,383
5,327
54,056
$4.91
5.50
4.86
43,312
3,474
39,838
$4.79
5.59
4.72
786
177
655
212
758
4.93
5.93
6.36
5.50
5.24
611
110
478
175
571
4.95
5.73
6.19
5.25
5.01
284
105
570
1,600
33,397
30,683
270
5.16
5.28
5.04
5.10
4.83
4.80
4.86
205
66
394
1,390
25,141
23,323
150
4.90
4.97
4.94
5.13
4.69
4.68
4.39
1,261
2,012
1,224
392
443
4.78
5.01
5.02
4.99
4.90
891
1,594
1,021
259
343
4.75
4.97
4.97
4.88
4.91
2,179
1,348
867
170
4.80
4.78
4.70
4.04
1,530
836
541
124
4.51
4.53
4.45
3.83
566
607
340
203
1,463
4.43
8.02
5.22
5.22
4.78
437
486
233
146
1,051
4.36
8.05
5.13
5.04
4.78
Cutting room
Assemblers...............................
Clicker-machine operators.........
Cutters, machine........................
Markers......................................
Spreaders..................................
Sewing department
Collar pointers............................
Collar top trimmers....................
Inspectors, intermediate............
Loaders, machine.....................
Sewing-machine operators5 ......
Dress and sport shirts...........
Underpressers..........................
Finishing department
Baggers and boxers...................
Folders, garment5 .....................
Hand ......................................
Garment repairers.....................
Inspectors, final (inspect only) ...
Inspectors, final (and thread
trimmers)..................................
Pressers, finish5.........................
H and......................................
Thread trimmers........................
Miscellaneous
Janitors......................................
Repairers, sewing machine........
Shipping clerks..........................
Stock clerks..............................
Work distributors........................
'Includes data for regions in addition to the Southeast region shown sepa
rately.
2The Southeast region, as defined for this study, includes Alabama, Florida,
Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.
Excludes premium pay for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and
late shifts.
4lncludes data for workers in occupations in addition to those shown sepa
rately.
5Overall occupation includes data for subclassifications not shown separately.
42
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
ers were in plants reporting provisions for late-shift work;
however, less than 5 percent actually were employed on
late shifts at the time of the survey.
Almost all production workers were in establishments
providing paid holidays and vacations. Two-thirds of the
workers received 5 to 8 holidays annually, while nearly
one-fifth— mostly workers covered by Amalgamated Cloth
ing and Textile Workers Union ( a c t w u ) contracts— were
entitled to 11 paid holidays. Typical vacation provisions
included 1 week of pay after 1 year of service and 2 or
more weeks’ pay after 3 years; a third week after 10 years
covered about two-fifths of the workers. The most liberal
vacation plans were reported for workers in plants cov
ered by a c t w u agreements. They consist of a two-tier
system that provides 3 to 4 weeks’ vacation pay to work
ers hired prior to September 1, 1985, and 1 to 3 weeks for
workers hired on or after that date. Under the latter ar
rangement, employees received 1 week of vacation pay
after 1 year of service, 2 weeks after 2 years, and 3 weeks
after 3 years.
About nine-tenths of the workers were in establish
ments providing at least part of the cost of life insurance
and a variety of basic health benefits. Shirt factories pro
viding insurance protection against large annual medical
expenses (major medical insurance) and accidental death
or dismemberment employed about seven-tenths of the
workers. Slightly over two-fifths were protected, in part,
against temporary income loss attributable to illness or an
accident. Dental plans, however, covered about one-fifth
of the workers. Retirement plans, usually financed wholly
by employers, applied to three-fifths of the workers.
Other common employer-provided benefits included
pay adjustments for incentive workers whose production
is halted because of a machine breakdown or other factors
beyond a worker’s control (nine-tenths of the workers);
minimum daily reporting pay (for example, 4 hours’ pay)
for employees who report to work as scheduled, but have
no work available (two-thirds of the workers); and auto
matic adjustment of all job pay rates when there is a
change in the Federal minimum wage (just over threefifths of the workers).
A comprehensive report on the survey, Industry Wage
Survey: Men's and Boys' Shirts and Nightwear, June 1987
(Bulletin 2304), may be purchased from the Superintendent
of Documents, Government Printing Office, Washington,
d c 20402, or from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Publica
tions Sales Center, P.O. Box 2145, Chicago, IL 60690. The
bulletin provides additional information on occupational
pay, and on the incidence of employee benefits.
--------- F O O T N O T E S --------'The index of dispersion is computed by dividing the interquartile range
(the difference between the third and first quartiles) by the median (the
second quartile) and multiplying by 100. For a detailed analysis by industry
of wage dispersion, see Carl B. Barsky and Martin E. Personick, “ Meas-
uring wage dispersion: pay ranges reflect industry traits,”
April 1981, pp. 35-41.
M o n th ly L a b o r
R e v ie w ,
2Wage data are straight-time hourly earnings, excluding premium pay
for overtime and for work on weekends, holidays, and late shifts. Cost-ofliving increases (but not bonuses) were included as part of the workers’
regular pay. Excluded were performance bonuses and lump-sum payments,
as well as profit-sharing payments, attendance bonuses, Christmas or yearend
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
bonuses, and other nonproduction bonuses.
The survey included establishments engaged primarily in manufacturing
men’s, youths’, and boys’ shirts (including polo and sport shirts) and night
wear, cut and sewn from purchased woven or knit fabric.
3For a discussion of the earlier survey, see In d u stry W a g e S u rv e y: M e n 's
Bulletin 2232 (Bureau of Labor
Statistics, 1985).
a n d B o y s ’ S h irts a n d N ig h tw e a r, M a y 1 9 8 4 ,
MLR staff positions
The Monthly Labor Review would like to hear from persons interested
in future staff positions. Applicants should describe editing and econom
ics skills and submit U.S. Form 171 to the editor-in-chief.
A note on communications
The Monthly Labor Review welcomes communications that supple
ment, challenge, or expand on research published in its pages. To be
considered for publication, com m unications should be factual and
analytical, not polemical in tone. Communications should be addressed
to the E ditor-in-C hief, M onthly Labor Review, Bureau of L abor
Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Washington, DC 20212.
43
Major Agreements
Expiring Next Month
This list of selected collective bargaining agreements expiring in November is based on information collected
by the Bureau’s Office of Compensation and Working Conditions. The list includes agreements covering
1,000 workers or more. Private industry is arranged in order of Standard Industrial Classification.
I n d u s tr y o r a c tiv ity
E m p lo y e r a n d lo c a t io n
L a b o r o r g a n iz a t io n 1
N um ber of
w orkers
P r iv a te
Construction................................
Heavy-Highway Labor Relations Council of Iowa (Iowa)....................
Operating Engineers..........................
1,200
Food products..............................
John Morrell & Co. (Sioux Falls, sd ) .....................................................
Chicago Midwest Meat Association (Chicago, il) ................................
Greater New York Milk Dealers Association (New York, ny ) ............
Food and Commercial Workers........
Food and Commercial Workers........
Teamsters ..........................................
2,700
3,000
3,000
Apparel........................................
American Schiffli Embroiderers Association (New Jersey)...................
Textile W orkers................................
2,000
Furniture ......................................
Industrial Relations Council of Furniture Manufacturers of Southern
California (California)
Carpenters..........................................
1,000
Primary metals ............................
McLouth Steel Corp. (Michigan)...........................................................
Steelworkers......................................
2,000
Machinery....................................
Carrier Corp. (Syracuse,
.............................................................................
Sheet Metal Workers........................
2,200
Electrical products.......................
Hughes Aircraft Co. (Los Angeles, ca ) ..................................................
Bendix Corp., Autolite Division (Fostoria, oh ) .....................................
Carpenters..........................................
Auto Workers ...................................
12,000
1,150
Transportation equipment...........
United Technologies Corp., Pratt and Whitney Division (Connecticut)..
Machinists .........................................
16,000
Communication ...........................
General Telephone Co. of Illinois (Illinois)...........................................
Electrical Workers ( ibew ) ................
1,400
Utilities........................................
Michigan Consolidated Gas Co. (Michigan)..........................................
Service Employees............................
1,000
Retail trade...................................
Food Employers Council, Inc. (Southern California)............................
Food and Commercial Workers........
10,000
Real estate....................................
Chicago walk-up apartments (Illinois)...................................................
Chicago fireproof buildings (Illinois)......................................................
Service Employees............................
Service Employees............................
4,900
2,600
Hotels...........................................
Greater Boston Hotel Association (Massachusetts)..............................
Hotel Employees and Restaurant
Employees
3,400
Services........................................
Associated Press (Interstate)..................................................................
Newspaper Guild ..............................
1,400
Hospitals ......................................
Johns Hopkins University Hospital (Baltimore, m d ) .................................
Youngstown Hospital Association (Youngstown, oh ) ..............................
Hospital and Health Care Employees ..
Service Employees............................
1,400
1,100
Education....................................
California:
San Diego Board of Education, teachers ......................
Education Association (Ind.)............
6,000
Services........................................
Ohio:
State lottery and liquor store clerks ..............................
Food and Commercial Workers........
1,250
General government....................
Pennsylvania: Allegheny County Port Authority................................
Transit Union....................................
2,600
ny)
P u b lic
'Affiliated with AFL-CIO except where noted as independent (Ind.).
44
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Developments In
Industrial Relations
McCarthy selected to head Teamsters
Jackie Presser, who had led the Teamsters union since
1983, died July 9. Presser had been on leave from the
presidency of the 1.6-million member union since early
May, when declining health forced him to turn over his
duties to secretary-treasurer Weldon Mathis.
Presser’s death came in the midst of developments that
promised to thoroughly test the leadership of William J.
McCarthy, who was selected by the union’s general exec
utive board to complete the 3 remaining years of Presser’s
term of office. Prior to the closed meeting of the board,
Mathis was generally expected to be selected for the job,
but McCarthy prevailed by a reported 9-to-7 vote. One of
the major issues that presumably influenced the selection
was dissatisfaction of the union’s leaders and rank-andfile members over the recently negotiated trucking con
tract which M athis— with Presser’s assent— had declared
to be ratified, although almost two-thirds of the voting
employees had opposed it. Mathis and Presser contended
the action was permitted under the union’s constitution.
(See M onthly Labor Review, July 1988, pp. 3 9 -4 0 .)
McCarthy, 69, a vice president of the union and leader of
its New England Conference for more than 20 years, was
among the union officials opposing Mathis’ decision.
Another difficulty facing the union was a civil lawsuit
filed by the Federal Government in late June. In the suit,
filed under provisions of the Racketeer Influenced and
C orrupt Organizations Act, the Federal Government
charged that “ for decades . . . the i b t ’s [Teamsters]
leadership had permitted La Cosa Nostra figures to domi
nate and co rru p t im portant Team sters locals, joint
councils, and benefit funds.” Named as defendants were
Presser and the union’s 17 top officials, along with 26 al
leged organized crime figures. According to U.S. Attorney
Rudolph W. Giuliani who filed the suit, the Government
was using the anti-racketeering law to “take back the union
from the Mafia,” rather than “to take over the union.”
Teamsters leader McCarthy, who was among those
named in the suit, said there were a lot of “insinuations”
against the union, but that he was confident “we will
“Developments in Industrial Relations” is prepared by George Ruben of
the Division of Developments in Labor-Management Relations, Bureau
of Labor Statistics, and is largely based on information from secondary
sources.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
come out just as clear as we were [before the suit] and
have been.”
Other labor leaders joined McCarthy in denouncing
the Government’s action, a f l - c i o President Lane Kirk
land called the suit a “clear abuse of the government’s
prosecutorial power.” He contended that if the Justice
Department has sufficient evidence that union officers
have violated laws, it “should proceed against those indi
viduals directly under laws which forbid convicted
criminals from holding union office.”
An early development in the case came in July when
Federal Judge David Edelstein denied a Government re
quest for the appointment of a liaison officer to oversee
operation of the union. Judge Edelstein said that it would
be imprudent to grant the Government’s request until he
hears further evidence at the trial, scheduled to begin
February 27, 1989.
New United Motors,
uaw
settlement
New United Motors Manufacturing Inc. and the Auto
Workers ( u a w ) extended their peaceful collective bar
gaining relationship, but the contract settlement was
clouded when General M otors Corp. ( g m ) later an
nounced it would cease producing its Nova cars at the
Fremont, c a , plant, which is jointly owned by g m and
Toyota M otors Corp. g m said that the decision was
forced by slow sales of the Nova car model. The company
indicated it was satisfied with the improvements in prod
uct quality and productivity resulting from the joint
venture, which utilizes Toyota’s personnel and produc
tion approaches, g m also indicated that it was planning to
begin manufacturing its new Geo Prism model in the
plant. Toyota indicated that it would continue manufac
turing its own models in the plant.
The new 3-year contract provides for only one specified
wage increase— 3 percent— in July 1990, but the 2,200
employees will continue to be the highest paid in the in
dustry, according to the union. After the increase, the
nearly 2,000 assemblers will be paid $15.46 an hour, and
the 200 skilled trades workers will be paid $18.39, includ
ing an 85-cent-an-hour cost-of-living allowance and 88
cents resulting from a change in the lunch period. By
comparison, u a w members at one g m plant in Detroit
currently make $14.39 an hour, according to the union.
45
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Developments in Industrial Relations
Other pay provisions include continuation of quarterly
cost-of-living pay reviews, using the same formula as in
g m ’s wholly owned plants; an immediate $750 payment
for signing the contract, followed in July 1989 by a pay
ment equal to 3 percent of the employee’s earnings during
the preceding 12 months; and a 10-cent-an-hour increase
in the 50-cent premium paid to production team leaders,
effective in July 1989.
Other terms included—
• Continuation of the policy adopted in the initial con
tract (negotiated in 1985) of guaranteeing jobs for the
employees, except in severe economic downturns.
• A shift to a pension plan providing defined benefits,
from a plan providing for a defined company payment.
• Improved health and dental benefits.
• Establishment of a joint committee to determine if a
child care plan is needed, and if so, to negotiate the
types of services to be provided.
Textile Workers negotiate benefit gains at Bibb Co.
In the textile industry, 2,600 workers in Roanoke Rap
ids, n c , were covered by a settlement between the Bibb
Co. and the Amalgamated Clothing and Textile Workers.
The seven plants had been owned by J.P. Stevens & Co.,
which sold them to Bibb earlier in the year. At that time,
Stevens’ other plants— which are generally nonunion—
were acquired by West Point-Pepperel Inc. and Odyssey
Partners (a New York investment firm). Each company
had been attempting to acquire all of Stevens’ operations.
Clyde Bush, an official of the union, described the Bibb
agreement as important “in this age of takeovers and
mergers in the textile industry” because the accord pro
vided for an overall gain in benefits. The gains included a
new pension plan providing for a benefit rate ranging
from $7 a month for each year in which an employee
earns $10,000—$11,000 to $9 a month for each year in
which earnings are $16,000 or more. Previously, rates
ranged from $5 to $7 a month.
The new contract expires on March 31, 1991, but Bush
said he expected that bargaining on wages and benefits
would start in a few months, triggered by changes ex
pected to be announced by nonunion companies. The first
action occurred in August, when Spring Mills (a non
union company) announced a 4.1-percent pay increase for
its employees.
Program will upgrade skills at General Dynamics
More than 6,000 workers engaged in building armored
vehicles for the Armed Forces were covered by a settle
ment between General Dynamics Corp.’s Land Systems
Division and the Auto Workers. The workers are located
at plants in Warren and Sterling Heights, Ml; Lima, o h ;
and Scranton, p a .
46
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
The 3-year agreement does not provide for specified
wage changes, but does call for an immediate lump-sum
payment consisting of a $1,500 ratification bonus and an
amount equal to 3 percent of the employee’s earnings
during the preceding 12 months. In July of 1989 and
1990, the workers will receive additional payments, using
the 3-percent formula. In addition, the provision for auto
matic quarterly cost-of-living reviews was continued.
General Dynamics also agreed to fund a $2 million
joint training program to upgrade the skills of current
employees and those laid off since January 1, 1988, to
prepare them for new jobs in the company.
Lockheed Corp. to close Los Angeles plant
Lockheed Corp. announced the closing of its defense
products plant in the Watts-Willowbrook section of Los
Angeles. The plant, which manufactures subassemblies for
Air Force C-5B cargo planes, was opened in 1970 to pro
vide jobs to the minority community. Lockheed said that
the closing was part of a 9,500-worker cutback at various
plants resulting from the winding down of its contract to
produce the C-5B.
The Watts venture aided thousands of black and His
panic residents in the area by providing training that
enabled them to obtain jobs with Lockheed and other
defense contractors in the region. Under the closing plan
announced by Lockheed, the lease on the plant was to be
transferred to d v Industries Inc., a defense contractor
that shares the industrial park with the Lockheed plant.
In conjunction with the closing announcement, Lock
heed established a placement service which placed 22 of
the employees with McDonnell Douglas Corp. d v Indus
tries said it expected to hire a “few” of the workers when
it takes over the facility in October.
New York, Pennsylvania employees settle
New York State concluded a round of bargaining with
various unions when it settled with the Public Employees
Federation for 57,000 employees. The settlement ended a
month-long impasse that was triggered by the State’s de
mand that members of the union pay more of their health
insurance costs than members of some other unions. Ac
cording to the State, the change was warranted because
members of the unit have higher salaries and higher plan
utilization rates than the other workers. To some extent,
the State was successful on this issue, as the employees
will begin paying $8 toward the cost of visits to doctors’
offices and hospital outpatient units, and for some other
services. Employees are now also required to pay a larger
share of premiums for health maintenance organizations.
In the salary area, the workers received a 5-percent
increase in June, followed by a 5-percent increase in April
1989 and 5.5 percent in April 1990. Prior to the settle
ment, the average salary reportedly was $35,000 a year for
the professional, scientific, and technical employees in the
unit. The contract also extends overtime and standby pay
to 12,000 more employees, beginning in 1990, and pro
vides for a study of job stress and for several types of child
care benefits, financed by the State up to about $5 million.
Another settlement, which occurred a month earlier,
involved 18,000 faculty and other professional employees
of the State University of New York. This 3-year contract
also provided for 5-, 5-, and 5.5-percent salary increases in
the respective contract years.
Elsewhere, the State of Pennsylvania and the State,
County, and Municipal Employees settled for 47,000 of
the 80,000 employees in the State’s executive branch.
Pay, which averaged $19,481 according to the State,
was increased by 5 percent on July 1 in each of the three
contract years and by 1 percent on January 1, 1991.
Other major provisions called for a cut in the 32 pay
ranges to 14; a plan to reduce the 3,200 job classifications
by an expected 33 percent; reductions in entry level pay
rates to bring them into line with similar jobs in private
industry; an 8-cent-an-hour increase in the State’s financ
ing of health and welfare benefits; and up to 6 months’
unpaid leave for mothers or fathers at the birth or adop
tion of a child (previously, only mothers were eligible, and
only for births).
percent of new staff nurses were not even completing their
first year of service.
At the time of settlement, there were about 6,500
nurses in the bargaining unit, m inistering to about
100,000 patients, compared with 6,800 nurses in February
1988 and 7,400 in August 1986.
The contract, running to December 31, 1990, also pro
vides for larger length-of-service salary step increases,
raises shift differentials, and allows nurses to be credited
with up to 5 years’ service outside the public hospital
system. Previously, new nurses started at the minimum
salary, regardless of previous experience.
New York City links nurses’ pay to private sector
• Restoration of a 65-cent-an-hour wage cut that senior
clerks had taken in 1985. They will also receive two
$500 lump-sum payments.
• Pay increases totaling 89 cents an hour for part-time
employees and 25 to 50 cents for others.
• Lump-sum payments of $750 for some employees.
• A clause permitting drug and alcohol testing only in
cases where the employer can produce evidence of “just
cause.” The clause also requires that drug tests must be
repeated at least once to assure accuracy.
Efforts to overcome a growing shortage of nurses led
New York City’s Health and Hospital Corp. to agree to a
contract provision linking the public nurses’ salaries to
those of nurses employed by 14 private hospitals in the
city. Under the new 37-month contract with the New
York State Nurses Association, the minimum starting sal
ary was raised to $27,000 a year retroactive to February 1,
1988, and to $28,235 on July 1, 1988, from $25,036. Un
der the new comparability provision, the city nurses’ pay
could be raised at 6-month intervals, based on the out
come of surveys of salaries paid in the private hospitals.
The pay guarantees are 90 percent of private salaries for
staff nurses and assistant head nurses, 95 percent for head
nurses, and 100 percent for supervising nurses.
Robert W. Linn, head of the city’s Office of Municipal
Labor Relations, said the new approach was vital to “at
tract and retain a nursing staff.” He also said that the city
had been losing 100 nurses a month and that nearly 40
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Grocery accord reached in St. Louis
More than 11,000 employees of grocery stores in the St.
Louis, m o , area were covered by a settlement, preserving
a 54-year history of never having engaged in a general
work stoppage. The workers, who are represented by the
United Food and Commercial Workers, are employed in
about 100 stores owned by the Schnucks, National, and
Dierbergs chains of stores.
Jack Valenti, president of Local 655 of the union, de
scribed the 3-year contract as “reasonable,” noting that
the employees had gained back some of the wage cut they
had accepted in 1985.
The contract terms include—
Gains for the employers include provisions:
• Allowing stores to remain open until 8 p.m. (formerly
6 p.m.) on New Year’s Eve.
• Requiring new employees to work 6 months (formerly
4) before they become eligible for paid holidays.
• Raising the eligibility requirement for full-time status
to 34 hours of work (formerly 30) per week.
• Extending the period new employees must work before
becoming eligible for health and pension benefits.
47
Book Reviews
An authoritative perspective
Innovating to Compete: Lessons fo r Diffusing and Manag
ing Change in the Workplace. By Richard E. Walton.
San Francisco, c a , Jossey-Bass, Inc., Publishers,
1987. 361 pp.
In recent years, the need for nations, industries, and
firms to be “competitive” in an expanding global econ
omy has captured the imagination of writers, politicians,
business leaders, economists, and others who study or are
affected by domestic and international competition. For
some, competitiveness means the ability to sell or produce
effectively in world markets, as in the auto industry. For
others, the term has become synonymous with the need to
reduce labor costs which often is manifested in worker
give-backs or concessions. Some think of competitiveness
in the context of product quality. All agree, however, that
failure to be and remain competitive can lead to economic
distress.
The author believes that one of the m ajor needs for
strong competitors is to be innovative, and to implement
change and innovation as effectively and as quickly as
possible. His thesis, presented in a model, is that certain
essential propositions, or components, strongly influence
the development, diffusion, and management of change.
The first component is a “guiding model,” which is an
expression of the vision brought to bear regarding innova
tion and change in general. For example, a model that
does not take into account the interests and needs of all
stakeholders that would be affected by the innovation or
change will undoubtedly fail.
The second component, “economic necessity,” and the
third, “social context,” are the forces that motivate inter
ested parties to innovate and adapt to change. Without
strong economic pressures, change comes slowly, if at all.
Innovation and change also require a commonality of so
cial values before effective innovation can be attempted.
Stakeholders must believe that the social effects of innova
tion are worth the effort, and in their best interests. The
fifth is “competence,” or the capacity to implement and
manage the innovation process. Here, the notion is that
the best innovations will fail to be implemented unless
there is competent management of the process. These
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
propositions or components constitute the framework for
the author’s model(s) but are not equal in all situations.
They can or should be weighted to give more attention
and analytical value to the ones that are most important
in a given situation.
The author tested his model using the shipping industry
which is and has been an important international industry
dominated by several countries, including the United
States. The eight countries analyzed in the study varied
with respect to their capacity to innovate, depending upon
the degree to which they felt economic pressure, the influ
ences of social systems and values they had developed
over time, and the institutional arrangements they had
lived under, such as labor unions, government agencies
involved in shipping regulation, government financial
support, shipboard staffing rules, and so forth.
Application of the model, no matter which components
were used or which weights were applied, saw Norway,
Holland, and Japan as High Innovators, the United King
dom, Sweden, and West Germ any as only Moderate
Innovators, and Denmark and the United States as Low
Innovators. The United States was lowest of all, mainly
because of weaknesses in certain key areas. One, “eco
nomic necessity” as a motivator, was very weak in the
United States because of government subsidy of the indus
try and the move to extensive “Re-Flagging,” or the use
of foreign flagged vessels to ship products to and from the
United States.
Institutionally, the U.S. maritime industry deals with
several unions with considerable power. Work rules have
kept work crews larger than for most countries, and there
are requirements that only U.S. seamen may be hired for
certain types of commercial shipping. The fact is that,
except for social context, the United States is more influ
enced than all of the other countries by negative factors
which work against innovation and change.
While this analytical framework was tested retrospec
tively, the model(s) are certainly applicable to current or
future considerations. If one were interested in determin
ing the degree to which a firm, an industry, a plant, a
country, or any other entity could be expected to innovate
and implement changes that are required, this model
would be most helpful.
Finally, while competence in managing the process is
clearly essential to effective implementation of innovation
and change, there is another competence that the author
sees as essential. He calls it “metacompetence,” or the
ability to manage the context for innovative change. This
capacity operates outside the “tactical” aspects of man
agement; it is the “strategic” focus of being able to modify
the basic components set forth in the model “to influence
future activity.” In other words, to see the need for and
help shape policies and legislation, develop incentives,
shape values and beliefs, and work towards establishing
institutional changes to facilitate innovation and change.
This is an interesting and useful book. It provides an
analytical framework that is usable, understandable, and
makes good sense. It adds a significant dimension to the
body of knowledge concerning readiness for innovation
and change, and the essentials of effective implementation.
— B en Burdetsk y
Professor of Personnel
and Labor Relations
George Washington University
Lundberg, Shelly, “Labor Supply of Husbands and Wives: A
Simultaneous Equations Approach,” The Review o f Eco
nomics and Statistics, May 1988, pp. 224-35.
Martinez-Giralt, X. and D. J. Neven, “Can Price Competition
Dominate Market Segmentation?” The Journal o f Indus
trial Economics, June 1988, pp. 431-42.
Ruhm, Christopher J., “ When ‘Equal O pportunity’ Is Not
Enough: Training Costs and Intergenerational Inequality,”
The Journal o f Hum an Resources, Spring 1988, pp. 155-72.
Verbrugge, Lois M., “A Life-and-Death Paradox,” American
Demographics, July 1988, pp. 34-37.
Econom ic growth and development
Drazen, Allan and Zvi Eckstein, “On the Organization of Rural
Markets and the Process of Economic Development,” The
American Economic Review, June 1988, pp. 431-43.
Faulhaber, Gerald and William J. Baumol, “Economists as In
novators: Practical Products of Theoretical Research,”
Journal o f Economic Literature, June 1988, pp. 577-600.
“ Investment, Growth and Jobs,” The
1988, pp. 13-15.
o e c d
Observer, June-July
“Papers and Proceedings of the One-Hundredth Annual Meet
ing of the American Economic Association, Chicago, i l ,
Dec. 28-30, 1987,” The American Economic Review, May
1988, entire issue.
Solow, Robert M., “Growth Theory and After,” The American
Economic Review, June 1988, pp. 307-17.
Publications received
Education
Agriculture and natural resources
Kornbluh, Joyce L., A New Deal fo r Workers' Education: The
Workers' Service Program, 1933-1942. Champaign, Uni
versity of Illinois Press, 1987, 175 pp. $24.95.
“Agricultural Reform: A Long Row to Hoe,” The
server, Ju ne-July 1988, pp. 16-19.
o e c d
Ob
“Conference on the Future of Prairie Agriculture,” Au Courant,
Vol. 9, No. 1, 1988, pp. 2 -7 .
Econom ic and social statistics
Benninga, Simon and Eli Talmor, “The Interaction of Corporate
and Government Financing in General Equilibrium,” The
Journal o f Business, April 1988, pp. 233-58.
Bhote, Keki R., World Class Quality: Design o f Experiments
Made Easier, More Cost Effective Than s p c . New York,
American Management Association, AMA Membership
Publication Division, 1988, 159 pp. $10; $7.50 to members.
Bliss, Christopher, “A Theory of Retail Pricing,” The Journal o f
Industrial Economics, June 1988, pp. 375-91.
Chan, K. C., “On the Contrarian Investment Strategy,” Journal
o f Business, April 1988, pp. 147-63.
Deaton, Angus, “Quality, Quantity, and Spatial Variation of
Price,” The American Economic Review, June 1988, pp.
418-30.
National Education Association, Estimates o f School Statistics,
1987-88, As Provided by the State Departments o f Educa
tion. Washington, 1988, 44 pp. $12.95, paper. Available
from NEA Professional Library, P.O. Box 509, West H a
ven, c t . 06516.
Industrial relations
Anderson, Arvid and Loren A. Krause, “Interest Arbitration:
The Alternative to the Strike,” Fordham Law Review, No
vember 1987, pp. 153-79.
British-North American Committee, New Departures in Indus
trial Relations: Developments in the U.S., the U.K. and
Canada. W ashington, N ational Planning A ssociation,
1988, 71 pp. (Occasional Paper, n p a 234.) $7, paper.
Coleman, Charles J., “Grievance Arbitration in the Public Sec
tor: Status, Issues, and Problems,” Journal o f Collective
Negotiations in the Public Sector, Vol. 17, No. 2, 1988, pp.
89-103.
Fulcher, James, “On the Explanation of Industrial Relations
Diversity: Labour Movements, Employers and the State in
Britain and Sweden,” British Journal o f Industrial Rela
tions, July 1988, pp. 246-74.
Gibbons, Robert S., Learning in Equilibrium Models o f Arbitra
tion. Cam bridge, m a , N ational Bureau of Econom ic
Research, Inc., 1988, 38 pp. (Working Paper Series, 2547.)
$2, paper.
Hundley, Greg, “Education and Union Membership,” British
Journal o f Industrial Relations, July 1988, pp. 195-201.
Kiefer, Nicholas M., “Economic Duration D ata and Hazard
Functions,” Journal o f Economic Literature, June 1988, pp.
646-79.
Hunter, Laurie, “Unemployment and Industrial Relations,”
British Journal o f Industrial Relations, July 1988, pp.
202-28.
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49
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
«
Book Reviews
Mills, Miriam K., “Technology for Conflict Resolution: A Pre
liminary Pacing of the T errain,” Journal o f Collective
Negotiations in the Public Sector, Vol. 17, No. 2, 1988, pp.
115-29.
Ormsby, Joseph G. and Susan Y. Ormsby, “The Effect of
Unionization on Faculty Job Satisfaction: A Longitudinal
Study,” Journal o f Collective Negotiations in the Public Sec
tor, Vol. 17, No. 2, 1988, pp. 153-60.
Parker, Mike and Jane Slaughter, Choosing Sides: Unions and
the Team Concept. Boston, South End Press, 1988, 229 pp.
$16, paper. Available from Labor Notes, Detroit, m i .
Rubin, Beth A., “ Inequality in the Working Class: The Unantic
ipated Consequences of Union Organization and Strikes,”
Industrial and Labor Relations Review, July 1988, pp.
553-66.
Silver, Edward and Joan Mcavoy, “The National Labor Rela
tions A ct at the C rossroads,” Fordham Law Review,
November 1987, pp. 181-208.
Tysse, G. John, The Immigration Reform and Control Act o f
1986: A Handbook on Employer Sanctions and Nondiscrim
ination R equirem ents. 2d. ed. W ashington, N ational
Foundation for the Study of Employment Policy, 1988, 287
pp. $25, paper.
U.S. Department of Labor, Labor-Management Cooperation at
Eastern Air Lines. Washington, U.S. Department of Labor,
Bureau of Labor-Management Relations and Cooperative
Programs, 1988, 89 pp., bibliography. (BLMR-Report, 118.)
International economics
Fujita, Natsuki and William E. James, “Exports and Technolog
ical Changes in the Adjustm ent Process of the Japanese
Economy in the 1970s,” Hitotsubashi Journal o f Economics,
December 1987, pp. 107-22.
Gemmell, Norman, “Debt and the Developing Countries: A
Simple Model of Optimal Borrowing,” The Journal o f De
velopment Studies, January 1988, pp. 197-213.
Perkins, Dwight Heald, “Reforming China’s Economic Sys
tem ,” Journal o f Economic Literature, June 1988, pp.
601-45.
Stockman, Alan C. and Alejandro Hernández D., “Exchange
Controls, Capital Controls, and International Financial
Markets,” The American Economic Review, June 1988, pp.
362-74.
Labor and economic history
Blewett, Mary H., Men, Women, and Work: Class, Gender, and
Protest in the New England Shoe Industry, 1780-1910.
Champaign, University of Illinois Press, 1988, 444 pp.
$29.95.
Gordon, Andrew, The Evolution o f Labor Relations in Japan:
Heavy Industry, 1853-1955 Cambridge, m a , H arvard
University Press, 1988, 524 pp. (Harvard East Asian Mono
graphs, 117.) $25, cloth; $14, paper.
Kaufman, Stuart B., ed., The Sam uel Gompers Papers: Vol II,
The Early Years o f the American Federation o f Labor,
1887-90. Champaign, University of Illinois Press, 1987,
495 pp. $39.95.
50
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Labor force
Bednarzik, Robert W., “The ‘Quality’ of U.S. Jobs,” The Service
Industries Journal, April 1988, pp. 127-35.
Brockner, Joel and others, “Survivors’ Reactions to Layoffs: We
Get by with a Little Help for Our Friends,” Administrative
Science Quarterly, December 1987, pp. 526-41.
Freeman, Richard B., Evaluating the European View that the
U.S. has No Unemployment Problem. Cambridge, m a , N a
tional Bureau of Economic Research, Inc., 1988, 12 pp.
(Working Paper Series, 2562.) $2, paper.
Great Britain, Department of Employment, “Labour Force Out
look to 1995,” Em ploym ent Gazette, M arch 1988, pp.
117-29.
Jencks, Christopher, Lauri Perman, Lee Rainwater, “What Is a
Good Job? A New Measure of Labor-Market Success,”
American Journal o f Sociology, May 1988, pp. 1322-57.
Metz, Manuel, A Methodological Approach to the Study o f
Changes in Labor Force Patterns. Washington, Organiza
tion of American States, Inter-American Statistical Insti
tute, 1988, 157 pp. $11, paper.
Stipp, Horst H., “What Is a Working Woman?” American De
mographics, June 1988, beginning on p. 24.
“ The G reat American Job M achine,” The
Ju n e-Ju ly 1988, pp. 9-12.
o e c d
Observer,
M onetary and fiscal policy
Benninga, Simon and Eli Talmor, “The Interaction of Corporate
and Government Financing in General Equilibrium,” Jour
nal o f Business, April 1988, pp. 233-58.
Fosler, R. Scott, “Economic Development: A Regional Chal
lenge for the H e a rtla n d ,” Econom ic Review, Federal
Reserve Bank of Kansas City, May 1988, pp. 10-19.
Smith, Tim R., “Economic Development in the Nation’s H eart
land: Issues and Strategies,” Economic Review, Federal
Reserve Bank of Kansas City, May 1988, pp. 3 -8 .
Wages and compensation
“Earnings of Women and M inorities— Two Studies: Trends in
Earnings Differentials by Gender, 1971-81,” by Francine
D. Blau and Andrea H. Beller; “The Earnings of Women
and Ethnic Minorities, 1959-79,” by Leonard A. Carlson
and Caroline Swartz, Industrial and Labor Relations R e
view, July 1988, pp. 513-52.
Holzer, Harry J., Lawrence F. Katz, Alan B. Krueger, Job
Queues and Wages: New Evidence on the M inim um Wage
and Inter-Industry Wage Structure. Cambridge, m a , N a
tional Bureau of Economic Research, Inc., 1988, 33 pp.
(Working Paper Series, 2561.) $2, paper.
Meyer, Bruce D., Unemployment Insurance and Unemployment
Spells. Cambridge, m a , National Bureau of Economic Re
search, Inc., 1988. (Working Paper Series, 2546.) $2, paper.
New York State Department of Labor, Annual Report o f the
State Advisory Council on Employment and Unemployment
Insurance, 1987. Brooklyn, n y , New York State D epart
ment of Labor, State Advisory Council on Employment
and Unemployment Insurance, 1988, 75 pp.
Snipp, C. Matthew and Gary D. Sandefur, “Earnings of Ameri
can Indians and Alaskan Natives: The Effects of Residence
and M igration,” Social Forces, June 1988, pp. 994-1008.
Current
Labor Statistics
Schedule of release dates for major
statistical series ....................................................................................................
52
Notes on Current Labor Statistics ............................................................................................................................................................
53
bls
Comparative indicators
1. Labor market indicators........................
2. Annual and quarterly percent changes in compensation, prices,and productivity..................................................................................
3. Alternative measures of wage and compensation changes...........................................................................................................................
63
64
64
Labor force data
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
Employment status of the total population, data seasonally adjusted...........................
Employment status of the civilian population, data seasonally adjusted .........
Selected employment indicators, data seasonally adjusted..........................................................................................................................
Selected unemployment indicators, data seasonally adjusted.....................................................................................................................
Unemployment rates by sex and age, data seasonally adjusted..................................................................................................................
Unemployed persons by reason for unemployment, data seasonally adjusted .........................................................................................
Duration of unemployment, data seasonally adjusted..................................................................................................................................
Unemployment rates of civilian workers, by State........................................................................................................................................
Employment of workers by State .....................................................................................................................................................................
Employment of workers by industry, data seasonallyadjusted......... ..........................................................................................................
Average weekly hours by industry, dataseasonally adjusted..........................................
Average hourly earnings by industry...............................................................................................................................................................
Average weekly earnings by industry.................. .............................................................................................................................................
Hourly Earnings Index by industry.............................................................................. ..................................................................................
Indexes of diffusion: proportion of industries in which employment increased, seasonally adjusted................................................
Annual data: Employment status of the noninstitutional population........................................................................................................
Annual data: Employment levels by industry ................................
Annual data: Average hours and earnings levels by industry....................
65
66
67
68
69
69
69
70
70
71
72
73
74
75
75
76
76
77
Labor compensation and collective bargaining data
22.
23.
24.
25.
Employment Cost Index, compensation, by occupation and industry group...........................................................................................
Employment Cost Index, wages and salaries, by occupation and industry group ..................................................................................
Employment Cost Index, private nonfarm workers, by bargaining status, region, and area size...............
Specified compensation and wage adjustments from contract settlements, and effective wage adjustments, situations
covering 1,000 workers or more........................................................................................................................................................................
26. Average specified compensation and wage adjustments, bargaining situations covering 1,000 workers or m ore............................
27. Average effective wage adjustments, bargaining situations covering 1,000 workers or more...............................................................
28. Specified compensation and wage adjustments, State and local government bargaining situations covering 1,000
workers or more ................................................................................................................................................................ .................................
29. Work stoppages involving 1,000 workers or m ore........................................................................................................................................
78
79
80
81
81
82
82
82
Price data
30. Consumer Price Index: U.S. city average, by expenditure category and commodity and service groups ..........................................
31. Consumer Price Index: U.S. city average and local data, all item s............................................................................................................
32. Annual data: Consumer Price Index, all items and major groups..............................................................................................................
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83
86
87
51
33. Producer Price Indexes by stage of processing ..............................................................................................................................................
88
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
89
89
90
91
92
92
92
93
Producer Price Indexes, by durability of product.........................................................................................................................................
Annual data: Producer Price Indexes by stage of processing.....................................................................................................................
U.S. export price indexes by Standard International Trade Classification................................................................................................
U.S. import price indexes by Standard International Trade Classification..............................................................................................
U.S. export price indexes by end-use category..........................................................
U.S. import price indexes by end-use category..............................................................................................................................................
U.S. export price indexes by Standard Industrial Classification.................................................................................................................
U.S. import price indexes by Standard Industrial Classification.................................................................................................................
Productivity data
42. Indexes of productivity, hourly compensation, and unit costs, data seasonally adjusted.....................................................................
43. Annual indexes of multifactor productivity....................................................................................................................................................
44. Annual indexes of productivity, hourly compensation, unit costs, and prices ...................................................... .................................
93
94
95
International comparisons
45. Unemployment rates in nine countries, data seasonally adjusted ..............................................................................................................
46. Annual data: Employment status of civilian working-age population, ten countries.............................................................................
47. Annual indexes of productivity and related measures, twelve countries........................................... ......................................................
96
97
98
Injury and illness data
48. Annual data: Occupational injury and illness incidence rates .............................................................................................. .....................
99
Schedule of release dates for BLS statistical series
Series
Release
date
Period
covered
Release
date
Period
covered
Release
date
Period
covered
MLR table
num ber
E m p lo y m e n t s itu a tio n .......................................
O c to b e r 7
S e p te m b e r
N ovem ber 4
O c to b e r
D ecem ber 2
N ovem ber
1; 4 - 2 1
P r o d u c e r P ric e I n d e x .........................................
O c to b e r 14
S e p te m b e r
N o v e m b e r 10
O c to b e r
D e c e m b e r 16
N ovem ber
2; 3 3 - 3 5
C o n s u m e r P ric e In d e x .....................................
O c to b e r 21
S e p te m b e r
N o ve m b e r 22
O c to b e r
D e ce m b e r 20
N ovem ber
2; 3 0 - 3 2
R e a l e a r n i n g s .........................................................
O c to b e r 21
S e p te m b e r
N o ve m b e r 22
O c to b e r
D e cem b er 20
N ovem ber
1 4 -1 7
E m p lo y m e n t C o s t I n d e x ...................................
O c to b e r 2 5
3 rd q u a rte r
M a jo r C o lle c tiv e B a r g a in in g S e ttle m e n ts
O c to b e r 2 6
1 s t 9 m o n th s
U .S . Im p o r t a n d E x p o r t P ric e In d e x e s . . .
O c to b e r 2 7
3 rd q u a rte r
1 -3 ; 2 2 -2 4
3; 2 5 - 2 8
3 6 -4 1
P r o d u c tiv it y a n d c o s ts :
N o n fin a n c la l c o r p o r a t i o n s ..........................
N ovem ber 2
3 rd q u a rte r
O c c u p a t io n a l Illn e s s e s a n d I n j u r i e s ..........
52
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2; 4 2 - 4 4
D ecem ber 5
N o n fa rm b u s in e s s a n d m a n u f a c tu r in g
N o v e m b e r 15
1987
3 rd q u a rte r
2; 4 2 - 4 4
48
NOTES ON CURRENT LABOR STATISTICS
This section of the R e v ie w presents the principal statistical series
collected and calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics: series on
labor force, employment, unemployment, collective bargaining settle
ments, consumer, producer, and international prices, productivity,
international comparisons, and injury and illness statistics. In the notes
that follow, the data in each group of tables are briefly described, key
definitions are given, notes on the data are set forth, and sources of
additional information are cited.
changes in price. These adjustments are made by dividing current
dollar values by the Consumer Price Index or the appropriate
component of the index, then multiplying by 100. For example, given a
current hourly wage rate of $3 and a current price index number of 150,
where 1977 = 100, the hourly rate expressed in 1977 dollars is $2 ($3/
150 X 100 = $2). The $2 (or any other resulting values) are described
as “real,” “constant,” or “ 1977” dollars.
Additional Information
General notes
The following notes apply to several tables in this section:
Seasonal adjustment. Certain monthly and quarterly data are
adjusted to eliminate the effect on the data of such factors as climatic
conditions, industry production schedules, opening and closing of
schools, holiday buying periods, and vacation practices, which might
prevent short-term evaluation of the statistical series. Tables containing
data that have been adjusted are identified as “seasonally adjusted.”
(All other data are not seasonally adjusted.) Seasonal effects are
estimated on the basis pf past experience. When new seasonal factors
are computed each year, revisions may affect seasonally adjusted data
for several preceding years. (Seasonally adjusted data appear in tables
1 -3 , 4 -1 0 , 13, 14, 17, and 18.) Beginning in January 1980, the BLS
introduced two major modifications in the seasonal adjustment meth
odology for labor force data. First, the data are seasonally adjusted with
a procedure called x -1 1 a r i m a , which was developed at Statistics
Canada as an extension of the standard x - 1 1 method previously used by
bls. A detailed description of the procedure appears in T h e x - 1 1 a r i m a
S e a s o n a l A d ju s tm e n t M e th o d by Estela Bee Dagum (Statistics Canada,
Catalogue No. 12-564E, February 1980). The second change is that
seasonal factors are calculated for use during the first 6 months of the
year, rather than for the entire year, and then are calculated at midyear
for the July-December period. However, revisions of historical data
continue to be made only at the end of each calendar year.
Seasonally adjusted labor force data in tables 1 and 4 -1 0 were
revised in the February 1988 issue of the R e v ie w , to reflect experience
through 1987.
Annual revisions of the seasonally adjusted payroll data shown in
tables 13, 14, and 18 were made in the July 1988 R e v ie w using the x-11
arima seasonal adjustment methodology. New seasonal factors for
productivity data in table 42 are usually introduced in the September
issue. Seasonally adjusted indexes and percent changes from month to
month and from quarter to quarter are published for numerous
Consumer and Producer Price Index series. However, seasonally
adjusted indexes are not published for the U.S. average All Items cpi.
Only seasonally adjusted percent changes are available for this series.
Adjustments for price changes. Some data—such as the Hourly
Earnings Index in table 17—are adjusted to eliminate the effect of
Data that supplement the tables in this section are published by the
Bureau in a variety of sources. News releases provide the latest
statistical information published by the Bureau; the major recurring
releases are published according to the schedule preceding these general
notes. More information about labor force, employment, and unem
ployment data and the household and establishment surveys underlying
the data are available in E m p lo y m e n t a n d E a rn in g s, a monthly
publication of the Bureau. More data from the household survey are
published in the data books— R e v is e d S e a s o n a lly A d ju s te d L a b o r F o rce
S ta tis tic s , Bulletin 2306, and L a b o r F o rc e S ta tis tic s D e r iv e d F ro m th e
C u r r e n t P o p u la tio n S u rv e y, Bulletin 2307. More data from the establish
ment survey appear in two data books— E m p lo y m e n t, H o u rs, a n d
E a rn in g s , U n ite d S ta te s , and E m p lo y m e n t, H o u rs, a n d E a rn in g s, S ta te s
a n d A re a s, and the supplements to these data books. More detailed
information on employee compensation and collective bargaining
settlements is published in the monthly periodical, C u r r e n t W a g e
D e v e lo p m e n ts . More detailed data on consumer and producer prices are
published in the monthly periodicals, T h e C P I D e ta ile d R e p o r t, and
P r o d u c e r P r ic e I n d e x e s . Detailed data on all of the series in this section
are provided in the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s , which is published
biennally by the.Bureau, bls bulletins are issued covering productivity,
injury and illness, and other data in this section. Finally, the M o n th ly
L a b o r R e v ie w carries analytical articles on annual and longer term
developments in labor force, employment, and unemployment; em
ployee compensation and collective bargaining; prices; productivity;
international comparisons; and injury and illness data.
Symbols
p = preliminary. To increase the timeliness of some series,
preliminary figures are issued based on representative
but incomplete returns.
r = revised. Generally, this revision reflects the availability
of later data but may also reflect other adjustments.
n.e.c. = not elsewhere classified,
n.e.s. = not elsewhere specified.
COM PARATIVE INDICATORS
(Tables 1 -3 )
Comparative indicators tables provide an overview and comparison
of major bls statistical series. Consequently, although many of the
included series are available monthly, all measures in these comparative
tables are presented quarterly and annually.
Labor market indicators include employment measures from two
major surveys and information on rates of change in compensation
provided by the Employment Cost Index (eci) program. The labor
force participation rate, the employment-to-population ratio, and
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unemployment rates for major demographic groups based on the
Current Population (“household”) Survey are presented, while meas
ures of employment and average weekly hours by major industry sector
are given using nonagricultural payroll data. The Employment Cost
Index (compensation), by major sector and by bargaining status, is
chosen from a variety of bls compensation and wage measures because
it provides a comprehensive measure of employer costs for hiring labor,
not just outlays for wages, and it is not affected by employment shifts
among occupations and industries.
53
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics
Data on changes in compensation, prices, and productivity are
presented in table 2. Measures of rates of change of compensation and
wages from the Employment Cost Index program are provided for all
civilian nonfarm workers (excluding Federal and household workers)
and for all private nonfarm workers. Measures of changes in: consumer
prices for all urban consumers; producer prices by stage of processing;
and the overall export and import price indexes are given. Measures of
productivity (output per hour of all persons) are provided for major
sectors.
Alternative measures of wage and compensation rates of change,
which reflect the overall trend in labor costs, are summarized in table 3.
Differences in concepts and scope, related to the specific purposes of the
series, contribute to the variation in changes among the individual
measures.
Notes on the data
Definitions of each series and notes on the data are contained in later
sections of these notes describing each set of data. For detailed
descriptions of each data series, see b l s H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s , Bulletin
2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988), as well as the additional
bulletins, articles, and other publications noted in the separate sections
of the R e v ie w 's “Current Labor Statistics Notes.” Users may also wish
to consult M a jo r P r o g r a m s, B u r e a u o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s , Report 718
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1985).
EM PLO Y M EN T AND U N EM PLO YM EN T DATA
(Tables 1; 4 -21)
Household survey data
population ratio is total employment (including the resident Armed
Forces) as a percent of the noninstitutional population.
Description of the series
Notes on the data
employment data in this section are obtained from the Current
Population Survey, a program of personal interviews conducted
monthly by the Bureau of the Census for the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The sample consists of about 55,800 households selected to represent
the U.S. population 16 years of age and older. Households are
interviewed on a rotating basis, so that three-fourths of the sample is the
same for any 2 consecutive months.
From time to time, and especially after a decennial census, adjust
ments are made in the Current Population Survey figures to correct for
estimating errors during the preceding years. These adjustments affect
the comparability of historical data. A description of these adjustments
and their effect on the various data series appear in the Explanatory
Notes of E m p lo y m e n t a n d E a rn in g s.
Data in tables 4 -1 0 are seasonally adjusted, based on the seasonal
experience through December 1987.
Definitions
Employed persons include (1) all civilians who worked for pay any
time during the week which includes the 12th day of the month or who
worked unpaid for 15 hours or more in a family-operated enterprise and
(2) those who were temporarily absent from their regular jobs because
of illness, vacation, industrial dispute, or similar reasons. Members of
the Armed Forces stationed in the United States are also included in the
employed total. A person working at more than one job is counted only
in the job at which he or she worked the greatest number of hours.
Unemployed persons are those who did not work during the survey
week, but were available for work except for temporary illness and had
looked for jobs within the preceding 4 weeks. Persons who did not look
for work because they were on layoff or waiting to start new jobs within
the next 30 days are also counted among the unemployed. The overall
unemployment rate represents the number unemployed as a percent of
the labor force, including the resident Armed Forces. The civilian
employment rate represents the number unemployed as a percent of the
civilian labor force.
The labor force consists of all employed or unemployed civilians plus
members of the Armed Forces stationed in the United States. Persons
not in the labor force are those not classified as employed or
unemployed; this group includes persons who are retired, those engaged
in their own housework, those not working while attending school,
those unable to work because of long-term illness, those discouraged
from seeking work because of personal or job-market factors, and those
who are voluntarily idle. The noninstitutional population comprises all
persons 16 years of age and older who are not inmates of penal or
mental institutions, sanitariums, or homes for the aged, infirm, or
needy, and members of the Armed Forces stationed in the United
States. The labor force participation rate is the proportion of the
noninstitutional population that is in the labor force. The employment-
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Additional sources of information
For detailed explanations of the data, see b l s H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s ,
Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988). Historical unadjusted
data from 1948 to 1987 are available in L a b o r F o rce S ta tis tic s D e r iv e d
f r o m th e C u r r e n t P o p u la tio n S u rv e y , Bulletin 2307 (Bureau of Labor
Statistics, 1988). Historical seasonally adjusted data appear in L a b o r
F o rc e S ta tis tic s D e r iv e d f r o m
th e C u r r e n t P o p u la tio n S u rv e y : A D a ta
Vol. II, Bulletin 2096 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1982), and
R e v is e d S e a s o n a lly A d ju s te d L a b o r F o rc e S ta tis tic s , 1 9 7 8 - 8 7 , Bulletin
2306 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988).
A comprehensive discussion of the differences between household
and establishment data on employment appears in Gloria P. Green,
“Comparing employment estimates from household and payroll sur
veys,” M o n th ly L a b o r R ev ie w , December 1969, pp. 9-2 0 .
book,
Establishment survey data
Description of the series
Employment, hours, and earnings data in this section are
compiled from payroll records reported monthly on a voluntary basis to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics and its cooperating State agencies by
more than 300,000 establishments representing all industries except
agriculture. In most industries, the sampling probabilities are based on
the size of the establishment; most large establishments are therefore in
the sample. (An establishment is not necessarily a firm; it may be a
branch plant, for example, or warehouse.) Self-employed persons and
others not on a regular civilian payroll are outside the scope of the
survey because they are excluded from establishment records. This
largely accounts for the difference in employment figures between the
household and establishment surveys.
Definitions
An establishment is an economic unit which produces goods or
services (such as a factory or store) at a single location and is engaged in
one type of economic activity.
Employed persons are all persons who received pay (including
holiday and sick pay) for any part of the payroll period including the
12th of the month. Persons holding more than one job (about 5 percent
of all persons in the labor force) are counted in each establishment
which reports them.
Production workers in manufacturing include working supervisors
and nonsupervisory workers closely associated with production opera
tions. Those workers mentioned in tables 12-17 include production
workers in manufacturing and mining; construction workers in con
struction; and nonsupervisory workers in the following industries:
transportation and public utilities; wholesale and retail trade; finance,
insurance, and real estate; and services. These groups account for about
four-fifths of the total employment on private nonagricultural payrolls.
Earnings are the payments production or nonsupervisory workers
receive during the survey period, including premium pay for overtime
or late-shift work but excluding irregular bonuses and other special
payments. Real earnings are earnings adjusted to reflect the effects of
changes in consumer prices. The deflator for this series is derived from
the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical
Workers (cpi-w). The Hourly Earnings Index is calculated from
average hourly earnings data adjusted to exclude the effects of two
types of changes that are unrelated to underlying wage-rate develop
ments: fluctuations in overtime premiums in manufacturing (the only
sector for which overtime data are available) and the effects of changes
and seasonal factors in the proportion of workers in high-wage and lowwage industries. Publication of the Hourly Earnings Index series shown
in table 17 will be discontinued with the initial publication of December
1988 data in the February 1989 issue of the R e v ie w .
Hours represent the average weekly hours of production or nonsu
pervisory workers for which pay was received, and are different from
standard or scheduled hours. O v e r t i m e h o u r s represent the portion of
average weekly hours which was in excess of regular hours and for
which overtime premiums were paid.
The Diffusion Index, introduced in the May 1983 R e v ie w , represents
the percent of 185 nonagricultural industries in which employment was
rising over the indicated period. One-half of the industries with
unchanged employment are counted as rising. In line with Bureau
practice, data for the 1-, 3-, and 6-month spans are seasonally adjusted,
while those for the 12-month span are unadjusted. The diffusion index
is useful for measuring the dispersion of economic gains or losses and is
also an economic indicator.
Notes on the data
Establishment data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics are
periodically adjusted to comprehensive counts of employment (called
“benchmarks”). The latest complete adjustment was made with the
release of May 1988 data, published in the July 1988 issue of the
R ev ie w . Consequently, data published in the R e v ie w prior to that issue
are not necessarily comparable to current data. Unadjusted data have
been revised back to April 1986; seasonally adjusted data have been
revised back to January 1983. These revisions were published in the
S u p p le m e n t to E m p lo y m e n t a n d E a r n in g s (Bureau of Labor Statistics,
1988). Unadjusted data from April 1987 forward, and seasonally
adjusted data from January 1984 forward are subject to revision in
future benchmarks.
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In the establishment survey, estimates for the 2 most recent months
are based on incomplete returns and are published as preliminary in the
tables (13 to 18 in the R e v ie w ). When all returns have been received, the
estimates are revised and published as final in the third month of their
appearance. Thus, August data are published as preliminary in October
and November and as final in December. For the same reason,
quarterly establishment data (table 1) are preliminary for the first 2
months of publication and final in the third month. Thus, secondquarter data are published as preliminary in August and September and
as final in October.
Additional sources of information
Detailed national data from the establishment survey are published
monthly in the bls periodical, E m p lo y m e n t a n d E a rn in g s. Earlier
comparable unadjusted and seasonally adjusted data are published in
E m p lo y m e n t, H o u rs, a n d E a rn in g s, U n ite d S ta te s , 1 9 0 9 - 84, Bulletin
1312-12 (Bureau of Labor Statistics 1985) and its annual supplement.
For a detailed discussion of the methodology of the survey, see bls
H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s , Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988).
A comprehensive discussion of the differences between household
and establishment data on employment appears in Gloria P. Green,
“Comparing employment estimates from household and payroll sur
veys,” M o n th ly L a b o r R ev ie w , December 1969, pp. 9-2 0 .
Unemployment data by State
Description of the series
Data presented in this section are obtained from two major sources—
the Current Population Survey (cps) and the Local Area Unemploy
ment Statistics (laus) program, which is conducted in cooperation
with State employment security agencies.
Monthly estimates of the labor force, employment, and unemploy
ment for States and sub-State areas are a key indicator of local
economic conditions and form the basis for determining the eligibility
of an area for benefits under Federal economic assistance programs
such as the Job Training Partnership Act and the Public Works and
Economic Development Act. Insofar as possible, the concepts and
definitions underlying these data are those used in the national
estimates obtained from the cps.
Notes on the data
Data refer to State of residence. Monthly data for 11 States—
California, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, New
Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas—are obtained
directly from the cps, because the size of the sample is large enough to
meet bls standards of reliability. Data for the remaining 39 States and
the District of Columbia are derived using standardized procedures
established by bls. Once a year, estimates for the 11 States are revised
to new population controls. For the remaining States and the District of
Columbia, data are benchmarked to annual average cps levels.
Additional sources of information
Information on the concepts, definitions, and technical procedures
used to develop labor force data for States and sub-State areas as well as
additional data on sub-States are provided in the monthly Bureau of
Labor Statistics periodical, E m p lo y m e n t a n d E a rn in g s, and the annual
report, G e o g ra p h ic P r o fd e o f E m p lo y m e n t a n d U n e m p lo y m e n t (Bureau
of Labor Statistics). See also bls H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s , Bulletin 2285
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988).
55
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics
CO M PENSA TIO N AND WAGE DATA
(Tables 1 -3 ; 22-29)
Compensation and wage data are gathered by the Bureau from
business establishments, State and local governments, labor unions,
collective bargaining agreements on file with the Bureau, and secondary
sources.
Employment Cost Index
Description of the series
The Employment Cost Index ( eci) is a quarterly measure of the rate
of change in compensation per hour worked and includes wages,
salaries, and employer costs of employee benefits. It uses a fixed market
basket of labor—similar in concept to the Consumer Price Index’s fixed
market basket of goods and services— to measure change over time in
employer costs of employing labor. The index is not seasonally
adjusted.
Statistical series on total compensation costs, on wages and salaries,
and on benefit costs are available for private nonfarm workers
excluding proprietors, the self-employed, and household workers. The
total compensation costs and wages and salaries series are also available
for State and local government workers and for the civilian nonfarm
economy, which consists of private industry and State and local
government workers combined. Federal workers are excluded.
The Employment Cost Index probability sample consists of about
3,400 private nonfarm establishments providing about 18,000 occupa
tional observations and 700 State and local government establishments
providing 3,500 occupational observations selected to represent total
employment in each sector. On average, each reporting unit provides
wage and compensation information on five well-specified occupations.
Data are collected each quarter for the pay period including the 12th
day of March, June, September, and December.
Beginning with June 1986 data, fixed employment weights from the
1980 Census of Population are used each quarter to calculate the
indexes for civilian, private, and State and local governments. (Prior to
June 1986, the employment weights are from the 1970 Census of
Population.) These fixed weights, also used to derive all of the industry
and occupation series indexes, ensure that changes in these indexes
reflect only changes in compensation, not employment shifts among
industries or occupations with different levels of wages and compensa
tion. For the bargaining status, region, and m etropolitan/
nonmetropolitan area series, however, employment data by industry
and occupation are not available from the census. Instead, the 1980
employment weights are reallocated within these series each quarter
based on the current sample. Therefore, these indexes are not strictly
comparable to those for the aggregate, industry, and occupation series.
Definitions
Total compensation costs include wages, salaries, and the employer’s
costs for employee benefits.
Wages and salaries consist of earnings before payroll deductions,
including production bonuses, incentive earnings, commissions, and
cost-of-living adjustments.
Benefits include the cost to employers for paid leave, supplemental
pay (including nonproduction bonuses), insurance, retirement and
savings plans, and legally required benefits (such as Social Security,
workers’ compensation, and unemployment insurance).
Excluded from wages and salaries and employee benefits are such
items as payment-in-kind, free room and board, and tips.
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Notes on the data
The Employment Cost Index for changes in wages and salaries in the
private nonfarm economy was published beginning in 1975. Changes in
total compensation cost— wages and salaries and benefits combined—
were published beginning in 1980. The series for changes in wages and
salaries and for total compensation in the State and local government
sector and in the civilian nonfarm economy (excluding Federal
employees) were published beginning in 1981. Historical indexes (June
1981 = 100) of the quarterly rates of change are presented in the March
issue of the bls periodical, C u r r e n t W a g e D e v e lo p m e n ts .
Additional sources of information
For a more detailed discussion of the Employment Cost Index, see
the H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s, Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics,
1988), and the following M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w articles: “Employment
Cost Index: a measure of change in the ‘price of labor’,” July 1975;
“How benefits will be incorporated into the Employment Cost Index,”
January 1978; “Estimation procedures for the Employment Cost
Index,” May 1982; and “Introducing new weights for the Employment
Cost Index,” June 1985.
Data on the eci are also available in bls quarterly press releases
issued in the month following the reference months of March, June,
September, and December; and from the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s ,
Bulletin 2217 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1985).
Collective bargaining settlements
Description of the series
Collective bargaining settlements data provide statistical measures of
negotiated adjustments (increases, decreases, and freezes) in compensa
tion (wage and benefit costs) and wages alone, quarterly for private
industry and semiannually for State and local government. Compensa
tion measures cover all collective bargaining situations involving 5,000
workers or more and wage measures cover all situations involving 1,000
workers or more. These data, covering private nonagricultural indus
tries and State and local governments, are calculated using information
obtained from bargaining agreements on file with the Bureau, parties to
the agreements, and secondary sources, such as newspaper accounts.
The data are not seasonally adjusted.
Settlement data are measured in terms of future specified adjust
ments: those that will occur within 12 months of the contract effective
date— first-year—and all adjustments that will occur over the life of the
contract expressed as an average annual rate. Adjustments are worker
weighted. Both first-year and over-the-life measures exclude wage
changes that may occur under cost-of-living clauses that are triggered
by future movements in the Consumer Price Index.
Effective wage adjustments measure all adjustments occurring in the
reference period, regardless of the settlement date. Included are changes
from settlements reached during the period, changes deferred from
contracts negotiated in earlier periods, and changes under cost-of-living
adjustment clauses. Each wage change is worker weighted. The changes
are prorated over all workers under agreements during the reference
period yielding the average adjustment.
Definitions
Wage rate changes are calculated by dividing newly negotiated wages
by the average straight-time hourly wage rate plus shift premium at the
time the agreement is reached. Compensation changes are calculated by
dividing the change in the value of the newly negotiated wage and
benefit package by existing average hourly compensation, which
includes the cost of previously negotiated benefits, legally required
social insurance programs, and average hourly earnings.
Compensation changes are calculated by placing a value on the benefit
portion of the settlements at the time they are reached. The cost estimates
are based on the assumption that conditions existing at the time of
settlement (for example, methods of financing pensions or composition of
labor force) will remain constant. The data, therefore, are measures of
negotiated changes and not of total changes of employer cost.
Contract duration runs from the effective date of the agreement to
the expiration date or first wage reopening date, if applicable. Average
annual percent changes over the contract term take account of the
compounding of successive changes.
Notes on the data
Comparisons of major collective bargaining settlements for State and
local government with those for private industry should note differences
in occupational mix, bargaining practices, and settlement characteris
tics. Professional and white-collar employees, for example, make up a
much larger proportion of the workers covered by government than by
private industry settlements. Lump-sum payments and cost-of-living
adjustment (cola) clauses, on the other hand, are rare in government
but common in private industry settlements. Also, State and local
government bargaining frequently excludes items such as pension
benefits and holidays, that are prescribed by law, while these items are
typical bargaining issues in private industry.
Additional sources of information
For a more detailed discussion on the series, see the b l s H a n d b o o k o f
Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988). Comprehen
sive data are published in press releases issued quarterly (in January,
April, July, and October) for private industry, and semiannually (in
February and August) for State and local government. Historical data
and additional detailed tabulations for the prior calendar year appear in
the April issue of the bls periodical, C u r r e n t W a g e D e v e lo p m e n ts .
M e th o d s ,
Work stoppages
Workers involved: The number of workers directly involved in the
stoppage.
Number of days idle: The aggregate number of workdays lost by
workers involved in the stoppages.
Days of idleness as a percent of estimated working time: Aggregate
workdays lost as a percent of the aggregate number of standard
workdays in the period multiplied by total employment in the period.
Notes on the data
This series is not comparable with the one terminated in 1981 that
covered strikes involving six workers or more.
Additional sources of information
Data for each calendar year are reported in a bls press release issued
in the first quarter of the following year. Monthly and historical data
appear in the bls periodical, C u r r e n t W a g e D e v e lo p m e n ts . Historical
data appear in the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s , Bulletin 2217 (Bureau
of Labor Statistics, 1985).
Other compensation data
Other bls data on pay and benefits, not included in the Current
Labor Statistics section of the M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , appear in and
consist of the following:
I n d u s tr y W a g e S u r v e y s provide data for specific occupations selected
to represent an industry’s wage structure and the types of activities
performed by its workers. The Bureau collects information on weekly
work schedules, shift operations and pay differentials, paid holiday and
vacation practices, and information on incidence of health, insurance,
and retirement plans. Reports are issued throughout the year as the
surveys are completed. Summaries of the data and special analyses also
appear in the M o n th ly L a b o r R eview .
A r e a W a g e S u r v e y s annually provide data for selected office, clerical,
professional, technical, maintenance, toolroom, powerplant, material
movement, and custodial occupations common to a wide variety of
industries in the areas (labor markets) surveyed. Reports are issued
throughout the year as the surveys are completed. Summaries of the
data and special analyses also appear in the R ev ie w .
T h e N a tio n a l S u r v e y o f P ro fessio n a l, A d m in is tr a tiv e ,
T ech n ica l, a n d
provides detailed information annually on salary levels and
distributions for the types of jobs mentioned in the survey’s title in private
employment. Although the definitions of the jobs surveyed reflect the
duties and responsibilities in private industry, they are designed to match
specific pay grades of Federal white-collar employees under the General
Schedule pay system. Accordingly, this survey provides the legally
required information for comparing the pay of salaried employees in the
Federal civil service with pay in private industry. (See Federal Pay
Comparability Act of 1970, 5 u.s.c. 5305.) Data are published in a bls
news release issued in the summer and in a bulletin each fall; summaries
and analytical articles also appear in the R ev ie w .
E m p lo y e e B e n e f its S u r v e y provides nationwide information on the
incidence and characteristics of employee benefit plans in medium and
large establishments in the United States, excluding Alaska and Hawaii.
Data are published in an annual BLS news release and bulletin, as well
as in special articles appearing in the R ev ie w .
C le r ic a l P a y
Description of the series
Data on work stoppages measure the number and duration of major
strikes or lockouts (involving 1,000 workers or more) occurring during
the month (or year), the number of workers involved, and the amount
of time lost because of stoppage.
Data are largely from newspaper accounts and cover only establish
ments directly involved in a stoppage. They do not measure the indirect
or secondary effect of stoppages on other establishments whose
employees are idle owing to material shortages or lack of service.
Definitions
Number of stoppages: The number of strikes and lockouts involving
workers or more and lasting a full shift or longer.
1,000
PR IC E DATA
(Tables 2; 30-41)
Price data are gathered by the Bureau of Labor Statistics from retail and
primary markets in the United States. Price indexes are given in relation to a
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base period (1982 = 100 for many Producer Price Indexes or 1982-84 = 100
for many Consumer Price Indexes, unless otherwise noted).
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Current Labor Statistics
Consumer Price Indexes
Producer Price Indexes
Description of the series
Description of the series
The Consumer Price Index (cpi) is a measure of the average change
in the prices paid by urban consumers for a fixed market basket of
goods and services. The cpi is calculated monthly for two population
groups, one consisting only of urban households whose primary source
of income is derived from the employment of wage earners and clerical
workers, and the other consisting of all urban households. The wage
earner index ( cpi- w) is a continuation of the historic index that was
introduced well over a half-century ago for use in wage negotiations. As
new uses were developed for the cpi in recent years, the need for a
broader and more representative index became apparent. The all urban
consumer index (cpi- u ), introduced in 1978, is representative of the
1982-84 buying habits of about 80 percent of the noninstitutional
population of the United States at that time, compared with 32 percent
represented in the cpi-w . In addition to wage earners and clerical
workers, the CPl-u covers professional, managerial, and technical
workers, the self-employed, short-term workers, the unemployed,
retirees, and others not in the labor force.
The CPI is based on prices of food, clothing, shelter, fuel, drugs,
transportation fares, doctors’ and dentists’ fees, and other goods and
services that people buy for day-to-day living. The quantity and quality
of these items are kept essentially unchanged between major revisions
so that only price changes will be measured. All taxes directly
associated with the purchase and use of items are included in the index.
Data collected from more than 21,000 retail establishments and
60,000 housing units in 91 urban areas across the country are used to
develop the “U.S. city average.” Separate estimates for 27 major urban
centers are presented in table 31. The areas listed are as indicated in
footnote 1 to the table. The area indexes measure only the average
change in prices for each area since the base period, and do not indicate
differences in the level of prices among cities.
Producer Price Indexes (ppi) measure average changes in prices
received by domestic producers of commodities in all stages of
processing. The sample used for calculating these indexes currently
contains about 3,100 commodities and about 75,000 quotations per
month selected to represent the movement of prices of all commodities
produced in the manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining,
gas and electricity, and public utilities sectors. The stage of processing
structure of Producer Price Indexes organizes products by class of
buyer and degree of fabrication (that is, finished goods, intermediate
goods, and crude materials). The traditional commodity structure of ppi
organizes products by similarity of end use or material composition.
To the extent possible, prices used in calculating Producer Price
Indexes apply to the first significant commercial transaction in the
United States from the production or central marketing point. Price
data are generally collected monthly, primarily by mail questionnaire.
Most prices are obtained directly from producing companies on a
voluntary and confidential basis. Prices generally are reported for the
Tuesday of the week containing the 13th day of the month.
Since January 1987, price changes for the various commodities have
been averaged together with implicit quantity weights representing their
importance in the total net selling value of all commodities as of 1982.
The detailed data are aggregated to obtain indexes for stage-ofprocessing groupings, commodity groupings, durability-of-product
groupings, and a number of special composite groups. All Producer
Price Index data are subject to revision 4 months after original
publication.
Notes on the data
In January 1983, the Bureau changed the way in which homeownership costs are measured for the CPi-u. A rental equivalence method
replaced the asset-price approach to homeownership costs for that
series. In January 1985, the same change was made in the cpi-w. The
central purpose of the change was to separate shelter costs from the
investment component of homeownership so that the index would
reflect only the cost of shelter services provided by owner-occupied
homes. An updated cpi-u and cpi-w were introduced with release of the
January 1987 data.
Additional sources of information
For a discussion of the general method for computing the cpi, see b l s
Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988).
The recent change in the measurement of homeownership costs is
discussed in Robert Gillingham and Walter Lane, “Changing the
treatment of shelter costs for homeowners in the cpi,” M o n th ly L a b o r
R ev ie w , July 1982, pp. 9 -1 4 . An overview of the recently introduced
revised cpi, reflecting 1982-84 expenditure patterns, is contained in
T h e C o n s u m e r P r ic e I n d e x : 1 9 8 7 R e v is io n , Report 736 (Bureau of Labor
Statistics, 1987).
Additional detailed cpi data and regular analyses of consumer price
changes are provided in the c p i D e ta ile d R e p o r t, a monthly publication
of the Bureau. Historical data for the overall cpi and for selected
groupings may be found in the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s , Bulletin
2217 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1985).
H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s ,
58
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Notes on the data
Beginning with the January 1986 issue, the R e v ie w is no longer
presenting tables of Producer Price Indexes for commodity groupings,
special composite groups, or sic industries. However, these data will
continue to be presented in the Bureau’s monthly publication P r o d u c e r
P r ic e I n d e x e s .
The Bureau has completed the first major stage of its comprehensive
overhaul of the theory, methods, and procedures used to construct the
Producer Price Indexes. Changes include the replacement of judgment
sampling with probability sampling techniques; expansion to systematic
coverage of the net output of virtually all industries in the mining and
manufacturing sectors; a shift from a commodity to an industry
orientation; the exclusion of imports from, and the inclusion of exports
in, the survey universe; and the respecification of commodities priced to
conform to Bureau of the Census definitions. These and other changes
have been phased in gradually since 1978. The result is a system of
indexes that is easier to use in conjunction with data on wages,
productivity, and employment and other series that are organized in
terms of the Standard Industrial Classification and the Census product
class designations.
Additional sources of information
For a discussion of the methodology for computing Producer Price
Indexes, see b l s H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s , Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor
Statistics, 1988).
Additional detailed data and analyses of price changes are provided
monthly in P r o d u c e r P r ic e I n d e x e s . Selected historical data may be
found in the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s , Bulletin 2217 (Bureau of
Labor Statistics, 1985).
International Price Indexes
Description of the series
The bls International Price Program produces quarterly export and
import price indexes for nonmilitary goods traded between the United
States and the rest of the world. The export price index provides a
measure of price change for all products sold by U.S. residents to
foreign buyers. (“Residents” is defined as in the national income
accounts: it includes corporations, businesses, and individuals but does
not require the organizations to be U.S. owned nor the individuals to
have U.S. citizenship.) The import price index provides a measure of
price change for goods purchased from other countries by U.S.
residents. With publication of an all-import index in February 1983 and
an all-export index in February 1984, all U.S. merchandise imports and
exports now are represented in these indexes. The reference period for
the indexes is 1985= 100, unless otherwise indicated.
The product universe for both the import and export indexes includes
raw materials, agricultural products, semifinished manufactures, and
finished manufactures, including both capital and consumer goods.
Price data for these items are collected quarterly by mail questionnaire.
In nearly all cases, the data are collected directly from the exporter or
importer, although in a few cases, prices are obtained from other
sources.
To the extent possible, the data gathered refer to prices at the U.S.
border for exports and at either the foreign border or the U.S. border
for imports. For nearly all products, the prices refer to transactions
completed during the first 2 weeks of the third month of each calendar
quarter—March, June, September, and December. Survey respondents
are asked to indicate all discounts, allowances, and rebates applicable to
the reported prices, so that the price used in the calculation of the
indexes is the actual price for which the product was bought or sold.
In addition to general indexes of prices for U.S. exports and imports,
indexes are also published for detailed product categories of exports and
imports. These categories are defined by the 4- and 5-digit level of detail
of the Standard Industrial Trade Classification System (su e). The
calculation of indexes by sitc category facilitates the comparison of
U.S. price trends and sector production with similar data for other
countries. Detailed indexes are also computed and published on a
Standard Industrial Classification (sic-based) basis, as well as by enduse class.
Notes on the data
The export and import price indexes are weighted indexes of the
Laspeyres type. Price relatives are assigned equal importance within
each weight category and are then aggregated to the sitc level. The
values assigned to each weight category are based on trade value figures
compiled by the Bureau of the Census. The trade weights currently used
to compute both indexes relate to 1985.
Because a price index depends on the same items being priced from
period to period, it is necessary to recognize when a product’s
specifications or terms of transaction have been modified. For this
reason, the Bureau’s quarterly questionnaire requests detailed descrip
tions of the physical and functional characteristics of the products being
priced, as well as information on the number of units bought or sold,
discounts, credit terms, packaging, class of buyer or seller, and so forth.
When there are changes in either the specifications or terms of
transaction of a product, the dollar value of each change is deleted from
the total price change to obtain the “pure” change. Once this value is
determined, a linking procedure is employed which allows for the
continued repricing of the item.
For the export price indexes, the preferred pricing basis is f.a.s. (free
alongside ship) U.S. port of exportation. When firms report export
prices f.o.b. (free on board), production point information is collected
which enables the Bureau to calculate a shipment cost to the port of
exportation. An attempt is made to collect two prices for imports. The
first is the import price f.o.b. at the foreign port of exportation, which is
consistent with the basis for valuation of imports in the national
accounts. The second is the import price c.i.f. (cost, insurance, and
freight) at the U.S. port of importation, which also includes the other
costs associated with bringing the product to the U.S. border. It does
not, however, include duty charges. For a given product, only one price
basis series is used in the construction of an index.
Beginning in 1988, the Bureau has also been publishing a series of
indexes which represent the price of U.S. exports and imports in foreign
currency terms.
Additional sources of information
For a discussion of the general method of computing International
Price Indexes, see BLS H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s, Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of
Labor Statistics, 1988).
Additional detailed data and analyses of international price develop
ments are presented in the Bureau’s quarterly publication U .S. I m p o r t
a n d E x p o r t P r ic e I n d e x e s and in occasional M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w
articles prepared by bls analysts. Selected historical data may be found
in the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s , Bulletin 2217 (Bureau of Labor
Statistics, 1985). For further information on the foreign currency
indexes, see “bls publishes average exchange rate and foreign currency
price indexes,” M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w , December 1987, pp. 47-49.
PRODUCTIVITY DATA
(Tables 2; 42-44)
U.S. productivity and related data
Corresponding indexes of hourly compensation, unit labor costs, unit
nonlabor payments, and prices are also provided.
Description of the series
Definitions
The productivity measures relate real physical output to real input.
As such, they encompass a family of measures which include single
factor productivity measures, such as output per unit of labor input
(output per hour) or output per unit of capital input, as well as
measures of multifactor productivity (output per unit of combined labor
and capital inputs). The Bureau indexes show the change in output
relative to changes in the various inputs. The measures cover the
business, nonfarm business, manufacturing, and nonfinancial corporate
sectors.
Output per hour of all persons (labor productivity) is the value of
goods and services in constant prices produced per hour of labor input.
Output per unit of capital services (capital productivity) is the value of
goods and services in constant dollars produced per unit of capital
services input.
Multifactor productivity is output per unit of combined labor and
capital inputs. Changes in this measure reflect changes in a number of
factors which affect the production process such as changes in
technology, shifts in the composition of the labor force, changes in
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M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics
capacity utilization, research and development, skill and efforts of the
work force, management, and so forth. Changes in the output per hour
measures reflect the impact of these factors as well as the substitution of
capital for labor.
Compensation per hour is the wages and salaries of employees plus
employers’ contributions for social insurance and private benefit plans,
and the wages, salaries, and supplementary payments for the selfemployed (except for nonfmancial corporations in which there are no
self-employed)—the sum divided by hours paid for. Real compensation
per hour is compensation per hour deflated by the Consumer Price
Index for All Urban Consumers.
Unit labor costs are the labor compensation costs expended in the
production of a unit of output and are derived by dividing compensa
tion by output. Unit nonlabor payments include profits, depreciation,
interest, and indirect taxes per unit of output. They are computed by
subtracting compensation of all persons from current dollar value of
output and dividing by output. Unit nonlabor costs contain all the
components of unit nonlabor payments e x c e p t unit profits.
Unit profits include corporate profits with inventory valuation and
capital consumption adjustments per unit of output.
Hours of all persons are the total hours paid of payroll workers, selfemployed persons, and unpaid family workers.
Capital services is the flow of services from the capital stock used in
production. It is developed from measures of the net stock of physical
assets—equipment, structures, land, and inventories— weighted by
rental prices for each type of asset.
Labor and capital inputs combined are derived by combining changes
in labor and capital inputs with weights which represent each compo
nent’s share of total output. The indexes for capital services and
combined units of labor and capital are based on changing weights
which are averages of the shares in the current and preceding year (the
Tornquist index-number formula).
Notes on the data
Constant-dollar output for the business sector is equal to constantdollar gross national product but excludes the rental value of
owner-occupied dwellings, the rest-of-world sector, the output of
nonprofit institutions, the output of paid employees of private house
holds, general government, and the statistical discrepancy. Output of
the nonfarm business sector is equal to business sector output less
farming. The measures are derived from data supplied by the Bureau of
Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, and the Federal
Reserve Board. Quarterly manufacturing output indexes are adjusted
by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to annual measures of manufacturing
output (gross product originating) from the Bureau of Economic
Analysis. Compensation and hours data are developed from data of the
Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
The productivity and associated cost measures in tables 4 2 -4 4
describe the relationship between output in real terms and the labor
time and capital services involved in its production. They show the
changes from period to period in the amount of goods and services
produced per unit of input. Although these measures relate output to
hours and capital services, they do not measure the contributions of
labor, capital, or any other specific factor of production. Rather, they
reflect the joint effect of many influences, including changes in
technology; capital investment; level of output; utilization of capacity,
energy, and materials; the organization of production; managerial skill;
and the characteristics and efforts of the work force.
Additional sources of information
Descriptions of methodology underlying the measurement of output
per hour and multifactor productivity are found in the b l s H a n d b o o k o f
M e th o d s , Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988). Historical
data for selected industries are provided in the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r
S ta tis tic s , Bulletin 2217 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1985).
INTERNATIONAL CO M PA RISO N S
(Tables 45-47)
Labor force and unemployment
Description of the series
Tables 45 and 46 present comparative measures of the labor force,
employment, and unemployment— approximating U.S. concepts—for
the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, and six European
countries. The unemployment statistics (and, to a lesser extent,
employment statistics) published by other industrial countries are not,
in most cases, comparable to U.S. unemployment statistics. Therefore,
the Bureau adjusts the figures for selected countries, where necessary,
for all known major definitional differences. Although precise compara
bility may not be achieved, these adjusted figures provide a better basis
for international comparisons than the figures regularly published by
each country.
Definitions
For the principal U.S. definitions of the labor force, employment, and
unemployment, see the Notes section on EMPLOYMENT DATA:
Household Survey Data.
Notes on the data
The adjusted statistics have been adapted to the age at which
compulsory schooling ends in each country, rather than to the U.S.
60
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standard of 16 years of age and over. Therefore, the adjusted statistics
relate to the population age 16 and over in France, Sweden, and from
1973 onward, the United Kingdom; 16 and over in Canada, Australia,
Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, and prior to 1973, the United
Kingdom; and 14 and over in Italy. The institutional population is
included in the denominator of the labor force participation rates and
employment-population ratios for Japan and Germany; it is excluded
for the United States and the other countries.
In the U.S. labor force survey, persons on layoff who are awaiting
recall to their job are classified as unemployed. European and Japanese
layoff practices are quite different in nature from those in the United
States; therefore, strict application of the U.S. definition has not been
made on this point. For further information, see M o n th ly L a b o r R ev ie w ,
December 1981, pp. 8-11.
The figures for one or more recent years for France, Germany, Italy,
the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom are calculated using
adjustment factors based on labor force surveys for earlier years and are
considered preliminary. The recent-year measures for these countries
are, therefore, subject to revision whenever data from more current
labor force surveys become available.
There are breaks in the date series for Germany (1983), Italy (1986),
the Netherlands (1983), and Sweden (1986). For both Germany and the
Netherlands, the breaks reflect the replacement of labor force survey
results tabulated by the national statistical offices with those tabulated
by the European Community Statistical Office ( eurostat). The Dutch
figures for 1983 onward also reflect the replacement of man-year
employment data with data from the Dutch Survey of Employed
Persons. The impact of the changes was to lower the adjusted
unemployment rate by 0.3 percentage point for Germany and by about
2 percentage points for the Netherlands.
For Italy, the break in series reflects more accurate enumeration of
time of last job search. This resulted in a significant increase in the
number of people reported as seeking work in the past 30 days. The
impact was to increase the Italian unemployment rates approximating
U.S. concepts by about 1 percentage point.
Sweden introduced a new questionnaire. Questions regarding current
availability were added and the period of active workseeking was
reduced from 60 days to 4 weeks. These changes resulted in lowering
Sweden’s unemployment rate by 0.5 percentage point.
Additional sources of information
For further information, see I n te r n a tio n a l C o m p a r is o n s o f U n e m p lo y
Bulletin 1979 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1978), Appendix B,
and unpublished Supplements to Appendix B, available on request. The
statistics are also analyzed periodically in the M o n th ly L a b o r R eview .
The latest article appears in the April 1988 R e v ie w . Additional
historical data, generally beginning with 1959, are published in the
H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s and are available in unpublished statistical
supplements to Bulletin 1979.
m e n t,
Manufacturing productivity and labor costs
Description of the series
Table 47 presents comparative measures of manufacturing labor
productivity, hourly compensation costs, and unit labor costs for the
United States, Canada, Japan, and nine European countries. These
measures are limited to trend comparisons— that is, intercountry series
of changes over time— rather than level comparisons because reliable
international comparisons of the levels of manufacturing output are
unavailable.
Definitions
Output is constant value output (value added), generally taken from
the national accounts of each country. While the national accounting
methods for measuring real output differ considerably among the 12
countries, the use of different procedures does not, in itself, connote
lack of comparability—rather, it reflects differences among countries in
the availability and reliability of underlying data series.
Hours refer to all employed persons including the self-employed in
the United States and Canada; to all wage and salary employees in the
other countries. The U.S. hours measure is hours paid; the hours
measures for the other countries are hours worked.
Compensation (labor cost) includes all payments in cash or kind
made directly to employees plus employer expenditures for legally
required insurance programs and contractual and private benefit plans.
In addition, for some countries, compensation is adjusted for other
significant taxes on payrolls or employment (or reduced to reflect
subsidies), even if they are not for the direct benefit of workers, because
such taxes are regarded as labor costs. However, compensation does not
include all items of labor cost. The costs of recruitment, employee
training, and plant facilities and services—such as cafeterias and
medical clinics—are not covered because data are not available for most
countries. Self-employed workers are included in the U.S. and Canadian
compensation figures by assuming that their hourly compensation is
equal to the average for wage and salary employees.
Notes on the data
For most of the countries, the measures refer to total manufacturing
as defined by the International Standard Industrial Classification.
However, the measures for France (beginning 1959), Italy (beginning
1970), and the United Kingdom (beginning 1971), refer to manufactur
ing and mining less energy-related products and the figures for the
Netherlands exclude petroleum refining from 1969 to 1976. For all
countries, manufacturing includes the activities of government
enterprises.
The figures for one or more recent years are generally based on
current indicators of manufacturing output, employment, hours, and
hourly compensation and are considered preliminary until the national
accounts and other statistics used for the long-term measures become
available.
Additional sources of information
For additional information, see the BLS H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s,
Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988), and periodic M o n th ly
L a b o r R e v ie w articles. Historical data are provided in the H a n d b o o k o f
L a b o r S ta tis tic s , Bulletin 2217 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1985). The
statistics are issued twice per year—in a news release (generally in May)
and in a M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w article.
OCCUPATIONAL IN JU R Y AND ILLNESS DATA
(Table 48)
Description of the series
The Annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses is designed
to collect data on injuries and illnesses based on records which
employers in the following industries maintain under the Occupational
Safety and Health Act of 1970: agriculture, forestry, and fishing; oil and
gas extraction; construction; manufacturing; transportation and public
utilities; wholesale and retail trade; finance, insurance, and real estate;
and services. Excluded from the survey are self-employed individuals,
farmers with fewer than 11 employees, employers regulated by other
Federal safety and health laws, and Federal, State, and local govern
ment agencies.
Because the survey is a Federal-State cooperative program and the
data must meet the needs of participating State agencies, an indepen
dent sample is selected for each State. The sample is selected to
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represent all private industries in the States and territories. The sample
size for the survey is dependent upon (1) the characteristics for which
estimates are needed; (2) the industries for which estimates are desired;
(3) the characteristics of the population being sampled; (4) the target
reliability of the estimates; and (5) the survey design employed.
While there are many characteristics upon which the sample design
could be based, the total recorded case incidence rate is used because it
is one of the most important characteristics and the least variable;
therefore, it requires the smallest sample size.
The survey is based on stratified random sampling with a Neyman
allocation and a ratio estimator. The characteristics used to stratify the
establishments are the Standard Industrial Classification (sic) code and
size of employment.
61
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics
Definitions
Recordable occupational injuries and illnesses are: (1) occupational
deaths, regardless of the time between injury and death, or the length of
the illness; or (2) nonfatal occupational illnesses; or (3) nonfatal
occupational injuries which involve one or more of the following: loss
of consciousness, restriction of work or motion, transfer to another job,
or medical treatment (other than first aid).
Occupational injury is any injury such as a cut, fracture, sprain,
amputation, and so forth, which results from a work accident or from
exposure involving a single incident in the work environment.
Occupational illness is an abnormal condition or disorder, other than
one resulting from an occupational injury, caused by exposure to
environmental factors associated with employment. It includes acute
and chronic illnesses or disease which may be caused by inhalation,
absorption, ingestion, or direct contact.
Lost workday cases are cases which involve days away from work, or
days of restricted work activity, or both.
Lost workday cases involving restricted work activity are those cases
which result in restricted work activity only.
Lost workdays away from work are the number of workdays
(consecutive or not) on which the employee would have worked but
could not because of occupational injury or illness.
Lost workdays— restricted work activity are the number of workdays
(consecutive or not) on which, because of injury or illness: (1) the
employee was assigned to another job on a temporary basis; or (2) the
employee worked at a permanent job less than full time; or (3) the
employee worked at a permanently assigned job but could not perform
all duties normally connected with it.
The number of days away from work or days of restricted work
activity does not include the day of injury or onset of illness or any days
on which the employee would not have worked even though able to
work.
Incidence rates represent the number of injuries and/or illnesses or
lost workdays per 100 full-time workers.
those where the employee would have worked but could not and those
in which work activity was restricted. Estimates of the number of cases
and the number of days lost are made for both categories.
Most of the estimates are in the form of incidence rates, defined as
the number of injuries and illnesses, or lost workdays, per 100 full-time
employees. For this purpose, 200,000 employee hours represent 100
employee years (2,000 hours per employee). Only a few of the available
measures are included in the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s . Full detail is
presented in the annual bulletin, O c c u p a tio n a l I n ju r ie s a n d I lln e s s e s in
th e U n ite d S ta te s , b y I n d u s tr y .
Comparable data for individual States are available from the BLS
Office of Safety, Health, and Working Conditions.
Mining and railroad data are furnished to bls by the Mine Safety and
Health Administration and the Federal Railroad Administration,
respectively. Data from these organizations are included in bls and
State publications. Federal employee experience is compiled and
published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Data
on State and local government employees are collected by about half of
the States and territories; these data are not compiled nationally.
Additional sources of information
The Supplementary Data System provides detailed information
describing various factors associated with work-related injuries and
illnesses. These data are obtained from information reported by
e m p lo y e r s to State workers’ compensation agencies. The Work Injury
Report program examines selected types of accidents through an
employee survey which focuses on the circumstances surrounding the
injury. These data are not included in the H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r S ta tis tic s
but are available from the bls Office of Safety, Health, and Working
Conditions.
The definitions of occupational injuries and illnesses and lost
workdays are from R e c o r d k e e p in g R e q u ir e m e n ts u n d e r th e O c c u p a
tio n a l S a f e ty a n d H e a lth A c t o f 1 9 7 0 . For additional data, see
O c c u p a tio n a l I n ju r ie s a n d I lln e s s e s in th e U n ite d S ta te s , b y I n d u s tr y ,
Notes on the data
Estimates are made for industries and employment-size classes and
for severity classification: fatalities, lost workday cases, and nonfatal
cases without lost workdays. Lost workday cases are separated into
62
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
annual Bureau of Labor Statistics bulletin; bls H a n d b o o k o f M e th o d s ,
Bulletin 2285 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1988); H a n d b o o k o f L a b o r
S ta tis tic s , Bulletin 2217 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1985), pp. 411-14;
annual reports in the M o n th ly L a b o r R e v ie w ; and annual U.S.
Department of Labor press releases.
1. Labor market indicators
1986
Selected indicators
1986
1987
1988
1987
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
Employment data
Employment status of the civilian noninstitutionalized population
(household survey)1
Labor force participation ra te ........................................................
Employment-population ratio.........................................................
Unemployment rate .......................................................................
Men .............................................................................................
16 to 24 years ..........................................................................
25 years and o v e r....................................................................
Women ........................................................................................
16 to 24 years ..........................................................................
25 years and o v e r....................................................................
Unemployment rate, 15 weeks and o ver....................................
65.3
60.7
7.0
6.9
13.7
5.4
7.1
12.8
5.5
1.9
65.6
61.5
6.2
6.2
12.6
4.8
6.2
11.7
4.8
1.7
65.4
60.8
7.0
7.0
13.9
5.4
7.0
12.7
5.4
1.9
65.4
60.9
6.8
6.9
13.4
5.4
6.8
12.5
5.3
1.9
65.5
61.1
6.6
6.6
13.3
5.1
6.6
12.5
5.0
1.8
65.5
61.4
6.3
6.3
12.9
4.9
6.2
11.8
4.7
1.7
65.6
61.7
6.0
5.9
12.2
4.6
6.1
11.4
4.7
1.6
65.7
61.9
5.9
5.8
11.9
4.4
6.0
11.1
4.7
1.5
65.8
62.1
5.7
5.7
11.9
4.4
5.8
11.0
4.4
1.4
65.8
62.2
5.5
5.4
11.1
4.1
5.6
10.8
4.3
1.3
Total .................................................................................................
Private sector ................................................................................
Goods-producing............................................................................
Manufacturing..............................................................................
Service-producing ..........................................................................
99,525
82,832
24,558
18,965
74,967
102,310
85,295
24,784
19,065
77,525
99,676
82,987
24,454
18,902
75,222
100,347
83,496
24,443
18,885
75,904
101,024
84,130
24,523
18,895
76,500
101,841
84,869
24,644
18,965
77,196
102,669
85,643
24,847
19,112
77,782
103,683
86,518
25,116
19,290
78,567
104,670
87,406
25,260
19,388
79,410
105,597
88,258
25,497
19,498
80,100
Average hours:
Private sector ................................................................................
Manufacturing ...........................................................................
Overtime..................................................................................
34.8
40.7
3.4
34.8
41.0
3.7
34.7
40.7
3.5
34.7
40.8
3.5
34.8
41.0
3.6
34.7
40.9
3.7
34.7
40.9
3.8
34.8
41.1
3.9
34.7
41.0
3.8
34.8
41.1
3.9
Percent change in the ECI, compensation:
All workers (excluding farm, household, and Federal workers) ......
Private Industry workers ..............................................................
Goods-produclng? .....................................................................
Service-producing-9 ...................................................................
State and local government workers...........................................
3.6
3.2
3.1
3.2
5.2
3.6
3.3
3.1
3.7
4.4
1.1
.7
.6
.8
2,8
.6
.6
.5
.6
.8
.9
1.0
.5
1.3
.8
.7
.7
.7
.7
.3
1.2
1.0
.8
1.0
2.3
.8
.7
1.0
.5
.9
1.4
1.5
1.8
1.3
1.3
1.1
1.2
1.1
1.4
.3
Workers by bargaining status (private industry):
Union............................................................................................
Nonunion ...................................... :..............................................
2.1
3.6
2.8
3.6
.5
.8
.3
.7
.5
1.1
.5
.7
.6
1.1
1.1
.6
1.6
1.5
1.0
1.3
Employment, nonagricultural (payroll data), in thousands:1
Employment Cost Index
Quarterly data seasonally adjusted.
? Goods-produclng industries include mining, construction, and manufacturing. Service-
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
producing Industries include all other private sector Industries.
63
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
2.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Comparative Indicators
Annual and quarterly percent changes in compensation, prices, and productivity
1987
1986
Selected measures
1986
1988
1987
III
I
IV
II
III
IV
I
II
Compensation data 1, 2
Employment Cost Index-compensation (wages, salaries,
benefits):
Civilian nonfarm ...................................................................
Private nonfarm ..................................................................
Employment Cost Index-wages and salaries
Civilian nonfarm ...................................................................
Private nonfarm ..................................................................
3.6
3.2
3.6
3.3
1.1
.7
0.6
.6
0.9
1.0
0.7
.7
1.2
1.0
0.8
.7
1.4
1.5
1.1
1.2
3.5
3.1
3.5
3.3
1.1
.7
.6
.5
1.0
1.0
.5
.7
1.3
1.0
.7
.6
1.0
1.0
.9
1.1
Price data
Consumer Price Index (All urban consumers): All item s......
1.1
4.4
.6
.3
1.4
1.2
1.3
.3
1.0
1.3
Producer Price Index:
Finished goods.....................................................................
Finished consumer goods..................................................
Capital equipment ...............................................................
Intermediate materials, supplies, components ....................
Crude materials....................................................................
-2.3
-3.5
2.1
-4.4
-8.9
2.2
2.6
1.3
5.4
8.9
-.7
-.7
-.8
-.2
-.6
1.1
.8
2.1
-.3
.6
.8
.9
.1
1.3
4.2
1.2
1.6
.3
1.9
5.3
.2
.3
-.2
1.2
.6
.1
-.2
1.1
.9
-1.4
.5
.4
.7
1.1
-.3
1.5
1.6
.9
2.6
4.4
Productivity data3
Output per hour of all persons:
Business sector..................................................................
Nonfarm business sector ...................................................
Nonfinancial corporations 4 .................................................
2.2
2.0
1.8
-1.4
-1.5
1.2
.8
.8
1.5
1 Annual changes are December-to-December change. Quarterly changes
are calculated using the last month of each quarter. Compensation and price
data are not seasonally adjusted and the price data are not compounded.
2 Excludes Federal and private household workers.
3 Annual rates of change are computed by comparing annual averages.
3.
-.8
-.9
2.6
.3
.0
-1.0
2.7
3.2
3.1
3.9
3.7
4.7
3.5
3.4
4.3
-2.5
-1.4
.4
Quarterly percent changes reflect annual rates of change in quarterly indexes. The data are seasonally adjusted.
4 Output per hour of all employees.
Alternative measures of wage and compensation changes
Quarterly average
I
Average hourly compensation:'
All persons, business sector.................................................................
All employees, nonfarm business sector..............................................
Employment Cost Index-compensation:
Civilian nonfarm 2 ..................................................................................
Private nonfarm ..................................................................................
Union ................................................................................................
Nonunion...........................................................................................
State and local governments..............................................................
Employment Cost Index-wages and salaries:
Civilian nonfarm1 ...................................................................................
Private nonfarm ..................................................................................
Union ................................................................................................
Nonunion...........................................................................................
State and local governments ...............................................................
Total effective wage adjustments ' ...............................................................
From current settlements......................................................................
From prior settlements ..........................................................................
From cost-of-living provision.................................................................
Negotiated wage adjustments from settlements:3
First-year adjustments ...........................................................................
Annual rate over life of contract...........................................................
Negotiated wage and benefit adjustments from settlements:5
First-year adjustment .............................................................................
Annual rate over life of contract...........................................................
II
1988
III
IV
I
1987
II
I
II
1988
III
IV
I
II
2.5
2.1
3.6
3.4
4.6
4.5
6.2
6.4
3.7
3.5
4.7
4.1
3.8
3.7
3.8
3.7
3.9
3.7
4.2
4.1
4.5
4.4
4.8
4.6
.9
1.0
.5
1.1
.8
.7
.7
.5
.7
.3
1.2
1.0
.6
1.1
2.3
.8
.7
1.1
.6
.9
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.5
1.3
1.1
1.2
1.0
1.3
.3
3.4
3.1
1.6
3.6
5.0
3.3
3.0
1.9
3.4
4.7
3.4
3.3
2.0
3.7
4.2
3.6
3.3
2.8
3.6
4.4
4.1
3.9
3.9
4.0
4.9
4.6
4.5
4.3
4.5
5.0
1.0
1.0
.4
1.2
.8
.4
(4)
.3
.1
.5
.7
.5
.8
.2
1.0
.2
.7
.2
1.3
1.0
.6
1.1
2.3
.9
.2
.6
.1
.7
.6
1.1
.5
.9
.8
.3
.3
.2
1.0
1.0
.4
1.0
.9
.4
.1
.3
.1
.9
1.1
.8
1.2
.3
.8
.3
.5
.1
3.5
3.2
1.7
3.5
5.2
2.0
.3
1.5
.1
3.2
3.0
1.7
3.3
5.0
2.2
.3
1.6
.3
3.4
3.3
1.7
3.8
4.1
2.6
.4
1.7
.4
3.5
3.3
2.6
3.6
4.2
3.1
.7
1.8
.5
3.5
3.3
2.6
3.5
4.4
3.2
.8
1.8
.5
3.9
3.7
2.9
4.0
4.4
3.0
.9
1.6
.5
.8
1.6
2.6
2.9
2.1
2.0
2.4
1.8
2.2
2.3
2.7
2.2
1.2
1.8
1.5
2.0
2.0
2.2
2.2
2.1
2.4
2.2
2.4
2.0
1.1
2.1
4.1
3.9
2.5
2.1
3.4
2.4
1.8
1.8
3.4
2.4
1.2
1.7
1.8
2.1
2.7
2.6
3.0
2.6
3.1
2.5
3.1
2.3
' Seasonally adjusted.
2 Excludes Federal and household workers.
3 Limited to major collective bargaining units of 1,000 workers or more. The
most recent data are preliminary.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Four quarters ended-
1987
Components
64
.6
.9
-.1
4 Data round to zero.
5 Limited to major collective bargaining units of 5,000 workers or more. The
most recent data are preliminary,
4.
Employment status of the total population, by sex, monthly data seasonally adjusted
(Numbers in thousands)
1988
1987
Annual average
Employment status
1986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
June
May
July
TOTAL
Noninstitutional population 2 .......
Labor force2 ..................................
Participation rate 3 ................
Total employed 2 .......................
Employment-population
ratio 4 ...................................
Resident Armed Forces 1 .......
Civilian employed ....................
Agriculture ............................
Nonagricultural industries.....
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment rate 5 ...........
Not in labor force ........................
182,293
119,540
65.6
111,303
184,490
121,602
65.9
114,177
184,605
121,610
65.9
114,359
184,738
122,042
66.1
114,786
184,904
121,706
65.8
114,615
185,052
122,128
66.0
114,951
185,225
122,349
66.1
115,259
185,370
122,472
66.1
115,494
185,571
122,924
66.2
115,878
185,705
123,084
66.3
116,145
185,847
122,639
66.0
115,839
185,964
123,055
66.2
116,445
186,088
122,692
65.9
115,909
186,247
123,157
66.1
116,703
186,402
123,357
66.2
116,732
61.1
1,706
109,597
3,163
106,434
8,237
6.9
62,752
61.9
1,737
112,440
3,208
109,232
7,425
6.1
62,888
61.9
1,720
112,639
3,212
109,427
7,251
6.0
62,995
62.1
1,736
113,050
3,143
109,907
7,256
5.9
62,696
62.0
1,743
112,872
3,184
109,688
7,091
5.8
63,198
62.1
1,741
113,210
3,249
109,961
7,177
5.9
62,924
62.2
1,755
113,504
3,172
110,332
7,090
5.8
62,876
62.3
1,750
113,744
3,215
110,529
6,978
5.7
62,898
62.4
1,749
114,129
3,293
110,836
7,046
5.7
62,647
62.5
1,736
114,409
3,228
111,182
6,938
5.6
62,621
62.3
1,736
114,103
3,204
110,899
6,801
5.5
63,208
62.6
1,732
114,713
3,228
111,485
6,610
5.4
62,909
62.3
1,714
114,195
3,035
111,160
6,783
5.5
63,396
62.7
1,685
115,018
3,085
111,933
6,455
5.2
63,090
62.6
1,673
115,059
3,046
112,014
6,625
5.4
63,045
87,349
66,973
76.7
62,443
88,476
67,784
76.6
63,684
88,534
67,671
76.4
63,711
88,598
67,937
76.7
63,916
88,683
67,776
76.4
63,949
88,756
67,947
76.6
64,048
88,849
68,019
76.6
64,174
88,924
68,030
76.5
64,245
89,033
68,243
76.6
64,396
89,099
68,343
76.7
64,636
89,168
68,148
76.4
64,332
89,225
68,445
76.7
64,892
89,287
68,318
76.5
64,583
89,367
68,429
76.6
64,934
89,445
68,521
76.6
65,002
71.5
1,551
60,892
4,530
6.8
72.0
1,577
62,107
4,101
6.1
72.0
1,561
62,150
3,960
5.9
72.1
1,575
62,341
4,021
5.9
72.1
1,581
62,368
3,827
5.6
72.2
1,580
62,f 68
3,899
5.7
72.2
1,593
62,581
3,845
5.7
72.2
1,589
62,656
3,785
5.6
72.3
1,588
62,808
3,847
5.6
72.5
1,577
63,059
3,707
5.4
72.1
1,573
62,759
3,816
5.6
72.7
1,569
63,323
3,553
5.2
72.3
1,553
63,030
3,736
5.5
72.7
1,523
63,411
3,495
5.1
72.7
1,512
63,490
3,519
5.1
94,944
52,568
55.4
48,861
96,013
53,818
56.1
50,494
96,071
53,939
56.1
50,648
96,140
54,105
56.3
50,870
96,221
53,930
56.0
50,666
96,295
54,181
56.3
50,903
96,376
54,330
56.4
51,085
96,446
54,442
56.4
51,249
96,538
54,681
56.6
51,482
96,606
54,740
56.7
51,509
96,679
54,491
56.4
51,507
96,739
54,610
56.5
51,553
96,801
54,374
56.2
51,327
96,880
54,728
56.5
51,769
96,957
54,836
56.6
51,730
51.5
155
48,706
3,707
7.1
52.6
160
50,334
3,324
6.2
52.7
159
50,489
3,291
6.1
52.9
161
50,709
3,235
6.0
52.7
162
50,504
3,264
6.1
52.9
161
50,742
3,278
6.1
53.0
162
50,923
3,245
6.0
53.1
161
51,088
3,193
5.9
53.3
161
51,321
3,200
5.9
53.3
159
51,350
3,231
5.9
53.3
163
51,344
2,985
5.5
53.3
163
51,390
3,057
5.6
53.0
161
51,166
3,047
5.6
53.4
162
51,607
2,960
5.4
53.4
161
51,569
3,106
5.7
Men, 16 years and over
Noninstitutional population 2 .......
Labor force2 ..................................
Participation rate 3 ................
Total employed 2 ........................
Employment-population
ratio 4 ...................................
Resident Armed Forces ' .......
Civilian employed ....................
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment rate 5 ...........
Women, 16 years and over
Noninstitutional population \ 2 .......
Labor force2 ..................................
Participation rate 3 ................
Total employed2 ........................
Employment-population
ratio 4 ...................................
Resident Armed Forces ' .......
Civilian employed ....................
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment rate 5 ...........
1 The population and Armed Forces figures are not adjusted for seasonal variation.
2 Includes members of the Armed Forces stationed in the United States.
3 Labor force as a percent of the noninstitutional population.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
4 Total employed as a percent of the noninstitutional population.
5 Unemployment as a percent of the labor force (including
Forces).
the resident Armed
65
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Employment Data
5. Employment status of the civilian population, by sex, age, race and Hispanic origin, monthly data seasonally
adjusted
(Numbers in thousands)
Annual average
1987
1988
Employment status
1986
1987
180,587
117,834
65.3
109,597
182,753
119,865
65.6
112,440
182,885
119,890
65.6
112,639
183,002
120,306
65.7
113,050
183,161
119,963
65.5
112,872
60.7
8,237
7.0
62,752
61.5
7,425
6.2
62,888
61.6
7,251
6.0
62,995
61.8
7,256
6.0
62,696
78,523
61,320
78.1
57,569
79,565
62,095
78.0
58,726
79,625
62,106
78.0
58,783
73.3
2,292
55,277
3,751
6.1
73.8
2,329
56,397
3,369
5.4
87,567
48,589
55.5
45,556
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
183,311
120,387
65.7
113,210
183,470
120,594
65.7
113,504
183,620
120,722
65.7
113,744
183,822
121,175
65.9
114,129
183,969
121,348
66.0
114,409
184,111
120,903
65.7
114,103
184,232
121,323
65.9
114,713
184,374
120,978
65.6
114,195
184,562
121,472
65.8
115,018
184,729
121,684
65.9
115,059
61.6
7,091
5.9
63,198
61.8
7,177
6.0
62,924
61.9
7,090
5.9
62,876
61.9
6,978
5.8
62,898
62.1
7,046
5.8
62,647
62.2
6,938
5.7
62,621
62.0
6,801
5.6
63,208
62.3
6,610
5.4
62,909
61.9
6,783
5.6
63,396
62.3
6,455
5.3
63,090
62.3
6,625
5.4
63,045
79,668
62,083
77.9
58,825
79,740
62,085
77.9
58,967
79,807
62,211
78.0
59,037
79,885
62,299
78.0
59,164
80,002
62,248
77.8
59,185
80,120
62,440
77.9
59,287
80,203
62,696
78.2
59,625
80,260
62,497
77.9
59,407
80,326
62,791
78.2
59,883
80,402
62,662
77.9
59,590
80,526
62,667
77.8
59,797
80,608
62,769
77.9
59,954
73.8
2,333
56,450
3,323
5.4
73.8
2,289
56,536
3,258
5.2
73.9
2,345
56,622
3,118
5.0
74.0
2,343
56,694
3,174
5.1
74.1
2,297
56,867
3,135
5.0
74.0
2,298
56,887
3,063
4.9
74.0
2,323
56,964
3,154
5.1
74.3
2,280
57,344
3,071
4.9
74.0
2,253
57,154
3,089
4.9
74.5
2,255
57,627
2,909
4.6
74.1
2,181
57,409
3,072
4.9
74.3
2,208
57,588
2,870
4.6
74.4
2,247
57,706
2,815
4.5
88,583
49,783
56.2
47,074
88,632
49,886
56.3
47,206
88,685
49,969
56.3
47,308
88,785
49,922
56.2
47,251
88,843
50,095
56.4
47,480
88,923
50,254
56.5
47,634
89,010
50,361
56.6
47,750
89,110
50,558
56.7
47,977
89,178
50,640
56.8
48,005
89,261
50,542
56.6
48,132
89,307
50,612
56.7
48,170
89,382
50,441
56.4
47,960
89,502
50,642
56.6
48,169
89,588
50,775
56.7
48,199
52.0
614
44,943
3,032
6.2
53.1
622
46,453
2,709
5.4
53.3
620
46,586
2,680
5.4
53.3
609
46,699
2,661
5.3
53.2
600
46,651
2,671
5.4
53.4
636
46,844
2,615
5.2
53.6
636
46,998
2,620
5.2
£3.6
643
47,107
2,611
5.2
53.8
646
47,331
2,581
5.1
53.8
654
47,351
2,635
5.2
53.9
656
47,476
2,411
4.8
53.9
692
47,478
2,442
4.8
53.7
587
47,373
2,481
4.9
53.8
616
47,553
2,473
4.9
53.8
542
47,657
2,576
5.1
14,496
7,926
54.7
6,472
14,606
7,988
54.7
6,640
14,628
7,898
54.0
6,650
14,649
8,254
56.3
6,917
14,637
7,956
54.4
6,654
14,661
8,081
55.1
6,693
14,663
8,041
54.8
6,706
14,609
8,113
55.5
6,809
14,592
8,177
56.0
6,865
14,588
8,011
54.9
6,779
14,591
7,865
53.9
6,564
14,598
7,919
54.2
6,660
14,590
7,875
54.0
6,645
14,534
8,163
56.2
7,051
14,533
8,141
56.0
6,907
44.6
258
6,215
1,454
18.3
45.5
258
6,382
1,347
16.9
45.5
259
6,391
1,248
15.8
47.2
245
6,672
1,337
16.2
45.5
239
6,415
1,302
16.4
45.7
270
6,423
1,388
17.2
45.7
239
6,467
1,335
16.6
46.6
274
6,535
1,304
16.1
47.0
323
6,542
1,312
16.0
46.5
293
6,486
1,232
15.4
45.0
295
6,269
1,301
16.5
45.6
280
6,380
1,259
15.9
45.5
267
6,378
1,230
15.6
48.5
260
6,791
1,112
13.6
47.5
257
6,650
1,234
15.2
155,432
101,801
65.5
95,660
156,958
103,290
65.8
97,789
157,058
103,248
65.7
97,917
157,134
103,516
65.9
98,181
157,242
103,357
65.7
98,069
157,342
103,669
65.9
98,317
157,449
103,731
65.9
98,492
157,552
103,907
66.0
98,779
157,676
104,252
66.1
99,044
157,773
104,530
66.3
99,474
157,868
104,171
66.0
99,274
157,943
104,574
66.2
99,751
158,034
104,209
65.9
99,297
158,166
104,691
66.2
99,932
158,279
104,603
66.1
99,725
61.5
6,140
6.0
62.3
5,501
5.3
62.3
5,331
5.2
62.5
5,335
5.2
62.4
5,288
5.1
62.5
5,352
5.2
62.6
5,239
5.1
62.7
5,128
4.9
62.8
5,208
5.0
63.0
5,056
4.8
62.9
4,897
4.7
63.2
4,824
4.6
62.8
4,913
4.7
63.2
4,759
4.5
63.0
4,878
4.7
19,989
12,654
63.3
10,814
20,352
12,993
63.8
11,309
20,373
13,039
64.0
11,381
20,396
13,150
64.5
11,513
20,426
13,028
63.8
11,421
20,453
13,152
64.3
11,556
20,482
13,193
64.4
11,589
20,508
13,215
64.4
11,605
20,539
13,222
64.4
11,608
20,569
13,168
64.0
11,504
20,596
13,098
63.6
11,420
20,622
13,078
63.4
11,482
20,650
13,069
63.3
11,452
20,683
12,989
62.8
11,489
20,715
13,293
64.2
11,774
54.1
1,840
14.5
55.6
1,684
13.0
55.9
1,658
12.7
56.4
1,637
12.4
55.9
1,607
12.3
56.5
1,596
12.1
56.6
1,604
12.2
56.6
1,610
12.2
56.5
1,614
12.2
55.9
1,663
12.6
55.4
1,678
12.8
55.7
1,597
12.2
55.5
1,617
12.4
55.5
1,500
11.5
56.8
1,519
11.4
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
TOTAL
Civilian noninstitutional
population'....................................
Civilian labor fo rce .......................
Participation rate ..................
Employed...................................
Employment-population
ratio2 ....................................
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment ra te ..............
Not in labor force ........................
Men, 20 years and over
Civilian noninstitutional
population'....................................
Civilian labor fo rce .......................
Participation rate ..................
Employed ...................................
Employment-population
ratio2 ....................................
Agriculture...............................
Nonagricultural industries.......
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment ra te ..............
Women, 20 years ond over
Civilian noninstitutional
population1....................................
Civilian labor fo rce .......................
Participation rate ..................
Employed ...................................
Employment-population
ratio2 ....................................
Agriculture...............................
Nonagricultural industries.......
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment rate..............
Both sexes, 16 to 19 years
Civilian noninstitutional
population'....................................
Civilian labor fo rce .......................
Participation rate ..................
Employed ...................................
Employment-population
ratio2 ....................................
Agriculture...............................
Nonagricultural industries.......
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment ra te ..............
White
Civilian noninstitutional
population'....................................
Civilian labor fo rce .......................
Participation rate ..................
Employed ...................................
Employment-population
ratio2 ....................................
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment rate..............
Black
Civilian noninstitutional
population'....................................
Civilian labor fo rce .......................
Participation rate ..................
Employed ...................................
Employment-population
ratio2 ....................................
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment ra te ..............
See footnotes at end of table.
66
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
5. Continued— Employment status of the civilian population, by sex, age, race and Hispanic origin, monthly data seasonally
adjusted
(Numbers in thousands)
1988
1987
Annual average
Employment status
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
12,925 . 12,965
8,581
8,549
66.2
66.1
7,877
7,856
13,003
8,654
66.6
7,935
13,043
8,763
67.2
7,978
13,082
8,772
67.1
8,058
13,115
8,879
67.7
8,238
13,153
9,017
68.6
8,268
13,192
8,803
66.7
8,079
13,230
8,828
66.7
8,010
13,268
8,859
66.8
8,058
13,306
9,027
67.8
8,219
13,344
8,984
67.3
8,264
60.8
704
8.2
61.0
719
8.3
61.2
785
9.0
61.6
714
8.1
62.8
642
7.2
62.9
749
8.3
61.2
724
8.2
60.5
818
9.3
60.7
801
9.0
61.8
809
9.0
61.9
720
8.0
1986
1987
July
Aug.
12,344
8,076
65.4
7,219
12,867
8,541
66.4
7,790
12,887
8,447
65.5
7,762
58.5
857
10.6
60.5
751
8.8
60.2
685
8.1
Sept.
Hispanic origin
Civilian noninstitutional
population'....................................
Civilian labor fo rce .......................
Participation rate ..................
Employed ...................................
Employment-population
ratio? ....................................
Unemployed...............................
Unemployment ra te ..............
60.8
693
8.1
' The population figures are not seasonally adjusted.
2 Civilian employment as a percent of the civilian noninstitutional population.
NOTE: Detail for the above race and Hispanic-origin groups will not sum to totals
because data for the “ other races" groups are not presented and Hispanics are included
in both the white and black population groups.
6. Selected employment indicators, monthly data seasonally adjusted
(In thousands)
1988
1987
Annual average
Selected categories
1986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
CHARACTERISTIC
Civilian employed, 16 years and
o ver............................................. 109,597
60,892
M e n ..........................................
48,706
Women ....................................
39,658
Married men, spouse present ..
Married women, spouse
27,144
present....................................
5,837
Women who maintain families .
112,440
62,107
50,334
40,265
112,639
62,150
50,489
40,262
113,050
62,341
50,709
40,308
112,872
62,368
50,504
40,404
113,210
62,468
50,742
40,556
113,504
62,581
50,923
40,645
113,744
62,656
51,088
40,711
114,129
62,808
51,321
40,404
114,409
63,059
51,350
40,475
114,103
62,759
51,344
40,481
114,713
63,323
51,390
40,459
114,195
63,030
51,166
40,267
115,018
63,411
51,607
40,485
115,059
63,490
51,569
40,535
28,107
6,060
28,283
6,033
28,189
6,107
28,069
6,151
28,099
6,178
28,175
6,237
28,249
6,227
28,441
6,168
28,707
6,157
28,805
6,160
28,859
6,055
28,567
5,957
28,713
6,085
28,654
6,145
1,547
1,447
169
1,632
1,423
153
1,625
1,424
153
1,591
1,393
155
1,624
1,415
139
1,705
1,430
140
1,595
1,407
155
1,599
1,450
156
1,666
1,454
138
1,677
1,414
114
1,648
1,423
142
1,678
1,385
155
1,526
1,346
159
1,562
1,359
167
1,539
1,346
148
98,299
16,342
81,957
1,235
80,722
7,881
255
100,771
16,800
83,970
1,208
82,762
8,201
260
100,825
16,876
83,949
1,212
82,737
8,216
266
101,241
16,794
84,447
1,175
83,272
8,214
248
101,282
16,928
84,354
1,100
83,254
8,204
297
101,522
17,033
84,489
1,222
83,267
8,274
242
101,943
17,118
84,825
1,286
83,539
8,222
235
101,997
17,064
84,933
1,200
83,733
8,280
248
102,507
17,197
85,310
1,147
84,163
8,150
237
102,683
16,948
85,735
1,170
84,565
8,312
228
102,279
16,908
85,371
1,175
84,196
8,366
248
102,538
17,015
85,523
1,092
84,431
8,637
281
101,927
16,887
85,040
1,156
83,884
8,917
307
103,000
17,064
85,935
1,150
84,786
8,577
301
103,133
16,959
86,174
1,123
85,051
8,528
255
5,588
2,456
2,800
13,935
5,401
2,385
2,672
14,395
5,428
2,429
2,683
14,437
5,283
2,468
2,526
14,573
5,261
2,213
2,683
14,415
5,353
2,377
2,655
14,488
5,534
2,408
2,696
14,523
5,262
2,284
2,638
14,711
5,367
2,396
2,640
14,571
5,566
2,478
2,598
14,572
5,343
2,520
2,535
14,603
5,194
2,236
2,502
15,016
4,844
2,227
2,315
14,790
5,317
2,364
2,637
14,507
5,382
2,490
2,581
15,070
5,345
2,305
2,719
13,502
5,122
2,201
2,587
13,928
5,154
2,261
2,599
13,953
5,016
2,265
2,463
14,099
4,986
2,034
2,603
13,987
5,067
2,196
2,557
14,011
5,241
2,209
2,597
14,064
5,004
2,111
2,552
14,222
5,145
2,260
2,566
14,096
5,254
2,327
2,457
14,123
5,106
2,325
2,475
14,141
4,924
2,121
2,397
14,592
4,623
2,120
2,236
14,338
5,076
2,199
2,566
14,083
5,185
2,351
2,545
14,669
MAJOR INDUSTRY AND CLASS
OF WORKER
Agriculture:
Wage and salary workers .......
Self-employed workers............
Unpaid family workers.............
Nonagricultural industries:
Wage and salary w orkers.......
Government ..........................
Private industries...................
Private households.............
Other ...................................
Self-employed workers............
Unpaid family w orkers.............
PERSONS AT WORK
PART TIME'
All industries:
Part time for economic reasons .
Slack work ...............................
Could only find part-time work
Voluntary part time .....................
Nonagricultural industries:
Part time for economic reasons .
Slack work ...............................
Could only find part-time work
Voluntary part time .....................
1 Excludes persons “ with a job but not at work” during the survey period for such reasons as vacation, illness, or industrial disputes.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
67
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
7.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Employment Data
Selected unemployment indicators, monthly data seasonally adjusted
(Unemployment rates)
Annual average
1987
1988
Selected categories
1986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Total, all civilian workers.........................................
Both sexes, 16 to 19 years................................
Men, 20 years and o v e r....................................
Women, 20 years and over................................
7.0
18.3
6.1
6.2
6.2
16.9
5.4
5.4
6.0
15.8
5.4
5.4
6.0
16.2
5.2
5.3
5.9
16.4
5.0
5.4
6.0
17.2
5.1
5.2
5.9
16.6
5.0
5.2
5.8
16.1
4.9
5.2
5.8
16.0
5.1
5.1
5.7
15.4
4.9
5.2
5.6
16.5
4.9
4.8
5.4
15.9
4.6
4.8
5.6
15.6
4.9
4.9
5.3
13.6
4.6
4.9
5.4
15.2
4.5
5.1
White, total .........................................................
Both sexes, 16 to 19 years.............................
Men, 16 to 19 years ...................................
Women, 16 to 19 years..............................
Men, 20 years and over ..................................
Women, 20 years and over.............................
6.0
15.6
16.3
14.9
5.3
5.4
5.3
14.4
15.5
13.4
4.8
4.6
5.2
13.3
13.5
13.1
4.7
4.5
5.2
14.1
15.2
12.9
4.6
4.4
5.1
14.3
15.1
13.4
4.4
4.5
5.2
14.5
15.1
13.8
4.6
4.3
5.1
14.1
14.8
13.3
4.4
4.4
4.9
13.6
14.9
12.3
4.3
4.4
5.0
14.0
14.4
13.6
4.4
4.2
4.8
12.4
12.2
12.7
4.1
4.5
4.7
14.1
15.7
12.4
4.2
3.9
4.6
14.1
14.5
13.7
4.0
3.9
4.7
13.1
13.8
12.4
4.2
4.0
4.5
12.0
12.8
11.1
4.0
4.0
4.7
12.9
14.6
11.1
3.9
4.3
Black, total .........................................................
Both sexes, 16 to 19 years.............................
Men, 16 to 19 years ...................................
Women, 16 to 19 years..............................
Men, 20 years and over ..................................
Women, 20 years and over.............................
14.5
39.3
39.3
39.2
12.9
12.4
13.0
34.7
34.4
34.9
11.1
11.6
12.7
32.7
32.4
33.1
11.2
11.4
12.4
30.6
33.7
27.1
10.7
11.3
12.3
30.8
31.5
30.0
10.1
11.7
12.1
33.8
32.5
35.2
9.8
11.0
12.2
33.9
32.2
35.8
10.2
10.8
12.2
33.4
33.5
33.4
10.1
10.9
12.2
35.0
35.1
34.9
10.1
11.1
12.6
38.3
42.0
34.7
11.3
10.4
12.8
36.9
39.0
35.0
11.4
10.9
12.2
31.4
27.6
35.5
10.6
11.3
12.4
34.8
33.3
36.6
10.8
10.6
11.5
28.4
30.4
25.9
10.0
10.7
11.4
31.1
30.4
31.8
9.5
10.4
Hispanic origin, to ta l...........................................
10.6
8.8
8.1
8.1
8.2
8.3
9.0
8.1
7.2
8.3
8.2
9.3
9.0
9.0
8.0
Married men, spouse present............................
Married women, spouse present.......................
Women who maintain families...........................
Full-time workers ................................................
Part-time workers ...............................................
Unemployed 15 weeks and over.......................
Labor force time lost1 ........................................
4.4
5.2
9.8
6.6
9.1
1.9
7.9
3.9
4.3
9.2
5.8
8.4
1.7
7.1
3.8
4.2
9.3
5.7
8.1
1.6
6.9
3.7
4.3
9.0
5.6
8.2
1.6
6.9
3.7
4.2
8.8
5.5
8.4
1.6
6.8
3.7
4.2
8.9
5.6
8.3
1.5
6.8
3.5
4.2
8.5
5.5
8.2
1.5
6.8
3.4
4.3
8.4
5.4
8.0
1.5
6.6
3.6
4.2
8.9
5.4
8.3
1.4
6.6
3.4
4.1
8.3
5.3
7.9
1.4
6.6
3.4
4.0
7.5
5.3
7.7
1.4
6.5
3.0
3.8
8.7
5.1
7.4
1.3
6.2
3.3
3.9
8.4
5.2
7.7
1.3
6.4
3.1
3.7
7.8
4.9
7.8
1.2
6.3
3.0
4.1
8.6
5.0
8.1
1.3
6.4
7.0
13.5
13.1
7.1
6.9
7.4
5.1
7.6
5.5
3.6
12.5
6.2
10.0
11.6
6.0
5.8
6.3
4.5
6.9
4.9
3.5
10.5
6.1
7.9
10.8
6.0
6.0
5.9
4.4
6.8
5.1
3.4
10.9
6.0
8.6
11.3
5.6
5.5
5.8
4.4
7.0
4.7
3.7
10.6
5.9
7.4
11.9
5.6
5.4
5.9
4.1
6.4
4.8
3.4
8.6
5.9
8.3
11.2
5.7
5.2
6.5
4.4
6.5
4.7
3.3
10.6
5.8
7.0
10.6
5.3
4.8
5.9
4.5
6.8
4.8
3.4
11.1
5.7
8.0
10.6
5.1
4.8
5.6
4.6
6.2
4.8
3.2
10.9
5.8
7.7
12.2
5.6
5.5
5.8
3.6
6.1
4.9
3.0
11.5
5.7
7.8
11.0
5.6
5.9
5.3
3.6
6.4
4.5
2.8
10.2
5.6
7.9
10.7
5.2
5.2
5.3
4.2
6.8
4.2
2.8
11.0
5.3
8.4
10.6
5.3
4.8
6.0
3.8
5.9
4.1
3.0
10.6
5.7
10.4
10.5
5.4
4.9
6.0
4.4
6.3
4.6
2.9
13.9
5.4
6.7
10.2
4.8
4.4
5.4
4.1
5.9
4.6
2.8
9.7
5.4
5.3
10.2
5.2
5.0
5.6
3.5
6.2
4.5
3.1
10.8
CHARACTERISTIC
INDUSTRY
Nonagricultural private wage and salary workers ....
Mining.................................................................
Construction .......................................................
Manufacturing ....................................................
Durable goods.................................................
Nondurable goods ...........................................
Transportation and public utilities .....................
Wholesale and retail tra d e .................................
Finance and service industries..........................
Government workers ...............................................
Agricultural wage and salary workers ....................
1 Aggregate hours lost by the unemployed and persons on part time for economic reasons as a percent of potentially available labor force hours.
68
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8. Unemployment rates by sex and age, monthly data seasonally adjusted
(Civilian workers)
Annual
average
Sex and age
1987
1986
1988
1987
July
Oct.
Sept.
Aug.
Nov.
Jan.
Dec.
Apr.
Mar.
Feb.
June
May
July
Total, 16 years and over .........
16 to 24 years......................
16 to 19 years ...................
16 to 17 years .................
18 to 19 years .................
20 to 24 years ...................
25 years and over.................
25 to 54 years .................
55 years and over...........
7.0
13.3
18.3
20.2
17.0
10.7
5.4
5.7
3.9
6.2
12.2
16.9
19.1
15.2
9.7
4.8
5.0
3.3
6.0
11.8
15.8
17.5
13.9
9.7
4.7
5.0
3.1
6.0
11.8
16.2
18.3
14.7
9.4
4.7
4.9
3.2
5.9
11.8
16.4
18.3
15.2
9.4
4.6
4.8
3.3
6.0
11.8
17.2
20.4
14.7
8.8
4.6
4.8
3.1
5.9
11.6
16.6
19.2
14.8
8.9
4.5
4.7
3.4
5.8
11.2
16.1
17.8
14.7
8.5
4.5
4.8
3.2
5.8
11.6
16.0
18.7
14.5
9.1
4.5
4.7
3.5
5.7
11.1
15.4
17.4
13.9
8.7
4.5
4.7
3.3
5.6
11.7
16.5
17.6
15.8
9.1
4.2
4.5
2.9
5.4
11.2
15.9
17.8
14.2
8.7
4.1
4.3
2.9
5.6
11.3
15.6
16.1
15.3
8.9
4.3
4.5
3.5
5.3
10.3
13.6
15.4
12.9
8.4
4.1
4.4
2.9
5.4
10.9
15.2
17.5
13.0
8.5
4.2
4.4
3.1
Men, 16 years and over.....
16 to 24 years .................
16 to 19 years...............
16 to 17 years............
18 to 19 years............
20 to 24 years...............
25 years and over...........
25 to 54 years............
55 years and over.......
6.9
13.7
19.0
20.8
17.7
11.0
5.4
5.6
4.1
6.2
12.6
17.8
20.2
16.0
9.9
4.8
5.0
3.5
6.0
11.9
15.9
17.1
13.7
9.9
4.7
4.9
3.4
6.1
12.5
17.8
20.5
15.9
9.6
4.7
4.9
3.4
5.8
12.1
17.3
19.7
15.9
9.3
4.5
4.7
3.2
5.9
12.1
17.4
20.9
14.8
9.2
4.5
4.8
3.1
5.8
12.0
17.2
20.4
14.8
9.2
4.4
4.6
3.5
5.7
11.7
17.2
19.3
15.3
8.7
4.4
4.6
3.2
5.8
12.2
16.4
19.4
14.9
9.9
4.4
4.5
4.0
5.6
11.3
15.6
16.9
14.7
9.0
4.3
4.5
3.4
5.7
12.1
17.8
18.5
17.3
9.1
4.3
4.5
3.4
5.3
11.2
15.8
17.2
14.7
8.8
4.1
4.2
3.1
5.6
11.6
16.2
16.7
15.8
9.1
4.3
4.4
3.7
5.2
10.5
14.7
17.0
14.2
8.2
4.1
4.2
3.2
5.3
11.3
16.6
17.9
14.7
8.4
3.9
4.1
3.1
Women, 16 years and over
16 to 24 years................
16 to 19 years .............
16 to 17 years ..........
18 to 19 years ..........
20 to 24 years .............
25 years and over..........
25 to 54 years ..........
55 years and over....
7.1
12.8
17.6
19.6
16.3
10.3
5.5
5.9
3.6
6.2
11.7
15.9
18.0
14.3
9.4
4.8
5.1
3.0
6.1
11.7
15.7
18.0
14.1
9.5
4.7
5.0
2.6
6.0
11.0
14.4
16.0
13.4
9.0
4.7
5.0
2.9
6.1
11.5
15.4
16.9
14.4
9.4
4.7
4.9
3.5
6.1
11.5
16.9
19.9
14.6
8.5
4.7
4.9
3.1
6.0
11.2
16.0
17.9
14.7
8.6
4.7
4.9
3.2
5.9
10.7
14.8
16.2
14.1
8.4
4.7
4.9
3.3
5.9
10.9
15.6
17.9
14.1
8.2
4.6
4.9
2.8
5.9
10.8
15.1
18.0
13.1
8.4
4.7
4.9
3.1
5.5
11.3
15.2
16.6
14.2
9.1
4.1
4.4
2.3
5.6
11.3
16.0
18.4
13.7
8.7
4.2
4.5
2.7
5.6
11.0
15.0
15.5
14.7
8.8
4.3
4.5
3.2
5.4
10.0
12.4
13.7
11.6
8.7
4.2
4.6
2.6
5.7
10.5
13.6
17.0
11.2
8.7
4.5
4.7
3.0
9. Unemployed persons by reason for unemployment, monthly data seasonally adjusted
(Numbers in thousands)
1988
1987
Annual average
Reason for unemployment
1986
Job losers ................................................................
On layoff................................................................
Other job losers....................................................
Job leavers ..............................................................
Reentrants ...............................................................
New entrants ...........................................................
1987
July
Aug.
Oct.
Sept.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
4,033
1,090
2,943
1,015
2,160
1,029
3,566
943
2,623
965
1,974
920
3,529
916
2,613
989
1,930
844
3,389
874
2,515
992
1,969
855
3,313
820
2,493
981
1,908
882
3,388
944
2,444
960
1,845
914
3,307
878
2,429
926
1,974
855
3,200
856
2,344
946
1,945
909
3,209
888
2,320
1,082
1,917
885
3,207
884
2,323
961
1,951
864
3,139
899
2,240
1,075
1,756
887
2,916
821
2,095
993
1,784
915
3,236
793
2,443
926
1,789
807
3,059
863
2,196
944
1,723
777
3,087
852
2,235
904
1,901
776
48.9
13.2
35.7
12.3
26.2
12.5
48.0
12.7
35.3
13.0
26.6
12.4
48.4
12.6
35.8
13.6
26.5
11.6
47.0
12.1
34.9
13.8
27.3
11.9
46.8
11.6
35.2
13.8
26.9
12.5
47.7
13.3
34.4
13.5
26.0
12.9
46.8
12.4
34.4
13.1
28.0
12.1
45.7
12.2
33.5
13.5
27.8
13.0
45.2
12.5
32.7
15.3
27.0
12.5
45.9
12.7
33.3
13.8
27.9
12.4
45.8
13.1
32.7
15.7
25.6
12.9
44.1
12.4
31.7
15.0
27.0
13.8
47.9
11.7
36.2
13.7
26.5
11.9
47.0
13.3
33.8
14.5
26.5
11.9
46.3
12.8
33.5
13.6
28.5
11.6
3.4
.9
1.8
.9
3.0
.8
1.6
.8
2.9
.8
1.6
.7
2.8
.8
1.6
.7
2.8
.8
1.6
.7
2.8
.8
1.5
.8
2.7
.8
1.6
.7
2.7
.8
1.6
.8
2.6
.9
1.6
.7
2.6
.8
1.6
.7
2.6
.9
1.5
.7
2.4
.8
1.5
.8
2.7
.8
1.5
.7
2.5
.8
1.4
.6
2.5
.7
1.6
.6
PERCENT OF UNEMPLOYED
Job losers..............................................................
On la yo ff.............................................................
Other job losers.................................................
Job leavers............................................................
Reentrants.............................................................
New entrants ........................................................
PERCENT OF
CIVILIAN LABOR FORCE
Job losers ................................................................
Job leavers ..............................................................
Reentrants ...............................................................
New entrants ...........................................................
10. Duration of unemployment, monthly data seasonally adjusted
(Numbers in thousands)
1988
1987
Annual average
Weeks of unemployment
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
1986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Less than 5 weeks ...........................................
5 to 14 weeks ..................................................
15 weeks and o ve r...........................................
15 to 26 weeks ..............................................
27 weeks and o v e r........................................
3,448
2,557
2,232
1,045
1,187
3,246
2,196
1,983
943
1,040
3,186
2,144
1,920
945
975
3,203
2,142
1,896
834
1,062
3,220
1,949
1,904
917
987
3,223
2,093
1,801
844
957
3,218
2,029
1,834
899
935
3,229
1,968
1,791
892
899
3,089
2,263
1,733
839
894
3,084
2,145
1,740
841
899
3,009
2,101
1,722
887
835
3,125
1,956
1,540
725
816
3,075
2,110
1,609
784
825
3,066
1,890
1,512
727
785
2,965
2,078
1,629
838
791
Mean duration in weeks...................................
Median duration in weeks.................................
15.0
6.9
14.5
6.5
14.2
6.6
14.3
6.4
14.2
5.8
14.1
6.2
14.0
6.1
14.2
6.0
14.4
6.4
14.4
6.4
13.7
6.6
13.4
5.6
13.8
5.9
12.9
6.0
13.6
6.3
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
69
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Employment Data
11. Unemployment rates of civilian workers by State, data not seasonally adjusted
State
June
1987
June
1988
Alabama.........................
Alaska ..............................................
Ar.zona..............................................
Arkansas.................................................
California...................................................
7.5
11.0
6.6
8.0
5.4
6.8
8.7
6.1
7.8
5.4
Colorado ...............................
Connecticut .................................
Delaware..........................
District of Columbia..............................
Florida .........................................
7.6
3.3
3.0
6.3
5.3
6.2
3.0
3.0
5.2
4.8
Georgia ...............................................
Hawaii..................................................
loaho ................................................
Illinois ...................................................
Indiana .......................................
5.7
4.3
7.2
7.8
6.2
6.3
3.1
5.6
6.9
4.6
Iowa............................................
Kansas ........................................
Kentucky........................................
Louisiana.................................
Maine........................................
5.3
4.8
8.7
12 6
4.1
4.0
4.3
7.8
10.5
3.7
Maryland .......................................
Massachusetts.....................................
Michigan.................................
Minnesota............................................
Mississippi.................................................
Missour ...................................................
4.2
3.1
8.9
5.2
10.6
6.1
4.4
3.4
7.1
3.4
7.8
5.1
NOTE: Some data in this table may differ from data
published elsewhere because of the continual updating of the
12.
June
1987
June
1988
7.0
4.9
6.2
2.6
6.4
3.3
5.4
2.0
North Carolina .........................
North Dakota .........................
4.1
9.4
4.6
4.9
4.7
3.6
8.7
3.4
3.5
3.9
Ohio ...........................
Oklahoma...........................
Oregon...........................
Pennsylvania..............................
Rhode Island...................
7.3
7.7
5.5
6.2
3.9
6.1
6.1
5.8
5.6
3.1
South Carolina..........................
South Dakota...........................................
Tennessee ...............................................
Utah ........................................... .....
5.7
3.9
6.5
9.6
6.5
4.7
3.5
5.4
8.0
4.7
Vermont........................
3.3
2.5
3.8
5.9
State
Nebraska ................................
Nevada .................................
New Hampshire................................
New Jersey ...................
New Mexico ................
Wisconsin..............................
4.3
7.2
10.3
5.8
4.0
7.7
4.8
database,
Employment of workers on nonagricultural payrolls by State, data not seasonally adjusted
(In thousands)
—
State
June 1987
May 1988
June 1988p
Alabama..............
Alaska .................
Arizona................
Arkansas..............
California..............
1,506.6
219.1
1,370.3
837.7
11,687.3
1,527.2
209.6
1,420.2
860.7
12,050.1
1,542.2
216.4
1,394.5
861.9
12,121.0
Colorado ..............
Connecticut .........
Delaware..............
District of Columbia
Florida .................
1,405.4
1,663.3
326.0
658.5
4,841.3
1,394.3
1,670.9
332.0
668.2
5,093.8
1,399.2
1,686.9
338.3
673.4
5,082.3
Georgia ...............
Hawaii..................
Idaho ...................
Illinois ..................
Indiana ................
2,779.8
459.6
337.3
4,912.3
2,317.4
2,792.8
467.9
343.2
5,006.9
2,402.8
Iowa....................
Kansas ................
Kentucky..............
Louisiana..............
Maine...................
1,115.4
1,002.9
1,313.7
1,482.5
511.3
1,149.2
1,023.4
1,358.9
1,498.3
520.6
Maryland ..............
Massachusetts......
Michigan...............
Minnesota.............
Mississippi.............
Missouri................
Montana...............
2,050.7
3,091.2
3,732.3
1,982.0
860.5
2,196.9
279.6
2,039.2
3,124.4
3,766.0
2,026.5
888.0
2,229.9
275.5
70
June 1987
May 1988
June 1988p
661.7
504.5
519.1
676.7
527.7
530.3
675.3
532.1
538.6
New Jersey .............................
New Mexico ..................................
New York.............................
North Carolina .................................
North Dakota .................................
3,638.5
530.8
8,124.9
2,872.4
255.4
3,672.1
540.0
8,215.2
2,941.5
257.4
3.720.0
542.5
8.272.0
2.962.1
258.5
Ohio ..........................................
Oklahoma...................................
2,800.9 Oregon...................................
469.0 Pennsylvania.........................
346.6 Rhode Island............................
5,036.0
2,404.3 South Carolina..................................
South Dakota................................
1,148.0 Tennessee ................................
1,025.1 Texas .....................................
1,362.1 Utah ...................................
1,501.9
534.7 Vermont.......................................
Virginia.....................................
2,043.8 Washington .........................
3,154.4 West Virginia.......................
3,778.7 Wisconsin .....................
2,043.0
884.3 Wyoming............................
2,232.6 Puerto R ic o ........................
278.4^ Virgin Islands ...................................
4,611.6
1,114.3
1,109.2
4,944.9
455.7
4,704.6
1,103.3
1,134.3
5,038.1
459.6
4.726.6
1.108.2
1.148.3
5.068.6
460.3
1,406.2
261.3
2,020.4
6,483.8
642.2
1,448.7
262.6
2,063.9
6,587.3
649.8
1.452.4
266.0
2.067.7
6,592.3
653.2
246.0
2,711.8
1,864.3
603.1
2,105.5
248.0
2,787.5
1,921.9
616.5
2,145.2
249.2
2.817.1
1.941.7
606.4
2.181.1
186.2
788.1
38.7
178.2
788.4
40.3
183.7
821.3
40.1
p = preliminary
NOTE: Some data in this table may differ from data published elsewhere
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
State
Nebraska........................................
Nevada ........................................
New Hampshire............................
because of the continual updating of the database.
13.
Employment of workers on nonagricultural payrolls by industry, monthly data seasonally adjusted
(In thousands)
1986
1987
1988
1987
Annual average
Industry
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Junep
Julyp
TOTAL
.....................
PRIVATE SECTOR .....................
99,525
82,832
102,310
85,295
102,430
85,421
102,672
85,656
102,906
85,851
103,371
86,241
103,678
86,520
104,001
86,794
104,262
87,044
104,729
87,475
105,020
87,700
105,281
87,973
105,489
88,139
106,021
88,661
106,304
88,929
GOODS-PRODUCING
Mining ........................... ...............
Oil and gas extraction ................
24,558
777
451
24,784
721
405
24,788
722
408
24,851
728
412
24,902
734
417
25,025
740
421
25,123
736
418
25,201
735
417
25,180
728
414
25,271
731
415
25,330
733
419
25,435
737
421
25,466
739
425
25,590
740
425
25,672
740
423
General building contractors......
4,816
1,291
4,998
1,326
4,997
1,320
5,012
1,326
5,012
1,328
5,060
1,340
5,090
1,348
5,118
1,352
5,083
1,365
5,150
1,377
5,192
1,383
5,238
1,400
5,237
1,394
5,305
1,411
5,319
1,389
Production workers ....................
18,965
12,877
19,065
12,995
19,069
13,006
19,111
13,038
19,156
13,075
19,225
13,118
19,297
13,175
19,348
13,215
19,369
13,225
19,390
13,249
19,405
13,251
19,460
13,280
19,490
13,302
19,545
13,341
19,613
13,406
Durable goods............................
Production workers .....................
11,230
7,426
11,218
7,453
11,190
7,432
11,246
7,483
11,269
7,499
11,315
7,532
11,355
7,564
11,390
7,590
11,393
7,582
11,404
7,599
11,411
7,598
11,459
7,632
11,477
7,649
11,514
7,677
11,573
7,740
Lumber and wood products........
Stone, clay, and glass products ...
Primary metal industries ..............
710
498
585
752
740
518
582
749
740
524
579
751
739
524
580
755
744
526
580
761
744
529
583
766
750
531
585
768
754
533
588
769
754
536
583
768
756
535
584
770
755
534
585
772
758
535
587
773
757
53/
585
776
758
53/
587
781
755
543
588
790
products........................... ...........
Fabricated metal products...........
274
1,423
269
1,407
272
1,404
274
1,405
276
1,412
278
1,421
279
1,429
279
1,433
279
1,435
280
1,438
281
1,439
281
1,444
281
1,448
282
1,456
283
1,463
Machinery, except electrical........
2,053
2,023
2,020
2,031
2,039
2,049
2,062
2,074
2,085
2,091
2,099
2,111
2,121
2,135
2,159
2,110
2,046
851
704
2,112
2,036
839
704
2,112
2,031
837
705
2,115
2,025
835
705
2,117
2,045
848
706
2,115
2,048
851
709
2,120
2,046
849
712
2,126
2,050
856
379
380
382
382
383
381
382
386
8,013
5,653
8,031
5,664
8,040
5,666
equipment....................................
Transportation equipment............
Instruments and related products
Miscellaneous manufacturing
industries....................................
2,116
2,025
872
706
2,084
2,048
865
696
2,075
2,032
842
695
2,081
2,063
874
696
2,085
2,052
860
696
2,094
2,052
859
700
2,100
2,047
854
704
361
370
370
372
374
377
379
Nondurable goods......................
Production workers......................
7,734
5,450
7,847
5,543
7,879
5,574
7,865
5,555
7,887
5,576
7,910
5,586
7,942
5,611
7,958
5,625
7,976
5,643
7,986
5,650
7,994
5,653
8,001
5,648
Food and kindred products.........
1,609
59
703
1,624
54
725
1,629
55
730
1,625
54
728
1,627
53
730
1,630
52
731
1,636
54
733
1,638
54
733
1,647
55
732
1,649
54
732
1,647
54
729
1,648
54
727
1,643
52
728
1,648
53
727
1,645
53
728
1,101
674
1,100
679
1,116
678
1,098
680
1,104
682
1,106
682
1,110
683
1,106
684
1,105
685
1,104
686
1,106
687
1,100
687
1,100
689
1,096
691
1,089
691
1,459
1,022
169
1,507
1,026
165
1,510
1,025
165
1,514
1,029
165
1,518
1,032
166
1,522
1,036
167
1,528
1,041
167
1,532
1,047
167
1,538
1,047
166
1,544
1,049
165
1,548
1,052
164
1,554
1,056
165
1,559
1,060
166
1,564
1,066
1,568
1,071
790
149
823
144
824
147
827
145
830
145
839
145
845
145
851
146
854
147
856
147
860
147
864
146
870
146
874
146
884
144
74,967
77,525
77,642
77,821
78,004
78,346
78,555
78,800
79,082
79,458
79,690
79,846
80,023
80,431
80,632
5,543
3,298
5,556
3,308
5,578
3,328
5,593
3,342
Textile mill products....................
Apparel and other textile
products......................................
Paper and allied products ...........
Printing and publishing.................
Petroleum and coal products......
Rubber and mise, plastics
products......................................
Leather and leather products ......
SERVICE-PRODUCING .................
Transportation and public
Transportation..............................
Communication and public
utilities.........................................
Durable goods..............................
Nondurable goods.......................
Food stores.................................
Automotive dealers and service
Eating and drinking places.........
Federal ......................................
State ..........................................
Local..........................................
5,481
3,244
2,234
2,235
2,237
5,984
3,536
2,448
5,385
3,166
5,373
3,151
5,394
3,171
5,427
3,201
5,448
3,214
2,197
2,218
2,222
2,223
2,226
5,513
3,272
5,530
3,285
2,238
2,241
2,245
2,245
2,248
2,250
2,251
6,010
3,555
2,455
6,035
3,573
2,462
6,061
3,591
2,470
6,089
3,610
2,479
6,115
3,635
2,480
6,145
3,658
2,487
6,169
3,682
2,487
5,499.
3,261
5,753
3,383
2,370
5,872
3,449
2,423
5,874
3,450
2,424
5,892
3,463
2,429
5,914
3,478
2,436
5,935
3,498
2,437
5,958
3,514
2,444
17,930
2,366
2,899
18,509
2,432
2,957
18,543
2,437
2,962
18,569
2,449
2,961
18,605
2,457
2,958
18,705
2,489
2,971
18,761
2,495
2,979
18,784
2,494
2,988
18,927
2,526
3,014
19,045
2,561
3,029
19,050
2,543
3,044
19,093
2,546
3,049
19,130
2,541
3,053
19,213
2,546
3,080
19,295
2,549
3,100
1,944
5,916
2,004
6,127
2,007
6,128
2,010
6,143
2,015
6,152
2,026
6,191
2,026
6,216
2,033
6,232
2,038
6,260
2,047
6,291
2,055
6,319
2,064
6,326
2,070
6,336
2,076
6,357
2,092
6,378
6,283
3,149
1,939
1,195
6,549
3,275
2,022
1,252
6,570
3,288
2,024
1,258
6,581
3,289
2,029
1,263
6,588
3,292
2,032
1,264
6,604
3,295
2,043
1,266
6,608
3,299
2,042
1,267
6,619
3,301
2,049
1,269
6,633
3,308
2,052
1,273
6,636
3,305
2,053
1,278
6,651
3,306
2,060
1,285
6,650
3,302
2,065
1,283
6,656
3,299
2,067
1,290
6,676
8,305
2,072
1,299
6,678
3,302
2,071
1,305
23,053
4,799
6,536
24,196
5,172
6,828
24,273
5,179
6,836
24,369
5,212
6,875
24,415
5,233
6,894
24,524
5,282
6,928
24,604
5,287
6,962
24,725
5,306
6,995
24,795
5,321
7,019
24,975
5,385
7,056
25,078
5,405
7,088
25,163
5,420
7,126
25,216
5,443
7,153
25,459
5,477
7,206
25,522
5,492
7,252
16,693
2,899
3 893
9,901
17,015
2,943
3,963
10,109
17,009
2,941
3,965
10,103
17,016
2,943
3,971
10,102
17,055
2,962
3,973
10,120
17,130
2,966
3,985
10,179
17,158
2,974
3,988
10,196
17,207
2,980
4,001
10,226
17,218
2,973
4,006
10,239
17,254
2,972
4,014
10,268
17,320
2,970
4,031
10,319
17,308
2,963
4,041
10,304
17,350
2,957
4,050
10,343
17,360
2,951
4,030
10,379
17,375
2,947
4,049
10,379
Finance, insurance, and real
Real estate..................................
5,466
3,231
5,255
3,058
° = preliminary
NOTE: See notes on the data for a description of the most recent benchmark revision.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
71
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
Current Labor Statistics:
Employment Data
14. Average weekly hours of production or nonsupervisory workers on private nonagricultural payrolls by industry
monthly data seasonally adjusted
An lual
ave rage
1987
1988
Industry
f 986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Junep July0
PRIVATE SECTOR ...................................
34.8
34.8
34.8
34.8
34.6
34.9
34.8
34.6
34.7
34.8
34.6
34.9
34.7
34.7
34.9
MANUFACTURING........................................
Overtime hours...........................................
40.7
3.4
41.0
3.7
41.0
3.8
41.0
3.8
40.6
3.7
41.2
3.9
41.2
3.9
41.0
3.8
41.1
3.9
41.0
3.7
40.9
3.7
41.2
3.9
41.0
3.9
41.1
3.9
41.1
3.9
Durable goods.................................
Overtime hours....................................
Lumber and wood products................................
Furniture and fixtures........................................
Stone, clay, and glass products.........................
Primary metal industries .................................
Blast furnaces and basic steel products.........
Fabricated metal products ..................................
41.3
3.5
40.3
39.8
42.2
41.9
41.7
41.3
41.5
3.8
40.6
40.0
42.3
43.1
43.4
41.5
41.6
3.8
40.6
40.0
42.3
43.2
43.7
41.5
41.5
3.9
40.5
40.0
42.2
43.3
43.7
41.5
41.0
3.7
39.6
39.5
42.0
43.2
44.6
40.9
41.8
4.0
40.4
40.1
42.5
43.6
43.9
41.9
41.8
4.0
40.7
40.2
42.4
43.5
43.8
42.1
41.5
3.9
40.4
39.8
42.5
43.4
44.0
41.7
41.6
4.0
40.2
39.6
42.0
43.4
44.0
41.8
41.5
3.8
40.3
39.5
42.3
43.1
43.8
41.6
41.5
3.8
40.1
39.3
42.3
43.3
43.7
41.6
42.0
4.2
40.6
39.5
42.5
43.5
43.8
42.0
41.8
4.2
40.1
39.5
42.3
43.6
43.9
41.9
41.8
4.1
40.2
39.3
42.4
43.6
44.3
42.0
41.7
4.0
40.4
39.4
42.2
43.4
43 7
41.6
Machinery except electrical ................................
Electrical and electronic equipment....................
Transportation equipment....................................
Motor vehicles and equipment.........................
Instruments and related products ......................
Miscellaneous manufacturing..............................
41.6
41.0
42.3
42.6
41.0
39.6
42.2
40.9
42.0
42.2
41.4
39.4
42.5
40.9
41.8
41.8
41.5
39.5
42.3
40.9
41.8
41.9
41.6
39.7
41.7
40.4
41.4
41.5
41.0
38.9
42.6
41.0
42.4
42.8
41.9
39.5
42.7
41.0
42.3
42.9
41.4
39.2
42.6
40.9
41.5
41.4
41.2
39.2
42.7
41.1
42.0
42.1
41.8
39.1
42.6
40.9
42.0
42.3
41.3
39.3
42.5
40.9
42.1
42.3
41.4
39.2
42.8
41.2
43.0
44.1
41.8
39.4
42.6
41.0
43.0
44.0
41.4
39.2
42.4
41.1
43.0
44.3
41.4
39.4
42.9
40.8
42.7
43.0
41.6
39.5
Nondurable goods..............................................
Overtime hours...............................................
Food and kindred products.................................
Textile mill products............................................
Apparel and other textile products.....................
Paper and allied products ...................................
39.9
3.3
40.0
41.1
36.7
43.2
40.2
3.6
40.2
41.8
37.0
43.4
40.3
3.7
40.1
42.3
37.2
43.5
40.3
3.7
40.2
42.0
37.2
43.4
40.1
3.6
40.2
41.4
36.4
43.7
40.4
3.8
40.4
41.8
37.3
43.6
40.3
3.7
40.4
41.6
37.1
43.5
40.3
3.7
40.5
41.5
37.1
43.3
40.3
3.8
40.6
41.5
36.8
43.4
40.2
3.6
40.3
41.6
37.0
43.3
40.1
3.6
40.1
41.2
37.0
43.2
40.3
3.6
40.1
41.6
37.4
43.3
40.0
3.6
40.1
40.8
36.8
43.3
40.1
3.6
40.4
40.6
37.0
43.1
40.3
3.8
40.6
41.1
37.2
43.3
Printing and publishing........................................
Chemicals and allied products............................
Rubber and miscellaneous plastics products.....
Leather and leather products .............................
38.0
41.9
41.3
36.9
38.0
42.3
41.6
38.2
38.1
42.2
41.6
38.4
38.1
42.4
41.6
38.9
38.1
42.5
41.3
37.8
38.1
42.5
41.8
38.8
38.0
42.5
41.8
38.3
38.0
42.5
41.6
38.0
38.1
42.5
41.7
38.0
38.1
42.4
41.6
37.8
38.1
42.5
41.7
37.9
38.2
42.1
42.0
37.3
37.7
42.0
41.7
37.3
38.0
42.4
41.6
36.9
38.0
42.3
41.9
37.4
39.1
39.3
39.2
39.1
39.5
39.1
38.8
39.5
39.4
39.3
39.4
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
39.2
39.2
39.3
39.3
WHOLESALE TRADE...........................................
37.7
37.5
38.1
38.2
38.0
38.2
38.2
38.0
38.1
38.2
38.1
38.3
38.0
38.0
38.2
RETAIL TRADE ...................................................
29.2
29.2
29.3
29.4
29.5
29.2
29.2
28.8
29.0
29.1
29.0
29.2
29.0
29.1
29.3
SERVICES ..........................................................
32.5
32.7
32.5
32.5
32.7
____
32.5
32.5
32.5
p = preliminary
NOTE: See “ Notes on the data” for a description of the most recent
72
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
32.5
32.6
l
32.6
32.5
benchmark adjustment.
32.6
32.7
32.4
15. Average hourly earnings of production or nonsupervisory workers on private nonagricultural payrolls by
industry
Annual
average
1988
1987
Industry
June» July13
1986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
PRIVATE SECTOR................................................ $8.76
Seasonally adjusted .........................................
-
$8.98
-
$8.90
8.96
$8.94
9.01
$9.05
9.02
$9.08
9.07
$9.13
9.10
$9.13
9.11
$9.18
9.14
$9.17
9.13
$9.18
9.16
$9.23
9.23
$9.26
9.27
$9.23
9.28
$9.25
9.32
MINING..................................................................
12.46
12.52
12.41
12.40
12.50
12.42
12.54
12.60
12.77
12.71
12.59
12.60
12.54
12.55
12.61
CONSTRUCTION..................................................
12.48
12.69
12.60
12.68
12.79
12.82
12.83
12.81
12.99
12.82
12.87
12.88
12.87
12.87
12.94
10.12
10.14
10.16
10.18
MANUFACTURING................................................
9.73
9.91
9.87
9.86
9.99
9.95
10.01
10.07
10.07
10.05
10.07
Durable goods .....................................................
Lumber and wood products................................
Furniture and fixtures..........................................
Stone, clay, and glass products.........................
Primary metal industries .....................................
Blast furnaces and basic steel products.........
Fabricated metal products ..................................
10.29
8.34
7.46
10.04
11.86
13.73
9.88
10.43
8.40
7.67
10.25
11.94
13.78
10.00
10.38
8.45
7.66
10.30
11.93
13.63
9.93
10.39
8.48
7.74
10.28
11.93
13.74
9.94
10.49
8.46
7.74
10.37
12.19
14.12
10.00
10.48
8.42
7.71
10.27
12.00
13.88
10.06
10.54
8.47
7.71
10.30
12.04
13.89
10.10
10.60
8.43
7.78
10.29
12.11
13.93
10.19
10.60
8.51
7.80
10.35
12.06
13.82
10.12
10.58
8.53
7.74
10.33
12.03
13.89
10.13
10.59
8.45
7.76
10.36
12.07
13.89
10.14
10.65
8.50
7.81
10.41
12.11
13.94
10.22
10.67
8.54
7.87
10.45
12.13
13.96
10.23
10.70
8.59
7.89
10.47
12.16
13.97
10.27
10.70
8.64
7.94
10.55
12.19
14.00
10.19
Machinery, except electrical ............................... 10.57
Electrical and electronic equipment.................... 9.65
Transportation equipment.................................... 12.81
Motor vehicles and equipment......................... 13.45
9.47
Instruments and related products ......................
Miscellaneous manufacturing.............................. 7.55
10.70
9.88
12.95
13.55
9.71
7.75
10.67
9.86
12.82
13.35
9.71
7.72
10.70
9.88
12.88
13.40
9.74
7.72
10.74
9.94
13.04
13.64
9.76
7.78
10.79
9.92
13.07
13.69
9.78
7.79
10.83
9.98
13.18
13.79
9.83
7.80
10.89
10.03
13.25
13.87
9.84
7.91
10.85
10.02
13.22
13.94
9.93
7.97
10.82
10.02
13.17
13.85
9.92
7.90
10.84
10.04
13.20
13.93
9.88
7.91
10.88
10.09
13.28
14.09
9.89
7.92
10.90
10.12
13.31
14.10
9.87
7.94
10.93
10.15
13.38
14.17
9.90
7.93
10.94
10.20
13.30
13.94
10.04
8.00
Nondurable goods ............................................... 8.95
Food and kindred products................................. 8.75
Tobacco manufactures....................................... 12.88
Textile mill products............................................ 6.93
5.84
Apparel and other textile products.....................
Paper and allied products................................... 11.18
9.18
8.94
14.03
7.17
5.93
11.43
9.18
8.88
15.17
7.13
5.87
11.49
9.14
8.82
14.55
7.16
5.88
11.41
9.30
8.95
13.34
7.23
5.99
11.66
9.20
8.88
13.18
7.24
5.97
11.46
9.26
8.98
13.75
7.29
5.98
11.49
9.32
9.07
13.69
7.31
6.00
11.53
9.32
9.06
13.79
7.34
6.02
11.54
9.31
9.06
14.01
7 30
6.02
11.50
9.33
9.07
14.42
7.31
6.03
11.52
9.37
9.14
14.98
7.35
6.04
11.60
9.38
9.15
15.24
7.31
6.05
11.64
9.39
9.12
15.78
7.33
6.08
11.63
9.46
9.14
16.14
7.30
6.02
11.74
9.99
Printing and publishing........................................
Chemicals and allied products............................ 11.98
Petroleum and coal products.............................. 14.19
8.73
Rubber and miscellaneous plastics products....
5.92
Leather and leather products .............................
10.28
12.37
14.59
8.91
6.08
10.24
12.37
14.51
8.96
5.99
10.32
12.33
14.54
8.93
6.04
10.48
12.56
14.74
9.01
6.13
10.41
12.50
14.66
8.93
6.12
10.39
12.55
14.77
8.98
6.15
10.43
12.61
14.73
9.04
6.16
10.38
12.55
14.89
9.00
6.16
10.40
12.55
14.96
9.00
6.19
10.45
12.53
14.98
9.00
6.23
10.40
12.57
15.00
9.04
6.29
10.43
12.59
14.93
9.04
6.27
10.44
12.60
15.04
9.06
6.27
10.47
12.71
15.24
9.10
6.26
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC UTILITIES.... 11.70
12.03
12.00
12.06
12.11
12.12
12.21
12.24
12.16
12.23
12.19
12.27
12.28
12.29
12.31
9.78
9.78
9.78
9.88
9.87
9.85
9.94
WHOLESALE TRADE...........................................
9.35
9.59
9.56
9.60
9.64
9.65
9.72
9.73
RETAIL TRADE ....................................................
6.03
6.11
6.07
6.07
6.20
6.16
6.18
6.19
6.24
6.23
6.24
6.26
6.28
6.26
6.28
9.02
8.97
9.03
9.09
8.96
9.00
8.81
8.80
8.82
8.84
8.78
8.80
FINANCE, INSURANCE, AND REAL ESTATE...
8.36
8.73
8.63
8.74
8.73
8.76
8.89
8.81
8.96
SERVICES .............................................................
8.18
8.48
8.34
8.40
8.54
8.61
8.71
8.73
8.81
- Data not available.
p = preliminary
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
NOTE: See “ Notes on the data” for a description of the most recent
benchmark revision.
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Employment Data
16. Average weekly earnings of production or nonsupervisory workers on private nonagricultural payrolls by industry
Annual average
1987
Industry
1986
PRIVATE SECTOR
Current dollars....................................
Seasonally adjusted........................
Constant (1977) dollars .........................
1,987
July
Aug.
Sept.
1988
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
Junep
Julyp
$304.85 $312.50 $311.50 $314.69 $314.04 $316.89 $317.72 $317.72 $315.79 $316.37 $315.79 $320.28 $320.40
$323.05 $324.68
311.81 313.55 312.09 316.54 316.68 315.21 317.16 317.72 316.94 322.13 321.67 322 02 325 27
171.07 169.28 168.47 169.28 168.12 169.19 169.45 169.54 167.97 168.01 167.08 168.57 167.92
168.61
MINING......................
525.81
530.85
521.22
529.48
528.75
532.82
534.20
543.06
537.62
531.28
527.52
539.28
529.19
534.63
532.14
CONSTRUCTION.....................
466.75
479.68
486.36
489.45
466.84
497.42
475.99
481.66
466.34
462.80
481.34
488.15
491.63
498.07
498.19
MANUFACTURING
Current dollars.....................................
Constant (1977) dollars..........................
396.01
222.23
406.31
220.10
400.72
216.72
403.27
216.93
407.59
218.20
410.94
219.40
414.41
221.02
420.93
224.62
412.87
219.61
409.04
217.23
411.86
217.92
414.92
218.38
414.73
217.36
418 59
218.47
414 33
Durable goods
Lumber and wood products ................................
Furniture and fixtures............................
Stone, clay, and glass products.........................
Primary metal industries ....................
Blast furnaces and basic steel products .........
Fabricated metal products ..............................
424.98
336.10
296.91
423.69
496.93
572.54
408.04
432.85
341.04
306.80
433.58
514.61
598.05
415.00
425.58
341.38
301.04
438.78
510.60
595.63
405.14
429.11
345.98
311.92
437.93
511.80
594.94
410.52
431.14
337.55
309.60
440.73
526.61
631.16
410.00
438.06
341.85
314.57
441.61
520.80
603.78
422.52
442.68
342.19
313.03
436.72
526.15
608.38
428.24
449.44
341.42
319.76
435.27
534.05
618.49
435.11
440.96
336.15
303.42
423.32
524.61
606.70
423.02
436.95
339.49
301.09
426.63
519.70
609.77
418.37
440.54
337.16
302.64
435.12
523.84
606.99
421.82
444.11
345.10
305.37
442.43
526.79
613.36
426.17
444.94
345.87
307.72
447.26
527.66
612.84
426.59
448 33
351 33
310 08
448 12
531 39
621 67
432.37
440 84
347 33
307 28
Machinery, except electrical ...............................
Electrical and electronic equipment....................
Transportation equipment....................................
Motor vehicles and equipment.....................
Instruments and related products ......................
Miscellaneous manufacturing...........................
439.71
395.65
541.86
572.97
388.27
298.98
451.54
404.09
543.90
571.81
401.99
305.35
446.01
397.36
525.62
546.02
396.17
299.54
448.33
402.12
528.08
545.38
402.26
304.94
447.86
401.58
535.94
560.60
400.16
304.20
458.58
406.72
551.55
583.19
407.83
311.60
465.69
413.17
560.15
591.59
410.89
309.66
475.89
421.26
565.78
593.64
415.25
316.40
464.38
413.83
560.53
592.45
415.07
310.03
459.85
406.81
553.14
587.24
408.70
307.31
462.87
410.64
561.00
598.99
411.01
310.07
463.49
411.67
569.71
621.37
410.44
309.67
462.16
411.88
572.33
624.63
406 64
309.66
464 53
417 17
575 34
627 73
410 85
312.44
Nondurable goods ..................................
Food and kindred products.................................
Tobacco manufactures ..................................
Textile mill products.....................................
Apparel and other textile products.....................
Paper and allied products ................................
357.11
350.00
481.71
284.82
214.33
482.98
369.04
359.39
547.17
299.71
219.41
496.06
367.20
355.20
565.84
296.61
216.60
496.37
369.26
358.09
549.99
302.15
219.32
492.91
374.79
365.16
534.93
301.49
217.44
514.21
372.60
360.53
545.65
304.08
223.88
500.80
375.96
365.49
562.38
306.18
223.65
503.26
381.19
372.78
554.45
307.75
225.60
509.63
374.66
366.93
540.57
303.14
220.33
501.99
370.54
358.78
540.79
301.49
220.93
494.50
373.20
359.17
566.71
299.71
223.11
494.21
373.86
361.03
576.73
301.35
222.27
498.80
374.26
366.92
601.98
297.52
222.64
501.68
377.48
378 40
628.04
299 80
226.78
500.09
629 46
294 92
222 14
504.82
Printing and publishing........................................
Chemicals and allied products......................
Petroleum and coal products..............................
Rubber and miscellaneous
plastics products...............................................
Leather and leather products ..........................
379.62
501.96
621.52
390.64
523.25
641.96
388.10
518.30
651.50
394.22
519.09
633.94
403.48
536.31
648.56
397.66
528.75
645.04
397.94
535.89
651.36
403.64
542.23
655.49
392.36
533.38
658.14
393.12
530.87
647.77
399.19
532.53
654.63
395.20
529.20
666.00
391.13
528.78
658.41
392.54
534.24
676 80
395 77
533 82
688 85
360.55
218.45
370.66
232.26
367.36
231.81
369.70
235.56
372.11
231.71
374.17
237.46
377.16
236.16
383.30
237.78
376.20
231.62
372.60
227.79
375.30
233.00
377.87
232.73
376.06
235.75
377.80
237.63
375 83
236.00
TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC
UTILITIES............................................
458.64
471.58
475.20
478.78
474.71
477.53
479.85
479.81
474.24
475.75
470.53
480.98
481.38
485.46
488.71
WHOLESALE TRADE..................................
358.11
365.38
365.19
367.68
366.32
369.60
371.30
371.69
370.66
370.66
370.66
377.42
375.06
376.27
380.70
RETAIL TRADE ..............................
176.08
178.41
182.10
183.31
182.90
179.26
179.22
181.37
176.59
177.56
178.46
180.91
181.49
184.04
188.40
FINANCE, INSURANCE, AND REAL
ESTATE .......................................
304.30
316.90
312.41
318.14
314.28
317.11
322.71
317.16
324.35
328.33
321.13
326.89
325.42
321.66
325.80
SERVICES ....................................
265.85
275.60
273.55
276.36
276.70
279.83
283.08
282.85
285.44
287.21
284.24
287.53
286.42
287.11
290.40
Data not available.
p = preliminary
74
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
416.77
461 67
555 94
310.40
NOTE: See “ Notes on the data” for a description of the most recent benchmark
revision.
17. The Hourly Earnings Index for production or nonsupervisory workers on private nonagricultural payrolls by
industry
_______________________
Seasonally adjusted
Not seasonally adjusted
Industry
July
1988p
June
1988p
July
1987
May
1988
PRIVATE SECTOR (in current dollars) .........................
172.6
178.6
178.2
178.9
Manufacturing ...............................................................
Transportation and public utilities ................................
Wholesale trade' ..........................................................
Retail trade ..................................................................
Finance, insurance, and real estate' ...........................
Services........................................................................
181.8
154.0
174.7
174.9
176.5
160.5
185.5
179.1
184.2
157.5
178.5
180.5
182.2
165.8
195.9
189.5
184.5
157.5
178.7
180.4
181.6
165.6
193.7
188.4
185.5
158.2
179.1
180.6
183.1
166.2
194.5
189.2
PRIVATE SECTOR | in constant (1977) dollars | ..........
93.3
93.6
93.0
-
June
1988p
July
1987
Mar.
1988
Apr.
1988
May
1988
173.2
177.0
178.0
178.7
_
_
154.9
174.5
176.2
161.1
180.9
157.5
177.3
179.4
~
163.8
186.9
_
157.8
177.9
180.6
“
164.8
188.3
93.7
93.5
93.6
178.6
July
1988p
179.5
-
-
-
157.5
178.4
181.6
”
165.4
158.0
178.8
181.3
159.2
179.0
181.9
165.7
166.8
189.9
189.3
191.1
93.6
93.2
-
p = preliminary.
NOTE: See “ Notes on the data” for a description of the most recent benchmark
revision. Publication of the Hourly Earnings Index series will be discontinued with the
initial publication of December 1988 data.
1 This series is not seasonally adjusted because the seasonal component is small
relative to the trend-cycle, irregular components, or both, and consequently cannot
be separated with sufficient precision.
- Data not available.
18. Indexes of diffusion: industries in which employment increased, data seasonally adjusted
(In percent)
Time span and year
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Over 1-month span:
1986
...................................................................
1987 .......................................................................
...................................................
1988
57.0
50.8
61.6
47.3
59.2
61.6
49.5
61.1
62.2
50.8
62.4
63.8
51.9
62.4
58.1
46.8
61.6
69.7
51.9
70.8
63.8
54.1
62.2
51.4
68.1
53.0
67.3
58.9
67.8
-
-
-
-
Over 3-month span:
1986
.....................................................
1987
................................................................
....................................................
1988
50.0
57.6
71.6
47.6
57.0
66.8
45.7
65.1
67.0
46.2
69.2
66.8
46.2
68.1
71.6
46.2
71.9
70.8
48.1
73.8
-
51.9
76.8
50.5
74.1
55.9
76.5
-
-
-
Over 6-month span:
1986
......................................................
1987
...............................................................
1988
.................................................
48.1
64.6
73.5
47.3
64.3
70.3
43.8
63.0
70.5
42.7
70.3
73.8
43.2
72.4
47.0
77.3
46.5
78.4
50.0
79.7
55.9
82.7
-
-
-
-
-
Over
1986
1987
1988
42.2
63.8
78.6
41.6
67.3
43.8
69.5
”
44.9
73.5
45.7
76.8
48.6
76.8
46.8
78.9
48.6
78.9
51.6
79.7
12-month span:
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
.......................................................................
_
- Data not available.
NOTE: Figures are the percent of industries with employment rising. (Half of
the unchanged components are counted as rising.) Data are centered within the
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Dec.
58.9
68.4
-
59.7
78.1
• -
59.2
73.0
-
53.2
77.8
55.9
77.0
58.4
76.5
-
-
-
53.8
78.4
56.5
77.8
57.8
81.9
spans. Data for the 2 most recent months shown In each span are preliminary.
See the "Definitions” in this section. See “ Notes on the data" for a description of
the most recent benchmark revision.
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
19.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Employment Data
Annual data: Employment status of the noninstitutlonal population
(Numbers in thousands)
Employment status
1979
1980
Noninstitutlonal population..............
166,460
Labor force:
Total (number).............
Percent of population................
Employed:
Total (number).....................
Percent of population ..............
Resident Armed Forces....
Civilian
Total ................................
Agriculture....................
Nonagricultural Industries.................
Unemployed:
Total (number).....................
Percent of labor fo rc e ..................
Not in labor force (number) ....................
20.
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
169,349
173,939
175,891
178,080
179,912
182,293
184,490
106,559
64.0
108,544
64.1
111,872
113,226
64.4
115,241
64.7
117,167
65.1
119,540
65.6
121,602
65.9
100,421
60.3
1,597
100,907
59.6
1,604
101,194
106,702
59.9
1,697
108,856
60.5
1,706
111,303
61.1
1,706
114,177
61.9
1,737
98,824
3,347
95,477
59.4
1,645
1,668
102,510
58.3
1,676
99,303
3,364
95,938
97,030
99,526
3,401
96,125
100,834
3,383
97,450
105,005
3,321
101,685
107,150
3,179
103,971
109,597
3,163
106,434
112,440
3,208
109,232
6,137
5.8
7,637
7.0
7.5
10,678
9.5
10,717
9.5
8,539
7.4
8,312
7.1
8,237
6.9
7,425
6.1
59,900
60,806
61,460
62,067
62,665
62,839
62,744
62,752
62,888
Annual data: Employment levels by industry
(Numbers in thousands)
Industry
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
Total employment...................................
Private sector........................................
Goods-producmg ...............................
Mining............................................
Construction .................................
Manufacturing................................
89,823
73,876
26,461
958
4,463
21,040
90,406
74,166
25,658
1,027
4,346
20,285
91,156
75,126
25,497
1,139
4,188
20,170
89,566
73,729
23,813
1,128
3,905
18,781
90,200
74,330
23,334
952
3,948
18,434
94,496
78,472
24,727
966
4,383
19,378
97,519
81,125
24,859
927
4,673
19,260
99,525
82,832
24,558
777
4,816
18,965
102,310
85,295
24,784
721
4,998
19,065
Service-producing...............................
Transportation and public utilities ...
Wholesale trade .............................
Retail trade ....................................
Finance, insurance, and real estate
Services..........................................
63,363
5,136
5,204
14,989
4,975
17,112
64,748
5,146
5,275
15,035
5,160
17,890
65,659
5,165
5,358
15,189
5,298
18,619
65,753
5,082
5,278
15,179
5,341
19,036
66,866
69,769
5,159
5,555
16,545
5,689
20,797
72,660
5,238
5,717
17,356
5,955
22,000
74,967
5,255
5,753
17,930
6,283
23,053
77,525
5,385
5,872
18,509
6,549
24,196
Government...................................
Federal.....................................
State .........................................
Local ........................................
15,947
2,773
3,541
9,633
16,241
16,031
2,772
3,640
9,619
15,837
2,739
3,640
9,458
15,869
2,774
3,662
9,434
16,024
16,394
16,693
2,807
2,875
2,899
3,734
9,482
3,832
9,687
3,893
9,901
17,015
2,943
3,963
10,109
NOTE:
76
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
See “ Notes on the data" for a description of the most
2,866
3,610
9,765
4,954
5,268
15,613
5,468
19,694
recent benchmark revision.
21. Annual data: Average hours and earnings of production or nonsupervisory workers on nonagricultural
payrolls, by industry
Industry
Private sector
Average weekly hours.....................
Average hourly earnings (In dollars) ..
Average weekly earnings (in dollars)
Mining
Average weekly hours .....................
Average hourly earnings (in dollars) ..
Average weekly earnings (in dollars) .
Construction
Average weekly hours .....................
Average hourly earnings (in dollars) ..
Average weekly earnings (in dollars)
Manufacturing
Average weekly hours .....................
Average hourly earnings (In dollars) ..
Average weekly earnings (in dollars) .
Transportation and public utilities
Average weekly hours .....................
Average hourly earnings (in dollars) .
Average weekly earnings (in dollars)
Wholesale trade
Average weekly hours .....................
Average hourly earnings (in dollars) ..
Average weekly earnings (in dollars) .
Retail trade
Average weekly hours .....................
Average hourly earnings (in dollars) ..
Average weekly earnings (in dollars)
Finance, insurance, and real estate
Average weekly hours .....................
Average hourly earnings (in dollars) ..
Average weekly earnings (in dollars)
Services
Average weekly hours ....................
Average hourly earnings (in dollars) .
Average weekly earnings (in dollars)
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
35.7
6.16
219.91
35.3
6.66
235.10
35.2
7.25
255.20
34.8
7.68
267.26
35.0
8.02
280.70
35.2
8.32
292.86
34.9
8.57
299.09
34.8
8.76
304.85
34.8
8.98
312.50
43.0
8.49
365.07
43.3
9.17
397.06
43.7
10.04
438.75
42.7
10.77
459.88
42.5
11.28
479.40
43.3
11.63
503.58
43.4
11.98
519.93
42.2
12.46
525.81
42.4
12.52
530.85
37.0
9.27
342.99
37.0
9.94
367.78
36.9
10.82
399.26
36.7
11.63
426.82
37.1
11.94
442.97
37.8
12.13
458.51
37.7
12.32
464.46
37.4
12.48
466.75
37.8
12.69
479.68
40.2
6.70
269.34
39.7
7.27
288.62
39.8
7.99
318.00
38.9
8.49
330.26
40.1
8.83
354.08
40.7
9.19
374.03
40.5
9.54
386.37
40.7
9.73
396.01
41.0
9.91
406.31
39.9
8.16
325.58
39.6
8.87
351.25
39.4
9.70
382.18
39.0
10.32
402.48
39.0
10.79
420.81
39.4
11.12
438.13
39.5
11.40
450.30
39.2
11.70
458.64
39.2
12.03
471.58
38.8
6.39
247.93
38.5
6.96
267.96
38.5
7.56
291.06
38.3
8.09
309.85
38.5
8.55
329.18
38.5
8.89
342.27
38.4
9.16
351.74
38.3
9.35
358.11
38.1
9.59
365.38
30.6
4.53
138.62
30.2
4.88
147.38
30.1
5.25
158.03
29.9
5.48
163.85
29.8
5.74
171.05
29.8
5.85
174.33
29.4
5.94
174.64
29.2
6.03
176.08
29.2
6.11
178.41
36.2
5.27
190.77
36.2
5.79
209.60
36.3
6.31
229.05
36.2
6.78
245.44
36.2
7.29
263.90
36.5
7.63
278.50
36.4
7.94
289.02
36.4
8.36
304.30
36.3
8.73
316.90
32.7
5.36
175.27
32.6
5.86
190.71
32.6
6.41
208.97
32.6
6.92
225.52
32.7
7.31
239.04
32.6
7.5S
247.4C
32.6
7.9C
256.76
32.5
8.18
265.85
32.5
8.48
275.60
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
22.
Current Labor Statistics: Compensation & Industrial Relations
October 1988
Employment Cost Index, compensation,' by occupation and industry group
(June 1981 = 100)
1986
1987
1988
Percent change
Series
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
3
months
ended
12
months
ended
June 1988
Civilian workers 2 ...................................................................
Workers, by occupational group:
White-collar workers ...........................................................
Blue-collar workers..............................................................
Service occupations............................................................
Workers, by industry division:
Goods-producing..................................................................
Manufacturing .....................................................................
Service-producing ................................................................
Services..............................................................................
Health services................................................................
Hospitals..........................................................................
Public administration 3 .......................................................
Nonmanufacturing................................................................
Private industry w o rke rs....................................................
Workers, by occupational group:
White-collar workers.........................................................
Professional specialty and technical occupations.........
Executive, administrative, and managerial occupations
Sales occupations...........................................................
Administrative support occupations, including
clerical ............................................................................
Blue-collar workers...........................................................
Precision production, craft, and repair occupation........
Machine operators, assemblers, and inspectors...........
Transportation and material moving occupations..........
Handlers, equipment cleaners, helpers, and laborers ....
Service occupations.........................................................
Workers, by industry division:
Goods-producing...............................................................
Construction .....................................................................
Manufacturing...................................................................
Durables ..........................................................................
Norduracles....................................................................
Service-producing ..............................................................
Transportation and public utilities....................................
Transportation.................................................................
Public utilities..................................................................
Wholesale and retail trade ...............................................
Wholesale trade ..............................................................
Retail trade .....................................................................
Finance, insurance, and real estate.................................
Service..............................................................................
Health services...............................................................
Hospitals........................................................................
131.5
133.0
133.8
135.0
135.9
137.5
138.6
140.6
142.1
1.1
4.6
134.2
126.8
133.7
136.0
127.8
135.4
136.9
128.4
136.6
138.5
129.1
138.0
139.3
130.1
138.5
141.2
131.3
139.9
142.2
132.5
140.8
144.2
134.7
142.9
145.7
136.2
144.3
1.0
1.1
1.0
4.6
4.7
4.2
128.1
128.7
133.7
139.4
138.0
132.8
128.8
129.3
135.6
142.4
140.6
134.6
129.5
130.1
136.5
143.6
141.6
135.4
130.2
130.7
138.1
145.2
144.1
136.9
131.1
131.5
138.9
145.8
144.7
137.8
132.2
132.7
140.8
149.2
146.4
139.6
133.5
134.1
141.7
150.6
148.1
140.5
135.8
136.8
143.6
152.8
150.3
142.3
137.3
138.1
145.1
153.8
151.2
143.9
1.1
1.0
1.0
.7
1.4
1.4
.6
1.1
4.7
5.0
4.5
5.5
5.1
5.7
4.5
4.4
129.9
130.8
131.6
132.9
133.8
135.1
136.0
138.1
139.8
1.2
4.5
132.5
-
133.5
-
134.3
-
136.1
-
137.0
-
138.5
-
139.3
-
141.2
-
143.0
-
1.3
1.2
1.1
2.3
4.4
5.0
3.9
3.4
126.3
131.1
127.2
132.3
127.8
133.5
128.4
134.7
129.5
135.2
130.6
135.9
-
-
-
131.8
136.7
134.1
135.6
-
-
138.6
140.1
1.0
1.1
1.0
1.2
1.7
.7
1.1
4.9
4.7
4.3
5.2
4.7
4.9
3.6
127.8
128.7
-
128.6
129.3
132.7
-
129.2
130.1
133.5
-
129.9
130.7
131.9
132.7
137.7
-
133.2
134.1
138.4
-
135.6
136.8
137.1
138.1
135.3
-
130.8
131.5
136.3
-
4.8
4.1
5.0
5.0
4.9
4.3
3.1
3.4
2.6
4.0
4.0
4.0
3.1
5.5
5.3
5.9
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
1.1
1.3
1.0
1.0
.9
1.4
1.0
1.7
.3
1.9
1.8
1.9
1.5
.9
1.7
1.5
Nonmanufacturing ............................................................
130.6
131.7
132.4
134.1
135.1
136.4
137.1
138.9
140.8
1.4
4.2
State and local government workers ...............................
Workers, by occupational group:
White-collar workers.........................................................
Blue-collar workers...........................................................
Workers, by industry division:
Services ............................................................................
Hospitals and other services4 .......................................
Health services.............................................................
Schools ..........................................................................
Elementary and secondary.........................................
Public administration3 .......................................................
139.7
143.6
144.7
145.9
146.3
149.7
151.1
153.1
153.6
.3
5.0
140.5
136.3
145.0
138.5
146.0
139.5
147.2
140.8
147.5
141.3
151.2
143.3
152.7
144.3
154.8
145.9
155.2
145.9
.3
.0
5.2
3.3
140.8
137.9
141.7
143.2
138.0
145.5
139.4
147.6
149.4
140.6
146.6
141.1
147.3
142.5
147.6
143.3
151.8
145.1
153.1
146.3
155.2
150.3
155.6
150.4
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
148.4
150.3
141.6
148.9
150.5
144.1
149.1
150.7
144.7
154.1
156.5
146.4
155.5
157.8
148.1
156.8
158.9
150.3
157.3
159.4
151.2
.3
.1
.4
.3
.3
.6
5.4
5.0
4.8
5.5
5.8
4.5
-
131.6
-
1 Cost (cents per hour worked) measured in the Employment Cost Index
consists of wages, salaries, and employer cost of employee benefits.
2 Consist of private industry workers (excluding farm and household workers)
and State and local government (excluding Federal Government) workers.
78
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
-
-
-
-
142.1
-
140.2
-
Consist of legislative, judicial, administrative, and regulatory activities.
Includes, for example, library, social, and health services.
Data not available.
23.
Employment Cost Index, wages and salaries, by occupation and industry group
(June 1981=100)
1986
1987
1988
Percent change
Series
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
3
months
ended
12
months
ended
June 1988
Civilian workers ' ...................................................................
Workers, by occupational group:
White-collar workers ...........................................................
Blue-collar workers..............................................................
Service occupations............................................................
Workers, by industry division
Goods-producing..................................................................
Manufacturing .....................................................................
Service-producing .................................................................
Services ............................................................................
Health services .........................................................................................................
Hospitals..........................................................................
Public administration 2 ........................................................................................
Nonmanufacturing ........................................................................................................
Private industry workers ..................................................................................
Workers, by occupational group:
White-collar workers......................................................
Professional specialty and technical occupations......
Executive, administrative, and managerial
occupations................................................................
Sales occupations.......................................................
Administrative support occupations, including
clerical........................................................................
Blue-collar workers........................................................
Precision production, craft, and repair
occupations...............................................................
Machine operators, assemblers, and inspectors.......
Transportation and material moving occupations.......
Handlers, equipment cleaners, helpers, and
laborers......................................................................
Service occupations ......................................................
Workers, by industry division:
Goods-producing.............................................................
Construction ..................................................................
Manufacturing................................................................
Durables......................................................................
Nondurables................................................................
Service-producing............................................................
Transportation and public utilities ...................................................
Transportation ............................................................
Public utilities ......................................................................................................
Wholesale and retail trade ......................................................................
Wholesale trade .......................................................
Retail trade .........................................................................................................
Finance, insurance, and real estate .............................................
Services ......................................................................................................................
Health services ................................................................................................
Hospitals ...............................................................................................................
129.3
130.7
131.5
132.8
133.5
135.2
136.1
137.4
138.7
0.9
3.9
132.4
124.1
130.0
134.1
125.0
131.7
135.0
125.6
132.8
136.6
126.2
134.2
137.3
127.1
134.7
139.4
128.3
136.0
140.2
129.4
136.6
141.5
130.4
138.0
143.0
131.6
139.3
1.1
.9
.9
4.2
3.5
3.4
125.6
126.5
131.5
137.0
126.3
127.2
133.4
139.9
127.0
127.9
134.2
141.1
127.8
128.7
135.8
142.7
128.5
129.5
136.5
143.4
129.8
130.8
138.5
146.8
131.0
132.2
139.2
148.2
132.2
133.3
140.5
149.5
133.4
134.4
141.9
150.4
3.8
3.8
4.0
4.9
4.9
5.6
3.8
3.9
134.6
130.4
137.5
132.2
138.1
133.0
140.5
134.5
141.0
135.2
142.6
137.1
143.8
137.8
145.5
139.0
146.4
140.5
.9
.8
1.0
.6
1.6
1.5
.6
1-1
127.9
128.8
129.5
130.8
131.7
133.0
133.8
135.1
136.6
1.1
3.7
131.1
134.0
132.0
135.4
132.7
136.4
134.6
138.4
135.4
139.1
137.0
141.2
137.6
142.6
139.0
144.0
140.8
145.8
1.3
1.3
4.0
4.8
132.1
124.3
132.4
125.2
133.5
124.9
135.6
126.7
136.4
'27.1
138.6
127.0
139.2
126.1
139.9
127.5
141.3
130.8
1.0
2.6
3.6
2.9
130.8
131.7
132.7
134.3
135.5
137.1
138.1
140.2
141.2
.7
4.2
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
123.7
124.5
125.1
125.6
126.6
127.7
128.9
129.9
131.1
.9
3.6
125.7
123.6
118.9
126.7
124.1
119.8
127.4
124.9
120.1
127.9
125.5
120.5
128.8
126.7
121.5
130.2
127.5
122.3
131.1
129.2
122.9
132.1
129.9
123.7
133.4
131.2
125.4
1.0
1.0
1.4
3.6
3.6
3.2
120.3
128.0
120.9
128.9
121.4
130.1
121.9
131.4
122.6
131.9
123.7
132.6
125.0
133.2
126.7
134.5
127.5
135.8
.6
1.0
4.0
3.0
125.4
119.8
126.5
125.8
127.9
129.9
126.6
126.1
120.5
127.2
126.4
128.5
130.9
127.3
126.8
120.8
127.9
127.2
129.3
131.6
127.5
127.5
121.7
128.7
127.7
130.5
133.4
128.1
128.3
122.7
129.5
128.7
131.0
134.3
129.3
129.6
123.8
130.8
129.7
132.8
135.7
130.0
130.8
124.7
132.2
131.1
134.1
136.2
130.2
132.0
125.9
133.3
132.1
135.6
137.5
131.3
133.2
127.6
134.4
133.1
136.7
139.3
132.5
.9
1.4
.8
.8
.8
1.3
.9
1.1
.6
2.0
1.9
1.9
1.5
.8
1.9
1.6
3.8
4.0
3.8
3.4
4.4
3.7
2.5
2.1
2.7
3.6
3.3
3.6
2.6
4.9
5.2
5.8
1.3
3.8
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
125.8
131.2
123.7
128.0
136.9
126.5
131.8
124.4
129.0
138.2
126.9
133.1
124.5
130.0
139.5
127.9
134.8
125.2
133.5
141.8
129.9
137.2
127.1
131.5
142.8
130.6
137.8
127.8
131.8
145.9
130.7
138.5
127.7
131.6
147.1
131.9
139.0
129.2
132.9
148.6
134.6
141.7
131.7
134.9
149.8
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Nonmanufacturing................................................................................................
128.7
129.7
130.4
State and local government workers ................................................
Workers, by occupational group
White-collar workers ..........................................................................................
Blue-collar workers .............................................................................................
Workers, by industry division
Services .........................................................................
Hospitals and other services 3 ....................................
Health services ..........................................................
Schools........................................................................
Elementary and secondary ......................................
Public administration 2 ...................................................
136.0
140.4
137.0
131.9
141.8
134.5
137.1
133.3
138.2
139.4
134.6
142.1
135.8
-
144.1
145.7
137.5
! Consists of private industry workers (excluding farm and household workers)
and State and local government (excluding Federal Government) workers.
2 Consists of legislative, judicial, administrative, and regulatory activities.
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
-
131.9
132.8
134.2
134.8
136.0
137.8
141.4
142.5
142.8
146.1
147.4
148.7
149.1
142.8
135.1
143.9
136.3
144.1
136.9
147.7
139.0
149.3
139.6
150.5
141.1
150.8
141.1
143.3
137.3
143.9
138.6
145.5
146.5
140.5
144.2
139.4
145.6
146.6
141.0
148.2
141.2
150.3
152.0
142.6
149.5
142.2
151.8
153.4
143.8
150.7
144.5
151.1
144.7
153.0
154.3
146.4
-
145.1
146.4
138.1
152.6
154.0
145.5
3 Includes, for example, library, social and health services,
- Data not available.
.3
.2
.0
.3
.1
.7
.3
.2
.6
4.4
4.6
3.1
4.8
3.8
4.3
5.1
5.3
3.8
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
24.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics: Compensation & Industrial Relations
Employment Cost Index, private nonfarm workers, by bargaining status, region, and area size
(June 1981=100)
1987
1986
1988
Percent change
3
months
ended
Series
June
Sept.
Mar.
Dec.
June
Sept.
Mar.
Dec.
June
12
months
ended
June 1988
COMPENSATION
Workers, by bargaining status 1
128.7
126.7
131.9
126.9
130.4
129.4
127.3
132.8
127.5
131.2
129.8
127.5
133.4
127.9
131.5
130.5
128.0
134.4
128.0
132.6
131.2
128.7
135.2
128.7
133.5
132.0
129.5
135.9
129.5
134.3
133.4
131.3
136.7
131.5
135.1
135.6
134.1
138.0
135.0
136.2
136.9
135.3
139.4
136.2
137.5
1.0
.9
1.0
.9
1.0
4.3
5.1
3.1
5.8
3.0
130.2
128.2
131.4
129.7
130.4
131.2
129.1
132.5
130.4
131.6
132.1
130.0
133.4
131.4
132.5
133.6
130.8
135.3
132.2
134.3
134.6
131.8
136.4
133.2
135.3
136.1
133.1
137.9
134.6
136.8
136.9
134.1
138.6
135.6
137.5
138.9
136.2
140.5
137.8
139.4
140.7
137.8
142.5
139.2
141.5
1.3
1.2
1.4
1.0
1.5
4.5
4.6
4.5
4.5
4.6
133.3
129.6
126.2
131.6
134.2
130.7
127.3
132.1
135.2
131.4
128.1
132.8
137.4
132.1
129.1
134.1
138.6
133.2
130.2
134.2
140.3
134.2
131.2
135.8
141.9
135.4
131.7
136.3
143.7
137.1
134.4
138.3
145.9
139.3
135.5
139.5
1.5
1.6
.8
.9
5.3
4.6
4.1
3.9
130.5
126.4
131.4
127.2
132.2
127.9
133.5
129.0
134.4
130.2
135.8
131.3
136.7
132.0
138.9
133.6
140.5
135.5
1.2
1.4
4.5
4.1
126.1
124.1
129.3
124.6
127.4
126.9
124.5
130.5
125.0
128.5
127.2
124.8
130.9
125.5
128.7
127.7
125.0
131.7
125.6
129.5
128.3
125.8
132.2
126.2
130.1
129.1
126.5
132.9
127.0
130.8
130.5
128.5
133.6
129.3
131.5
131.0
128.7
134.4
129.6
132.1
132.0
129.7
135.4
130.4
133.3
.8
.8
.7
.6
.9
2.9
3.1
2.4
3.3
2.5
128.5
126.1
129.9
127.7
128.9
129.4
127.0
130.8
128.5
129.8
130.3
127.8
131.7
129.5
130.6
131.8
128.8
133.6
130.6
132.4
132.8
129.6
134.6
131.5
133.4
134.3
131.1
136.2
133.0
134.9
135.0
132.1
136.7
133.9
135.4
136.4
133.6
138.0
135.5
136.8
138.1
135.0
140.0
136.7
138.8
1.2
1.0
1.4
.9
1.5
4.0
4.2
4.0
4.0
4.0
131.3
127.8
124.4
128.9
132.3
128.8
125.3
129.3
133.1
129.4
126.2
130.1
135.4
130.1
127.4
131.2
136.6
131.1
128.5
131.1
138.3
132.1
129.6
133.1
139.7
133.0
129.9
133.5
140.9
134.0
131.3
134.9
142.9
136.1
132.1
136.0
1.4
1.6
.6
.8
4.6
3.8
2.8
3.7
128.5
124.5
129.4
125.0
130.2
125.6
131.6
126.6
132.4
127.8
133.7
129.1
134.6
129.8
135.8
130.9
137.3
133.0
1.1
1.6
3.7
4.1
Workers, by region '
Workers, by area size 1
WAGES AND SALARIES
Workers, by bargaining status1
Workers, by region 1
Workers, by area size1
' The indexes are calculated differently from those for the occupation and
industry groups. For a detailed description of the index calculation, see the
80
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Monthly Labor Review Technical
Employment Cost Index,” May 1982.
Note,
“ Estimation
procedures
for the
25. Specified compensation and wage adjustments from contract settlements, and effective wage adjustments, private
industry collective bargaining situations covering 1,000 workers or more (in percent)
Quarterly average
Annual average
1987
1986
Measure
1986
1988
1987
III
IV
I
II
III
IV
llp
lp
Specified adjustments:
Total compensation 1 adjustments, 2 settlements
covering 5,000 workers or more:
First year of contract .......................................
Annual rate over life of contract.......................
1.1
1.6
3.0
2.6
0.7
1.2
2.7
2.4
1.1
2.1
4.1
3.9
2.5
2.1
3.4
2.4
1.8
1.8
3.4
2.4
Wage adjustments, settlements covering 1,000
workers or more:
First year of contract .......................................
Annual rate over life of contract.......................
1.2
1.8
2.2
2.1
.8
1.5
2.0
2.1
.8
1.6
2.6
2.9
2.1
2.0
2.4
1.8
2.2
2.3
2.7
2.2
2.3
.5
3.1
.7
.5
.1
.5
.2
.4
(4)
1.0
.2
.9
.2
.8
.3
.4
.1
.8
.3
1.7
.2
1.8
.5
.5
(4)
.2
.1
.3
.1
.7
.2
.6
.1
.3
.2
.3
.1
.5
.1
Effective adjustments:
Total effective wage adjustment 3 .......................
From settlements reached in period .................
Deferred from settlements reached in earlier
periods...........................................................
From cost-of-living-adjustments clauses............
3 Because of rounding, total may not equal sum of parts.
4 Between -0.05 and 0.05 percent.
p = preliminary.
' Compensation includes wages, salaries, and employers’ cost of employee
benefits when contract is negotiated.
2 Adjustments are the net result of increases, decreases, and no changes in
compensation or wages.
26. Average specified compensation and wage adjustments, major collective bargaining settlements in private
industry situations covering 1,000 workers or more during 4-quarter periods (in percent)
Average for four quarters ending-Measure
1986
1987
IV
III
I
II
1988
III
IV
lp
llp
Specified total compensation adjustments, settlements covering 5,000
workers or more, all industries:
First year of contract.....................................................................
Annual rate over life of contract.....................................................
0.9
1.4
1.1
1.6
1.2
1.7
1.8
2.1
2.7
2.6
3.0
2.6
3.1
2.5
3.1
2.3
1.2
2.2
.8
1.7
2.0
1.6
1.2
1.9
.9
1.8
1.7
1.8
1.2
2.0
.8
1.8
1.8
1.8
1.5
1.8
1.3
2.0
1.7
2.1
2.0
2.1
2.0
2.2
1.7
2.5
2.2
2.3
2.1
2.1
1.5
2.5
2.4
2.2
2.5
2.2
1.4
2.7
2.4
2.4
2.5
2.0
1.5
2.6
-1.0
1.1
-2.0
.3
1.1
-.1
-1.2
1.3
-2.8
.2
.9
-.2
-1.5
1.3
-3.5
(2)
.8
-.6
-.8
1.3
-2.7
.3
.8
-.2
1.1
2.1
-.1
1.0
1.0
1.2
2.1
2.4
1.3
1.3
1.0
2.1
2.4
2.4
2.4
1.5
1.0
2.7
2.5
2.5
2.6
1.6
1.3
2.6
2.1
2.7
1.9
2.3
2.5
2.2
2.0
2.1
2.0
2.3
2.1
2.4
2.2
2.2
2.1
2.4
2.2
2.5
2.3
2.1
2.3
2.6
2.2
2.7
2.4
2.1
2.6
2.8
2.4
2.9
2.3
1.9
2.4
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.3
1.6
2.5
2.7
2.4
2.7
2.3
2.2
2.4
2.3
1.8
2.6
2.3
1.4
2.4
2.6
1.6
2.6
2.2
1.4
2.3
2.5
1.6
2.5
2.4
1.6
2.4
2.5
1.4
2.6
2.7
3.7
2.7
2.9
3.8
2.9
Specified wage adjustments, settlements covering 1,000 workers or
more:
All industries
First year of contract ...................................................................
Contracts with COLA clauses....................................................
Contracts without COLA clauses ...............................................
Annual rate over life of contract ...................................................
Contracts with COLA clauses....................................................
Contracts without COLA clauses ...............................................
Manufacturing
First year of contract ...................................................................
Contracts with COLA clauses....................................................
Contracts without COLA clauses ...............................................
Annual rate over life of contract...................................................
Contracts with COLA clauses....................................................
Contracts without COLA clauses ...............................................
Nonmanufacturing
First year of contract ...................................................................
Contracts with COLA clauses....................................................
Contracts without COLA clauses ...............................................
Annual rate over life of contract...................................................
Contracts with COLA clauses....................................................
Contracts without COLA clauses ...............................................
Construction
First year of contract ...................................................................
Contracts with COLA clauses....................................................
Contracts without COLA clauses ...............................................
Annual rate over life of contract...................................................
Contracts with COLA clauses....................................................
Contracts without COLA clauses ...............................................
' Data do not meet publication standards.
2 Between -0.05 and 0.05 percent.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
______
p = preliminary.
3.0
(’)
(1)
(1)
(’)
3.2
2.9
(1)
O
(1)
<’)
3.1
2.9
(’)
(1)
0
(1)
3.1
2.5
(1)
(1)
(’)
(')
2.7
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
Current Labor Statistics: Compensation & Industrial Relations
27. Average effective wage adjustments, private industry collective bargaining situations covering 1 000
workers or more during 4-quarter periods (in percent)
Average for four quarters endingEffective wage adjustment
1986
1987
1988
IV
I
II
III
For all workers:1
Total......................................................................
From settlements reached in period .....................
Deferred from settlements reached in earlier period
From cost-of-living-adjustments clauses................
2.3
.5
1.7
.2
2.0
.3
1.5
.1
2.2
.3
1.6
.3
For workers receiving changes:
Total...............................................................................
From settlements reached in period ..............................
Deferred from settlements reached in earlier period.......
From cost-of-living-adjustments clauses............... .........
2.8
1.6
3.9
1.0
2.4
1.1
3.7
.6
2.8
.9
3.5
1.8
1 Because of rounding, total may not equal sum of parts.
IV
lp
llp
2.6
.4
1.7
.4
3.1
.7
1.8
.5
3.2
.8
1.8
.5
3.0
.9
1.6
.5
3.2
1.8
3.3
2.3
3.6
2.9
3.3
2.6
3.8
2.9
3.3
2.7
3.7
2.9
3.2
2.3
p = preliminary.
28. Specified compensation and wage adjustments from contract settlements, and effective wage adjustments State and
local government collective bargaining situations covering 1,000 workers or more (in percent)
Annual average
Measure
First 6 months
1986
1987
1988
6.2
6.0
4.9
4.8
6.3
5.5
5.7
5.7
4.9
5.1
5.4
5.1
5.5
2.4
3.0
(4)
4.9
2.7
2.2
(4)
.9
.4
.5
(4)
Specified adjustments:
Total compensation 1 adjustments, 2 settlements covering 5,000 workers or more:
First year of contract ...............................
Annual rate over life of contract..........
Wage adjustments, settlements covering 1,000 workers or more:
First year of contract ........................
Annual rate over life of contract............
Effective adjustments:
Total effective wage adjustment3 ..............................
From settlements reached in period......................
Deferred from settlements reached in earlier periods .
From cost-of-living-adjustment clauses........................
1 Compensation includes wages, salaries, and employers’ cost of employee
benefits when contract is negotiated.
2 Adjustments are the net result of increases, decreases, and no changes in
compensation or wages.
29.
Because of rounding, total may not equal sum of parts.
Less than 0.05 percent.
Work stoppages involving 1,000 workers or more
Annual totals
1987
Measure
July
Number of stoppages:
Beginning in period....
In effect during period
Workers involved:
Beginning in period (in
thousands)...................
In effect during period (in
thousands)...................
Days idle:
Number (in thousands)........
Percent of estimated working
time2 ..................................
Aug.
Sept.
1988p
Oct.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
JulyP
46
51
533.0
174.4
14.1
18.4
45.9
1.3
11.8
7.2
17.5
6.7
.0
10.3
7.8
24.6
899.5
377.7
31.1
36.0
71.9
53.7
22.2
10.8
21.1
24.2
14.9
18.2
20.0
36.4
11,861.0
4,455.6
457.8
361.4
1,143.1
353.3
222.9
159.4
36.6
337.0
203.6
207.9
271.4
264.5
605.0
.05
.02
.02
.02
.05
.02
.01
.01
.01
.01
.01
.01
.01
.01
.02
1 Agricultural and government employees are Included in the total employed and total
working time: private household, forestry, and fishery employees are excluded. An expla
nation of the measurement of idleness as a percentage of the total time worked is found
82
Nov.
in ‘“ Total economy’ measure of strike idleness,” Monthly Labor Review, October 1968,
pp. 54-56.
p = preliminary
30. Consumer Price Indexes for All Urban Consumers and for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: U.S. city
average, by expenditure category and commodity or service group
(1982-84 = 100, unless otherwise indicated)
Series
1988
1987
Annual
average
1986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
All items....................................................................................
All items (1967-100) ................................................................
109.6
328.4
113.6
340.4
113.8
340.8
114.4
342.7
115.0
344.4
115.3
345.3
115.4
345.8
115.4
345.7
115.7
346.7
116.0
347.4
116.5
349.0
117.1
350.8
117.5
352.0
118.0
353.5
118.5
354.9
Food and beverages ...............................................................
Food.....................................................................................
Food at home.....................................................................
Cereals and bakery products............................................
Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs............................................
Dairy products..................................................................
Fruits and vegetables........................................................
Other foods at home........................................................
Sugar and sweets..........................................................
Fats and oils..................................................................
Nonalcoholic beverages..................................................
Other prepared foods.....................................................
Food away from home ........................................................
Alcoholic beverages...............................................................
109.1
109.0
107.3
110.9
104.5
103.3
109.4
109.4
109.0
106.5
110.4
109.2
112.5
111.1
113.5
113.5
111.9
114.8
110.5
105.9
119.1
110.5
111.0
108.1
107.5
113.8
117.0
114.1
113.7
113.7
112.1
115.2
111.4
105.3
119.6
110.0
111.1
108.4
105.9
114.1
117.2
114.4
113.8
113.8
112.1
115.3
111.9
105.7
117.4
110.4
111.3
108.3
105.9
114.8
117.5
114.7
114.2
114.1
112.4
115.4
112.7
106.4
117.4
110.3
111.6
107.8
105.8
114.6
118.0
114.9
114.3
114.3
112.4
115.6
112.0
106.9
117.8
110.6
111.6
107.4
106.7
114.7
118.3
115.2
114.3
114.2
112.1
116.2
111.2
106.9
117.4
110.2
111.4
108.0
105.0
115.1
118.6
115.4
114.8
114.7
112.8
116.8
110.3
106.7
123.4
110.0
111.0
107.7
104.8
115.0
118.9
115.4
115.7
115.7
114.1
118.1
111.0
107.4
126.4
111.3
112.2
108.5
106.9
115.9
119.3
115.8
115.8
115.7
113.9
118.7
110.6
107.3
124.7
111.8
112.2
109.5
107.7
116.1
119.7
116.8
116.0
115.9
113.9
118.9
111.2
107.2
123.0
112.0
112.6
110.3
107.7
116.3
120.2
117.4
116.7
116.6
114.6
119.8
111.5
107.1
126.0
112.1
112.3
110.3
107.8
116.6
120.7
118.0
117.1
117.0
115.1
120.3
112.1
107.4
127.1
112.3
112.5
111.2
107.5
117.0
121.0
118.2
117.6
117.6
115.8
120.8
114.6
107.2
126.1
112.4
113.3
111.5
107.1
117.1
121.5
118.7
118.8
118.8
117.3
122.1
116.5
107.6
129.0
113.1
114.0
112.6
107.2
118.3
122.1
119.2
Housing..................................................................................
Shelter .................................................................................
Renters’ costs (12/82 = 100)..............................................
Rent, residential...............................................................
Other renters’ costs .........................................................
Homeowners’ costs (12/82 = 100).......................................
Owners’ equivalent rent (12/82 = 100)...............................
Household insurance (12/82 = 100)...................................
Maintenance and repairs.....................................................
Maintenance and repair services .......................................
Maintenance and repair commodities.................................
Fuel and other utilities...........................................................
Fuels .................................................................................
Fuel oil, coal, and bottled gas...........................................
Gas (piped) and electricity ................................................
Other utilities and public services........................................
Household furnishings and operations....................................
Housefurnishings................................................................
Housekeeping supplies........................................................
Housekeeping services........................................................
110.9
115.8
121.9
118.3
118.6
119.4
119.4
119.2
107.9
111.2
103.7
104.1
99.2
77.6
105.7
117.9
105.2
102.2
108.2
108.5
114.2
121.3
128.1
123.1
127.4
124.8
124.8
124.0
111.8
114.8
107.8
103.0
97.3
77.9
103.8
120.1
107.1
103.6
111.5
110.6
114.7
121.3
129.3
123.0
132.8
124.4
124.4
124.5
113.2
116.8
108.4
105.0
100.4
77.1
107.6
120.5
107.2
103.6
111.7
110.8
115.4
122.2
130.1
123.8
133.3
125.4
125.4
125.1
112.9
116.5
108.2
105.9
101.4
77.8
108.7
121.1
107.3
103.8
111.5
110.9
115.6
122.5
129.8
124.4
130.5
126.0
126.0
125.5
112.7
116.3
107.8
105.5
101.0
77.6
108.2
120.8
107.5
103.9
111.8
111.0
115.5
123.2
129.4
124.8
127.7
127.1
127.2
125.8
112.8
116.4
108.1
103.2
96.9
78.5
103.3
121.2
107.4
103.6
112.3
111.2
115.5
123.4
129.2
124.8
126.7
127.4
127.5
125.9
113.5
116.9
108.9
102.4
95.5
80.3
101.4
121.3
107.4
103.6
112.4
111.2
115.6
123.7
129.1
125.6
124.1
128.0
128.0
126.2
113.3
116.6
109.1
102.0
95.1
80.5
100.9
120.9
107.3
103.3
112.5
111.4
116.2
124.6
130.8
126.0
129.4
128.5
128.6
126.9
113.7
117.4
108.7
102.4
95.6
80.8
101.5
121.3
107.5
103.5
113.1
111.5
116.6
125.0
131.3
126.3
130.4
129.0
129.0
127.1
114.3
117.9
109.5
102.8
96.0
80.9
101.9
121.8
107.7
103.7
113.2
111.6
117.0
125.6
132.9
126.4
136.6
129.2
129.2
127.8
113.3
116.4
109.2
102.7
95.8
80.5
101.7
121.7
108.3
104.7
112.9
111.7
117.3
125.8
132.9
126.6
136.0
129.4
129.5
128.2
115.3
119.4
109.7
102.8
95.7
80.2
101.6
122.3
109.1
104.9
113.8
114.7
117.7
126.2
133.1
126.9
135.7
129.9
130.0
128.2
114.3
117.8
109.8
103.5
96.5
80.0
102.6
122.6
109.3
104.9
114.1
114.8
118.6
126.6
133.7
127.3
137.0
130.4
130.4
128.9
114.7
118.1
110.1
105.9
100.8
79.1
107.8
122.3
109.6
105.3
114.7
114.8
119.1
127.4
134.7
127.8
139.2
131.0
131.1
129.7
114.5
117.9
110.1
106.0
100.8
76.9
108.1
122.4
109.8
105.5
115.2
115.0
Apparel and upkeep................................................................
Apparel commodities.............................................................
Men’s and boys' apparel.....................................................
Women’s and girls’ apparel .................................................
Infants’ and toddlers’ apparel..............................................
Footwear............................................................................
Other apparel commodities..................................................
Apparel services....................................................................
105.9
104.2
106.2
104.0
111.8
101.9
101.7
115.1
110.6
108.9
109.1
110.4
112.1
105.1
108.0
119.6
107.3
105.3
107.8
104.2
107.7
103.4
108.2
120.0
109.4
107.6
108.3
108.4
109.0
104.2
109.3
119.8
113.3
111.8
110.6
115.3
112.1
105.7
110.3
119.9
115.4
114.0
112.0
118.3
116.2
107.3
110.7
120.8
115.4
114.0
112.5
117.7
116.7
108.0
110.7
121.1
112.7
111.0
110.7
112.6
114.5
107.2
111.3
121.4
110.4
108.6
109.0
108.2
113.6
106.1
112.9
121.6
110.2
108.3
109.1
107.8
111.4
105.8
113.1
122.0
114.3
112.7
111.6
115.3
114.0
107.3
113.6
122.2
117.0
115.5
112.9
119.6
117.1
109.4
114.6
122.6
116.3
114.8
113.6
117.3
117.7
109.7
114.9
122.8
114.6
112.9
112.5
114.1
116.5
109.2
114.6
123.1
112.7
110.8
111.9
109.8
116.2
108.2
116.5
123.4
Transportation .........................................................................
Private transportation.............................................................
New vehicles......................................................................
New cars..........................................................................
Used cars...........................................................................
Motor fuel ...........................................................................
Gasoline...........................................................................
Maintenance and repair.......................................................
Other private transportation.................................................
Other private transportation commodities..........................
Other private transportation services.................................
Public transportation..............................................................
102.3
101.2
110.6
110.6
108.8
77.1
77.0
110.3
115.1
96.3
118.8
117.0
105.4
104.2
114.4
114.6
113.1
80.2
80.1
114.8
120.8
96.9
125.6
121.1
106.0
104.9
114.4
114.7
115.4
82.2
82.1
114.5
120.8
96.3
125.7
120.2
106.5
105.4
114.0
114.4
115.5
84.3
84.3
115.1
120.7
96.8
125.5
121.5
106.6
105.4
113.8
114.1
116.0
84.0
84.0
115.7
121.1
97.6
125.8
122.1
107.1
106.0
115.0
115.2
116.2
83.2
83.1
116.1
122.8
98.0
127.8
121.2
107.8
106.8
116.3
116.6
116.5
83.2
83.1
116.5
123.8
97.6
129.2
122.0
107.6
106.5
116.4
116.6
116.3
82.0
81.8
116.9
123.8
97.5
129.2
122.1
107.1
106.0
116.1
116.2
116.0
79.7
79.5
117.2
124.7
98.2
130.1
121.8
106.8
105.7
116.0
116.2
116.0
78.3
78.1
117.7
125.0
98.1
130.6
120.8
106.5
105.4
115.7
116.0
116.1
77.5
77.3
118.5
124.9
98.3
130.3
121.4
107.2
106.0
115.6
115.9
116.6
79.4
79.2
118.8
125.0
98.2
130.5
122.4
108.1
107.0
115.9
116.3
117.0
81.4
81.3
119.3
126.3
98.9
132.0
122.4
108.5
107.4
116.1
116.5
117.6
81.4
81.3
119.7
127.2
98.8
133.1
123.2
108.9
107.8
116.1
116.5
117.9
82.3
82.3
120.0
127.5
98.2
133.7
123.7
Medical care...........................................................................
Medical care commodities.....................................................
Medical care services............................................................
Professional services..........................................................
Hospital and related services..............................................
122.0
122.8
121.9
120.8
123.1
130.1
131.0
130.0
128.8
131.6
130.7
131.6
130.4
129.5
132.0
131.2
132.2
131.0
130.0
133.0
131.7
132.7
131.5
130.7
133.3
132.3
133.5
132.0
131.2
134.2
132.8
134.2
132.5
131.5
135.4
133.1
134.9
132.7
131.8
135.9
134.4
135.4
134.1
133.2
137.6
135.5
136.1
135.3
134.5
139.0
136.3
137.0
136.1
135.4
140.0
136.9
138.1
136.6
136.0
140.7
137.5
139.0
137.2
136.4
141.8
138.2
139.4
137.9
137.5
142.1
139.3
140.5
139.0
138.4
144.3
Entertainment ..........................................................................
Entertainment commodities...................................................
Entertainment services..........................................................
111.6
107.9
116.8
115.3
110.5
122.0
115.4
110.7
122.0
115.6
110.6
122.5
116.1
110.7
123.5
116.9
111.2
124.5
117.3
112.2
124.3
117.4
112.6
124.3
118.1
112.9
125.4
118.3
112.9
125.7
119.0
113.4
126.5
119.6
114.2
127.0
119.7
114.5
126.9
120.1
114.8
127.3
120.5
115.3
127.7
Other goods and services ........................................................
Tobacco products .................................................................
Personal care........................................................................
Toilet goods and personal care appliances..........................
Personal care services ........................................................
Personal and educational expenses.......................................
School books and supplies..................................................
Personal and educational services......................................
121.4
124.7
111.9
111.3
112.5
128.6
128.1
128.7
128.5
133.6
115.1
113.9
116.2
138.5
138.1
138.7
128.0
135.0
115.3
114.3
116.2
136.9
136.5
137.2
128.5
135.3
115.6
114.3
116.8
137.7
136.7
137.9
131.1
135.9
116.0
114.7
117.2
142.1
141.3
142.3
131.6
136.3
116.2
114.9
117.4
142.8
142.3
143.1
131.8
136.5
116.3
115.0
117.5
143.1
142.3
143.4
132.1
137.0
116.5
115.0
117.9
143.4
1424
143.6
133.4
140.8
117.3
116.1
118.4
143.9
144.6
144.0
134.2
142.2
117.8
116.4
119.1
144.7
146.3
144.8
134.6
142.8
118.1
116.8
119.2
145.0
146.2
145.1
134.8
142.9
118.5
117.4
119.5
145.2
146.3
145.3
135.1
143.2
118.7
117.2
120.1
145.5
146.4
145.6
135.5
143.6
119.0
117.5
120.4
146.0
146.5
146.2
136.5
147.5
119.2
117.8
120.6
146.3
146.5
146.5
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR ALL URBAN CONSUMERS:
See footnotes at end of table.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
83
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics: Price Data
30. Continued— Consumer Price Indexes for All Urban Consumers and for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: U.S. city
average, by expenditure category and commodity or service group
(1982-84 = 100, unless otherwise indicated)
Series
Annual
average
1987
1988
1986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
109T
104./
109.1
101.4
97.£
104.2
95.S
106.6
113.6
107.7
113.5
104.0
101.1
108.9
99.5
113.8
107.6
113.7
103.8
100.6
105.3
100.5
114.4
108.2
113.8
104.6
102.0
107.6
101.5
115.C
108.5
114.2
105.5
103.5
111.8
101.6
115.C
109.C
114.C
106.1
104.2
114.C
101.5
115./
109.5
114.C
106.5
104.C
114.C
101.8
115.4
109.3
114.8
105.7
103.1
111.0
101.5
109.5
115.7
109.2
115.7
105.1
102.1
108.6
101.2
109.4
116.C
109.1
115.8
105.0
101.9
108.3
101.0
109.4
116.5
109.E
116.C
105.9
103./
112.7
101.C
109.5
117.1
110.7
116.7
106.9
105.C
115.5
102.C
109.7
117.5
111.1
117.1
107.2
105.4
114.8
103.0
109.9
118.0
111.1
117.6
107.1
104.9
112.9
103.2
110.2
118.5
111.5
118.8
107.0
104.7
110.8
104.0
110.3
115.4
120.2
112.8
116.3
121.9
119.4
120.2
125.9
113.1
121.9
130.0
125.7
120.5
126.0
115.1
121.7
130.4
125.1
121.2
126.9
115.8
122.0
131.0
125.6
121.7
127.2
115.5
122.5
131.5
127.9
121.9
128.C
113.5
123.4
132.0
128.7
122.C
128.1
112.6
124.5
132.5
128.8
122.2
128.5
112.3
124.6
132.7
129.0
122.9
129.4
112.7
125.1
134.1
129.6
123.4
129.8
113.1
125.2
135.3
130.2
123.8
130 4
113 0
125.4
136.1
130.7
124.1
130 fi
113 7
125.8
136.6
131.0
124.6
126 7
137.2
131.1
125.5
131.5
116.6
127.6
137.9
131.6
126.1
132.3
116.9
128.1
139.0
131.9
109.8
108.0
111.2
108.8
101.7
98.5
96.9
103.5
118.7
114.6
88.2
112.6
113.5
108.6
77.2
116.5
113.6
111.6
115.1
112.6
104.3
101.8
100.3
107.5
123.1
119.1
88.6
117.2
118.2
111.8
80.2
122.0
113.8
111.8
115.3
112.7
104.1
101.3
101.1
107.3
123.7
119.4
91.1
117.1
118.0
111.2
81.8
122.0
114.5 115.1 115.5 115.7 115.5 115.7 116.0
112.3 113.0 113.2 113.3 113.2 113.3 113 5
115.9 116.5 116.6 116.8 116.6 116.9 117.1
113.3 113.9 114.2 114.4 114.3 114.6 114.8
104.9 105.7 106.3 106.7 106.0 105.5 105.4
102.6 104.0 104.6 104.8 103.7 102.8 102.7
102.0 102.2 102.1 102.4 102.1 101.9 101.9
108.1 109.0 109.4 109.5 109.1 109.1 109.0
124.2 124.9 124.6 124.6 124.6 125.3 125.8
120.1 120.6 120.8 120.8 121.0 121.7 122.1
92.7
92.3
89.8
89.0
88.3
87.4
87.0
117.6 118.3 118.9 119.2 119.2 119.7 120.0
118.6 119.4 120.1 120.5 120.4 120.8 121.1
111.8 112.9 113.7 114.1 113.5 113.2 113.3
83.8 83.5
82.9
83.1
82.0 80.0
78.8
122.7 123.2 123.9 124.2 124.4 125.2 125.7
116.6
114 0
117.7
115.3
106.3
104 1
101.9
109 8
126.0
122.4
86.5
120.6
121.9
114.6
78.0
126.1
117.2
117.6
118 4
115.9
107 3
105 fi
102.9
1110
126 5
122.8
87.3
121.2
122 4
115.5
79.7
126.5
123.2
88 7
121 5
122 7
115 5
81 4
126.9
118.1
115.7
119.3
116.8
107.4
105.5
104.0
111.4
128.4
124.1
91.0
121.8
123.0
115.4
81.4
127.4
118.4
116.1
119.8
117.2
107.4
105.4
104.8
111.9
128.9
124.7
91.4
122.3
123.3
115.2
81.9
128.0
91.3
30.5
88.0
29.4
87.8
29.3
87.3
29.2
86.9
29.0
86.7
29.0
86.5
28.9
86.6
28.9
86.2
28.8
85.8
28.7
85.4
28.5
85.1
28.4
84.7
28.3
84.4
28.2
108.6
323.4
112.5
335.0
112.7
335.6
113.3
337.4
113.8
339.1
114.1
340.0
114.3
340.4
114.2
340.2
114.5 114.7
341.0 341.6
115.1
343.0
115.7 116 2 116.7
344.7 346.1 347.6
117.2
349.1
Food and beverages ....................
Food................................................
Food at home..................................
Cereals and bakery products...............
Meats, poultry, fish, and eggs......................
Dairy products....................................
Fruits and vegetables...................
Other foods at home..............................
Sugar and sweets.................................
Fats and oils..............................
Nonalcoholic beverages.............
Other prepared foods............................
Food away from home ............................
Alcoholic beverages...................................
108.9 113.3
108.8 113.3
107.1 111.7
110.9 114.8
104.4 110.4
103.2 105.7
109.4 118.8
109.1 110.4
109.0 110.9
106.4 107.9
110.0 107.5
109.0 113.6
112.5 116.9
111.1 113.9
113.5
113.5
111.9
115.2
111.3
105.1
119.6
109.9
111.0
108.2
105.9
113.9
117.0
114.2
113.6
113.6
111.9
115.3
111.8
105.5
117.3
110.3
111.3
108.1
106.0
114.6
117.4
114.4
114.0
114.0
112.2
115.4
112.7
106.2
117.1
110.2
111.5
107.6
106.0
114.4
117.9
114.6
114.1 114.1 114.5
114.1 114.0 114.5
112.2 111.9 112.5
115.7 116.2 116.9
112.0 111.2 110.1
106.7 106.7 106.4
117.5 117.4 123.0
110.5 110.1 109.8
111.6 111.2 110.9
107.3 107.9 107.6
106.9 105.2 104.9
114.5 114.9 114.8
118.2 118.5 118.8
114.9 115.2 115.1
115.4
115.4
113.7
118.1
110.8
107.1
125.7
111.3
112.1
108.4
107.2
115.7
119.1
115.6
115.5
115.4
113.5
118.8
110.5
107.0
124.0
111.7
112.1
109.5
107.9
115.8
119.6
116.6
115.7
115.6
113.5
118.9
111.1
106.9
122.2
111.9
112.4
110.3
108.0
116.0
120.0
117.3
116.3
116.2
114 2
1199
111.4
106.9
125.2
112.0
112.2
110.2
107.9
116.4
120.6
117.9
116.8
116.7
114 7
120 4
112.0
107 2
126 4
112 2
112.4
1110
107 7
116 8
120 9
118.0
117.4
117.3
115.5
120.8
114.5
107.0
125.5
112.3
113.1
111.4
107.3
116.9
121.4
118.4
118.5
118.5
116.9
122.1
116.3
107.3
128.4
113.0
113.9
112.5
107.4
118.1
122.0
118.9
Housing ...................................
Shelter ........................................
Renters’ costs (12/84=100)..............
Rent, residential.........................................
Other renters’ costs .......................
Homeowners' costs (12/84=100).................
Owners’ equivalent rent (12/84 = 100) ..................
Household insurance (12/84—100)......................
Maintenance and repairs..............................
Maintenance and repair services ...................
Maintenance and repair commodities...................
Fuel and other utilities..........................................
Fuels ...................................................
Fuel oil, coal, and bottled g a s ...............................
Gas (piped) and electricity ...............................................
Other utilities and public services..............................
Household furnishings and operations..................
Housefurnishings.................................................
Housekeeping supplies...................................
Housekeeping services.........................................
109.7
113.5
109.5
118.2
119.1
108.8
108.8
109.4
107.7
110.5
103.1
103.9
99.2
77.8
105.7
117.7
105.0
101.9
108.5
109.1
112.8
118.8
114.6
122.9
128.2
113.8
113.7
114.1
111.3
114.7
106.0
102.7
97.1
77.6
103.6
120.1
106.7
103.1
111.8
110.9
113.2
118.8
115.3
122.8
133.6
113.4
113.4
114.6
112.6
116.9
106.3
104.7
100.2
76.9
107.4
120.4
106.8
103.1
112.1
111.1
114.0
119.6
116.0
123.6
134.2
114.3
114.3
115.1
112.4
116.6
106.2
105.6
101.3
77.5
108.6
121.0
106.9
103.3
111.9
111.2
114.1
120.0
116.2
124.2
132.2
114.8
114.8
115.5
112.1
116.4
105.8
105.2
100.8
77.3
108.1
120.7
107.1
103.4
112.2
111.3
114.0
120.7
116.0
124.5
129.3
115.9
115.9
115.8
112.2
116.0
106.3
102.8
96.5
78.2
103.0
121.1
107.0
103.1
112.7
111.4
113.9
120.9
115.9
124.6
128.1
116.2
116.2
115.9
112.7
116.5
106.9
102.0
95.1
80.1
101.1
121.2
107.0
103.1
112.8
111.4
114.1
121.2
115.9
125.3
124.5
116.6
116.6
116.1
112.5
115.9
107.1
101.7
94.8
80.2
100.7
120.9
106.9
102.9
112.9
111.6
114.6
121.9
116.9
125.7
129.2
117.1
117.1
116.7
113.0
117.1
106.9
102.0
95.2
80.4
101.2
121.2
107.1
103.0
113.5
111.7
115.0
122.4
117.3
126.1
130.0
117.6
117.6
116.7
113.6
117.6
107.5
102.5
95.6
80.6
101.6
121.8
107.2
103.1
113.6
111.8
115.4
122.9
118.4
126.2
136.9
117.8
117.8
117.2
112.8
116.6
107.1
102.3
95.4
80.2
101.4
121.7
107.8
104.1
113.4
111.9
115.6
123 0
118.4
126.3
136 1
118 0
1180
117.3
114.7
119.8
107.5
102.5
95.4
79.9
101.4
122.3
108.7
104.2
114.3
115.6
116.0
123 4
1186
126.6
136 2
118 4
118 5
117 3
113 7
117 6
107.9
103.0
96 1
79 7
102 2
122 5
108 8
104.2
114 5
115.7
116.9
123.9
119.3
126.9
138.8
118.8
118.8
118.0
113.9
117.9
107.9
105.5
100.5
78.9
107.5
122.2
109.1
104.6
115.1
115.7
117.4
124.5
120.0
127.5
140.8
119.4
119.5
118.6
113.8
117.6
108.0
105.6
100.5
76.7
107.8
122.4
109.4
104.9
115.5
115.9
Apparel and upkeep .....................................................
105.8
110.4
107.1
109.1
112.9
115.2
115.2
112.6
110.3
110.0
113.9
116.3
115.7
114.1
112.4
All items........................
Commodities..................
Food and beverages.................
Commodities less food and beverages..........
Nondurables less food and beverages ........
Apparel commodities.................
Nondurables less food, beverages, and apparel
Durables.................................
Services..............................
Rent of shelter (12/82=100)...........
Household services less rent of’ shelter (12/82 = 100)
Transportation services......................
Medical care services..................................
Other services ..............................
Special indexes:
All items less food ...................
All items less shelter.......................
All items less homeowners’ costs (12/82=100)....
All items less medical care...............
Commodities less food...............
Nondurables less food ...............................
Nondurables less food and apparel ........................................
Nondurables..........................................
Services less rent of shelter (12/82 = 100) ...
Services less medical care......................................................
All items less energy .........................
All items less food and energy ...............................................
Commodities less food and energy.................
Energy commodities ...............................
Services less energy......................
Purchasing power of the consumer dollar:
1982-84 = $1.00.................................
1967=$1.00.........................
86.4
28.8
116.3
107 6
103 8
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR URBAN WAGE EARNERS
AND CLERICAL WORKERS:
All items ........................................
All items (1967=100) ..........................
See footnotes at end of table.
84
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
30. Continued— Consumer Price Indexes for All Urban Consumers and for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers: U.S. city
average, by expenditure category and commodity or service group
(1982-84 = 100, unless otherwise indicated)
Series
Annual
average
1987
1988
1986
1987
July
Aug.
Sept.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
Apparel commodities...............................................................
Men’s and boys’ apparel.......................................................
Women’s and girls’ apparel ..................................................
Infants’ and toddlers' apparel................................................
Footwear..............................................................................
Other apparel commodities...................................................
Apparel services......................................................................
104.2
105.9
103.8
113.5
102.1
101.6
115.0
108.8
108.5
110.3
114.0
105.5
107.4
119.2
105.3
106.9
104.4
109.7
103.9
107.3
119.5
107.4
107.7
108.2
110.6
104.7
108.2
119.3
111.5
109.8
115.2
113.9
106.0
109.8
119.4
113.9
111.5
118.2
118.6
107.9
110.4
120.3
113.9
112.0
117.6
118.7
108.6
110.5
120.7
111.1
110.4
112.6
116.4
108.0
110.6
120.9
108.6
108.6
108.2
115.2
106.8
112.2
121.1
108.3
108.7
107.9
113.3
106.4
112.0
121.5
112.4
111.1
114.9
116.0
107.7
112.8
121.6
114.9
112.2
118.8
119.1
109.6
113.9
122.0
114.3
113.0
116.7
119.7
109.9
114.0
122.2
112.6
112.1
113.5
118.8
109.6
113.5
122.4
110.6
111.5
109.5
118.6
108.7
115.2
122.7
Transportation ...........................................................................
Private transportation...............................................................
New vehicles........................................................................
New cars............................................................................
Used c a rs.............................................................................
Motor fuel.............................................................................
Gasoline.............................................................................
Maintenance and repair........................................................
Other private transportation..................................................
Other private transportation commodities...........................
Other private transportation services..................................
Public transportation...............................................................
101.7
100.9
110.4
110.4
108.8
77.1
76.9
110.6
113.8
96.3
117.1
116.8
105.1
104.1
114.0
114.3
113.1
80.3
80.2
115.1
119.0
96.7
123.4
120.4
105.8
104.9
113.9
114.4
115.4
82.3
82.2
114.9
118.9
96.3
123.4
119.7
106.3
105.5
113.5
114.0
115.5
84.5
84.4
115.4
118.7
96.7
123.1
120.8
106.4
105.5
113.3
113.8
115.9
84.1
84.1
116.0
119.1
97.3
123.4
121.4
106.9
106.1
114.5
114.9
116.1
83.3
83.2
116.3
121.0
97.7
125.8
120.7
107.6
106.7
115.9
116.2
116.4
83.3
83.2
116.7
122.0
97.2
127.1
121.2
107.3
106.4
116.1
116.3
116.2
82.0
81.9
117.0
122.0
97.4
127.1
121.3
106.8
105.9
115.8
115.9
115.9
79.7
79.5
117.4
122.9
98.1
128.0
121.2
106.4
105.6
115.7
116.0
116.0
78.3
78.1
117.8
123.2
98.0
128.5
120.4
106.2
105.3
115.3
115.7
116.1
77.5
77.3
118.6
123.1
98.1
128.2
120.8
106.8
105.9
115.3
115.7
116.6
79.4
79.2
118.9
123.0
97.9
128.3
121.7
107.8
107.0
115.6
116.0
116.9
81.4
81.3
119.4
124.3
98.6
129.7
121.8
108.2
107.3
115.8
116.2
117.5
81.4
81.3
119.8
125.2
98.5
130.8
122.3
108.6
107.7
115.8
116.2
117.8
82.3
82.3
120.1
125.4
97.9
131.3
123.0
Medical care..............................................................................
Medical care commodities.......................................................
Medical care services..............................................................
Professional services............................................................
Hospital and related services ................................................
122.0
122.2
122.0
120.9
122.6
130.2
130.2
130.3
129.0
131.1
130.8
130.9
130.8
129.6
131.4
131.4
131.3
131.4
130.2
132.4
132.0
131.9
132.0
130.9
132.8
132.6
132.6
132.6
131.4
133.7
133.0
133.4
133.0
131.7
134.9
133.4
134.1
133.2
132.0
135.4
134.6
134.7
134.6
133.4
136.9
135.8
135.4
135.8
134.7
138.4
136.5
136.1
136.6
135.5
139.3
137.1
137.2
137.1
136.1
140.1
137.8
138.0
137.7
136.6
141.2
138.5
138.3
138.5
137.7
141.5
139.6
139.4
139.6
138.5
143.8
Entertainment............................................................................
Entertainment commodities .....................................................
Entertainment services............................................................
111.0
107.8
116.5
114.8
110.6
121.8
115.0
110.9
121.8
115.1
110.8
122.2
115.6
110.9
123.2
116.3
111.3
124.3
116.7
112.2
124.1
116.9
112.6
124.0
117.4
112.8
124.9
117.6
112.9
125.2
118.2
113.5
126.0
118.9
114.2
126.5
119.0
114.6
126.3
119.4
114.9
126.8
119.8
115.4
127.2
Other goods and services.........................................................
Tobacco products ...................................................................
Personal care..........................................................................
Toilet goods and personal care appliances...........................
Personal care services .........................................................
Personal and educational expenses........................................
School books and supplies...................................................
Personal and educational services........................................
120.9
124.8
111.9
111.2
112.6
128.5
127.8
128.6
127.8
133.7
115.0
113.9
116.1
138.2
137.9
138.4
127.5
135.1
115.1
114.1
116.2
136.7
136.4
137.0
128.0
135.4
115.4
114.3
116.7
137.4
136.6
137.7
130.3
136.0
115.8
114.6
117.1
141.8
140.7
142.1
130.8
136.5
116.1
115.0
117.3
142.4
141.8
142.7
131.0
136.7
116.2
115.0
117.4
142.8
141.8
143.1
131.3
137.2
116.4
115.1
117.8
143.0
141.9
143.3
132.7
141.0
117.1
116.0
118.3
143.4
143.9
143.6
133.6
142.3
117.5
116.2
118.9
144.3
145.3
144.5
134.0
143.0
117.7
116.5
119.0
144.6
145.2
144.8
134.2
143.1
118.1
117.0
119.3
144.7
145.4
144.9
134.5
143.4
118.5
117.1
119.9
145.2
145.4
145.4
135.0
143.8
118.8
117.4
120.2
145.8
145.6
146.0
136.3
147.9
119.1
117.8
120.4
146.0
145.6
146.3
All items......................................................................................
Commodities.............................................................................
Food and beverages...............................................................
Commodities less food and beverages....................................
Nondurables less food and beverages .................................
Apparel commodities..........................................................
Nondurables less food, beverages, and apparel .................
Durables...............................................................................
108.6
103.9
108.9
100.8
97.3
104.2
95.3
104.9
112.5
107.3
113.3
103.6
100.8
108.8
99.2
106.6
112.7
107.3
113.5
103.5
100.4
105.3
100.3
106.9
113.3
107.9
113.6
104.3
101.8
107.4
101.4
106.8
113.8
108.5
114.0
105.1
103.1
111.5
101.5
106.9
114.1
108.9
114.1
105.7
103.8
113.9
101.3
107.4
114.3
109.1
114.1
106.0
104.0
113.9
101.6
108.0
114.2
108.9
114.5
105.4
102.8
111.1
101.2
108.0
114.5
108.8
115.4
104.7
101.7
108.6
100.8
107.9
114.7
108.7
115.5
104.5
101.4
108.3
100.5
107.9
115.1
109.3
115.7
105.3
102.7
112.4
100.4
108.0
115.7
110.1
116.3
106.3
104.3
114.9
101.6
108.1
116.2
110.5
116.8
106.7
104.8
114.3
102.6
108.4
116.7
110.7
117.4
106.5
104.3
112.6
102.8
108.7
117.2
111.1
118.5
106.6
104.3
110.6
103.7
108.8
Services.....................................................................................
Rent of shelter (12/84 —100)..................................................
Household services less rent of shelter (12/84 —100).............
Transportation services...........................................................
Medical care services..............................................................
Other services ........................................................................
114.7
109.0
103.9
115.4
122.0
118.7
119.4
114.0
104.0
120.8
130.3
124.7
119.7
114.0
105.9
120.6
130.8
124.1
120.4
114.9
106.6
120.7
131.4
124.6
120.9
115.2
106.3
121.2
132.0
126.9
121.1
115.9
104.2
122.5
132.6
127.7
121.2
116.1
103.4
123.5
133.0
127.8
121.3
116.4
103.1
123.6
133.2
127.9
122.0
117.1
103.5
124.1
134.6
128.5
122.5
117.5
103.9
124.4
135.8
129.0
122.8
118.0
103.8
124.5
136.6
129.5
123.1
118.2
104.4
124.8
137.1
129.8
123.6
118.5
104.9
125.8
137.7
130.0
124.5
119.0
107.2
126.6
138.5
130.5
125.1
119.6
107.4
127.1
139.6
130.8
Special indexes:
All items less food ..................................................................
All items less shelter ..............................................................
All items less homeowners’ costs (12/84=100)......................
All items less medical care......................................................
Commodities less food............................................................
Nondurables less food ............................................................
Nondurables less food and apparel ........................................
Nondurables............................................................................
Services less rent of shelter (12/84—100)..............................
Services less medical care......................................................
Energy.....................................................................................
All items less energy ..............................................................
All items less food and energy ...............................................
Commodities less food and energy.........................................
Energy commodities ...............................................................
Services less energy...............................................................
108.5
107.4
102.8
107.8
101.2
98.0
96.4
103.3
107.1
113.9
87.4
111.5
112.3
107.6
77.2
115.8
112.2
111.0
106.4
111.5
103.9
101.4
100.0
107.2
110.8
118.2
88.0
116.0
116.8
110.8
80.3
121.2
112.4
111.2
106.6
111.7
103.8
101.1
101.0
107.2
111.5
118.5
90.5
115.9
116.6
110.3
82.0
121.1
113.1
111.8
107.1
112.3
104.6
102.4
101.9
107.9
112.0
119.2
92.2
116.4
117.2
110.8
84.1
121.8
113.7
112.4
107.7
112.9
105.4
103.6
102.0
108.8
112.5
119.7
91.8
117.1
117.9
111.8
83.8
122.4
114.0
112.6
107.8
113.1
105.9
104.2
101.9
109.2
112.2
119.9
89.3
117.7
118.7
112.7
83.0
123.1
114.3
112.7
108.0
113.3
106.3
104.4
102.2
109.2
112.2
119.9
88.6
118.0
119.1
113.1
83.2
123.4
114.1
112.5
107.8
113.2
105.6
103.3
101.8
108.8
112.2
120.1
87.8
118.0
119.0
112.6
82.1
123.7
114.2
112.7
108.0
113.4
105.0
102.4
101.5
108.8
112.8
120.7
86.8
118.5
119.3
112.3
80.0
124.3
114.4
112.8
108.1
113.6
104.9
102.2
101.4
108.7
113.2
121.1
86.3
118.7
119.6
112.4
78.7
124.8
115.0
113.2
108.6
114.0
105.7
103.4
101.4
109.4
113.4
121.4
85.8
119.3
120.3
113.5
77.9
125.2
115.5
113.9
109.2
114.6
106.6
104.9
102.5
110.5
113.9
121.7
86.7
119.9
120.8
114.3
79.7
125.6
116.0
114.4
109.7
115.0
107.0
105.4
103.4
111.0
114.4
122.2
88.1
120.2
121.1
114.4
81.5
126.0
116.5
115.0
110.2
115.6
106.9
105.0
103.6
111.1
115.7
123.1
90.3
120.5
121.4
114.3
81.4
126.5
116.8
115.4
110.7
116.0
107.0
105.1
104.5
111.6
116.1
123.6
90.7
121.0
121.7
114.2
82.1
127.1
Purchasing power of the consumer dollar:
1982-84-$1.00.......................................................................
1967 —$1.00............................................................................
92.0
30.9
89.0
29.9
88.7
29.8
88.2
29.6
87.8
29.5
87.6
29.4
87.4
29.4
87.5
29.4
87.3
29.3
87.2
29.3
86.8
29.2
86.4
29.0
86.1
28.9
85.7
28.8
85.3
28.6
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
85
MONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
31.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics: Price Data
Consumer Price Index: U.S. city average and available local area data: ail items
(1982-84=100, unless otherwise indicated)
Area’
U.S. city average .
Region and area size3
Northeast urban................
Size A - More than
1,200,000
Size B - 500,000 to
1,200,000
Size C - 50,000 to
500.000 ...........................
North Central urban ..........
Size A - More than
1 200.000
Size B - 360,000 to
1,200,000
Size C - 50,000 to
360.000 ...........................
Size D - Nonmetro
politan (less
than 50,0000 ..................
South urban.......................
Size A - More than
1.200.000 ........................
Size B - 450,000 to
1,200,000
Size C - 50,000 to
450.000 ...........................
Size D - Nonmetro
politan (less
than 50,000)....................
West urban........................
Size A - More than
1.250.000 .........................
Size B - 330,000 to
1.250.000 .........................
Size C - 50,000 to
330.000 ...........................
.
............
Size classes:
A ................
B ................
C ...............
D ...............
Selected local areas
Chicago, ILNorthwestern IN ..............
Los Angeles-Long
Beach, Anaheim, C A ......
New York, NYNortheastern N J ..............
Philadelphia, PA-NJ..........
San FranciscoOakland, C A .....................
Baltimore, MD ...............
Boston, MA ...................
Cleveland, O H ...............
Miami, F L ......................
r St. Louis, MO-IL............
Washington, DC-MD-VA
Dallas-Ft. Worth, TX .
Detroit, M l................
Houston, T X ............
Pittsburgh, PA .........
All Urban Consumers
cing Other
he- index
e2 base
1387
1988
Aug.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
July
Aug.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
M
113.8
114.4
116.E
117.1
117.5
118.C
118.5
112.7
113.3
115.1
115.7
116.2
116.7
117.2
M
116.0
116.9
119.6
120.4
120.7
121.4
121.8
115.2
116.0
118.4
119.2
119.5
120.2
120.6
M
116.9
117.9
120.4
121.3
121.6
122.0
122.6
115.4
116.3
118.5
119.3
119.5
120.0
120.6
M
113.5
114.0
117.5
118.2
118.9
119.9
120.0
112.5
113.0
116.4
117.0
117.7
118.7
118.8
M
M
115.0
112.3
115.9
113.1
117.2
114.3
118.2
114.9
118.7
115.5
119.8
116.0
120.0
116.6
117.3
110.4
118.2
111.2
119.8
112.3
120.7
113.0
121.2
113.6
122.2
114.1
122.4
114.7
M
113.2
114.0
115.1
115.7
116.0
117.0
117.7
110.7
111.5
112.5
113.1
113.5
114.4
115.1
M
111.5
112.6
114.2
115.0
115.7
115.6
115.8
109.0
110.1
111.8
112.6
113.4
113.3
113.5
M
111.9
112.8
114.6
115.2
116.1
116.1
116.6
110.8
111.6
113.4
114.0
114.9
114.9
115.5
M
M
110.2
112.6
110.5
112.9
111.1
114.8
111.8
115.4
112.2
115.6
112.8
116.1
113.5
116.6
110.0
112.1
110.2
112.4
110.6
114.2
111.3
114.7
111.9
114.9
112.4
115.5
113.2
116.1
M
113.5
114.0
115.5
116.0
116.7
117.2
117.7
112.8
113.2
114.7
115.1
115.7
116.4
116.9
M
112.7
113.2
115.8
116.3
116.2
116.7
117.1
111.1
111.4
113.6
114.1
114.0
114.7
115.2
M
112.1
112.3
114.0
114.5
114.6
114.9
115.6
112.5
112.7
114.3
114.9
115.0
115.3
116.1
M
M
110.8
114.3
110.9
114.8
112.7
117.5
113.6
117.9
113.7
118.5
114.5
118.7
115.0
119.2
111.6
113.2
111.7
113.7
113.4
116.2
114.2
116.6
114.4
117.2
115.3
117.4
115.8
117.8
119.2
120.1
120.2
120.5
113.0
113.6
116.2
116.6
117.4
117.5
117.8
M
115.4
116.0
118.9
M
113.1
113.3
115.9
-
-
-
-
113.4
113.6
116.0
-
-
-
-
M
113.8
114.2
116.2
116.8
116.5
117.2
117.9
113.2
113.6
115.6
116.2
115.9
116.6
117.3
M 12/86
M
103.2
112.7
112.9
111.3
103.8
113.2
113.4
111.4
105.7
115.8
115.1
113.5
106.3
116.4
115.8
114.1
106.7
116.7
116.1
114.3
107.2
117.2
116.5
115.0
107.6
117.5
117.1
115.4
103.3
111.5
113.2
111.6
103.9
112.0
113.7
111.8
105.6
114.3
115.4
113.7
106.1
114.9
116.1
114.3
106.6 107.1
115.3 115.8
116.4 116.8
114.6 115.3
107.6
116.1
117.4
115.7
M
M
M
-
115.9
116.7
116.9
117.1
117.0
118.9
119.8
112.4
113.2
113.2
113.3
113.3
115.2
116.2
M
-
116.5
117.3
120.6
121.1
122.0
122.0
122.1
113.8
114.6
117.5
118.0
118.9
118.9
119.0
M
M
-
“
117.9
117.4
118.9
118.4
121.5
119.6
122.6
120.0
122.7
120.9
123.1
121.9
123.6
123.2
116.5
117.3
117.4
118.4
119.7
119.5
120.6
119.8
120.7
120.8
121.2
121.8
121.7
123.1
M
-
115.8
116.1
119.1
118.7
119.7
120.1
120.9
114.7
114.9
117.9
117.8
118.7
119.0
119.7
1
1
“
-
-
117.7
122.1
115.1
115.1
114.2
119.2
-
117.8
123.1
116.6
116.2
114.1
120.1
-
119.9
123.8
117.6
116.8
116.0
120.7
114.7
116.4
108.1
111.3
112.5
115.3
_
_
“
115.0
116.3
112.8
112.0
112.7
116.2
-
119.7
123.7
112.6
116.0
115.7
119.9
-
-
_
_
-
-
115.4
112.7
109.4
110.0
-
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
2
“
113.5
112.2
107.3
112.0
-
-
-
115.4
114.4
108.2
114.5
sive of farms and militan,- Vea definitions are those established by the Of
fice of Management ana 3udg t in 1983, except for Boston-Lawrence-Salem, MA-NH Area (excludes Monroe County); and Milwaukee, Wl Area (in
cludes only the Milwaukee MSA' Definitions do not include revisions made
since 1983.
2 Foods, fuels, and several other items priced every month in all areas;
most other goods and services priced as indicated:.
M - Every month.
1 - January, March, May, July, September, and November.
2 - February, April, June, August, October, and December.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1987
July
'
86
Urban Wage Earners
1988
-
“
-
-
115.6
115.4
109.4
114.3
-
-
-
-
”
-
_
-
-
113.3
109.6
107.1
107.7
117.3
121.8
110.2
114.3
113.8
118.5
_
_
_
_
_
_
-
114.8
111.9
108.1
110.1
117.4
123.1
111.7
115.1
113.7
119.3
_
_
-
_
3 Regions are defined as the four Census regions.
- Data not available.
NOTE: Local area CPI indexes are byproducts of the national CPI pro
gram. Because each local index is a small subset of the national index, it
has a smaller sample size and is, therefore, subject to substantially more
sampling and other measurement error than the national index. As a result,
local area indexes show greater volatility than the national index, although
their long-term trends are quite similar. Therefore, the Bureau of Labor Sta
tistics strongly urges users to consider adopting the national average CPI
for use in escalator clauses.
32.
Annual data: Consumer Price Index, U.S. city average, all items and major groups
(1982-84 = 100)
Series
1979
Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers:
All items:
Percent change.............................................................
Food and beverages:
Percent change..............................................................
Housing:
Percent change..................................................... ........
Apparel and upkeep:
Percent change ......i.......................................................
Transportation:
Percent change..............................................................
Medical care:
Percent change..............................................................
Entertainment:
Percent change......................................... ............... •■•••
Other goods and services:
Percent change......................................... ....................
Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and
Clerical Workers:
All items:
Percent change....................................... ......................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
72.6
11.3
82.4
13.5
90.9
10.3
96.5
6.2
99.6
3.2
103.9
4.3
107.6
3.6
109.6
1.9
113.6
3.6
79.9
10.7
86.7
8.5
93.5
7.8
97.3
4.1
99.5
2.3
103.2
3.7
105.6
2.3
109.1
3.3
113.5
4.0
70.1
12.3
81.1
15.7
90.4
11.5
96.9
7.2
99.5
2.7
103.6
4.1
107.7
4.0
110.9
3.0
114.2
3.0
84.9
4.3
90.9
7.1
95.3
4.8
97.8
2.6
100.2
2.5
102.1
1.9
105.0
2.8
105.9
.9
110.6
4.4
70.5
14.3
83.1
17.9
93.2
12.2
97.0
4.1
99.3
2.4
103.7
4.4
106.4
2.6
102.3
-3.9
105.4
3.0
67.5
9.2
74.9
11.0
82.9
10.7
92.5
11.6
100.6
8.8
106.8
6.2
113.5
6.3
122.0
7.5
130.1
6.6
76.7
6.7
83.6
9.0
90.1
7.8
96.0
6.5
100.1
4.3
103.8
3.7
107.9
3.9
111.6
3.4
115.3
3.3
68.9
7.2
75.2
9.1
82.6
9.8
91.1
10.3
101.1
11.0
107.9
6.7
114.5
6.1
121.4
6.0
128.5
5.8
73.1
11.4
82.9
13.4
91.4
10.3
96.9
6.0
99.8
3.0
103.3
3.5
106.9
3.5
108.6
1.6
112.5
3.6
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
33.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics: Price Data
Producer Price Indexes, by stage of processing
(1982 = 100)
1987
Annual average
1988
Grouping
Finished goods .......................................
Finished consumer goods ........................
Finished consumer foods.......................
Finished consumer goods excluding
foods .....................................................
Nondurable goods less food ...............
Durable goods .....................................
Capital equipment.....................................
Intermediate materials, supplies, and
components...........................................
Materials and components for
manufacturing ..........................................
Materials for food manufacturing...........
Materials for nondurable manufacturing .
Materials for durable manufacturing......
Components for manufacturing..............
Materials and components for
construction..............................................
Processed fuels and lubricants.................
Containers..................................................
Supplies.....................................................
Crude materials for further processing ...
Foodstuffs and feedstuffs .......................
Crude nonfood materials.........................
1986
1987
Aug.
Oct.
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
Feb.
Mar.
Apr.
May
June
July
103.2
101.4
107.3
105.4
103.6
109.5
105.9
104.3
109.5
105.7
104.2
110.5
106.2
104.4
109.7
106.3
104.5
109.8
105.8
104.0
108.9
106.3
104.5
110.5
106.1
104.1
109.4
106.3
104.4
110.1
106.9
105.1
110.2
107.5
105.7
111.3
107.9
106.1
112.5
108.5
107.0
113.7
98.5
93.3
108.9
109.7
100.7
94.9
111.5
111.7
101.8
96.6
110.9
111.7
101.1
96.1
110.0
111.2
101.9
95.8
113.4
112.5
101.9
95.9
113.0
112.5
101.6
95.9
112.2
112.4
101.5
95.5
112.6
112.9
101.5
95.5
112.8
113.2
101.5
95.6
112.6
113.2
102.5
96.9
112.8
113.6
102.9
97.4
112.9
113.9
103.0
97.3
113.3
114.2
103.7
98.1
113.7
114.2
Sept.
99.1
101.5
102.5
102.7
103.1
103.4
103.6
104.2
104.3
104.7
105.5
106.2
107.4
108.2
102.2
98.4
98.1
101.2
107.5
105.3
100.8
102.2
106.2
108.8
105.8
101.5
102.9
107.1
108.8
106.3
102.8
103.4
108.1
109.0
107.2
101.9
104.5
110.2
109.3
107.5
100.6
104.9
111.1
109.5
108.1
99.9
105.5
112.9
109.8
109.5
101.9
107.5
114.5
110.5
109.9
102.0
108.5
113.9
110.8
110.5
101.6
109.6
114.7
111.1
111.5
102.8
110.9
116.6
111.4
112.2
104.2
111.6
117.5
111.7
113.0
107.0
112.2
118.4
112.3
113.9
109.9
113.7
119.4
112.4
108.1
72.7
110.3
105.6
109.8
73.3
114.5
107.7
110.2
77.3
114.4
107.8
110.7
75.9
115.4
108.2
111.2
74.6
116.1
108.8
111.9
74.4
116.5
109.5
112.4
72.9
116.1
109.9
113.6
70.7
116.6
110.5
113.8
70.2
116.9
110.6
114.4
69.6
117.4
111.1
115.0
70.5
118.2
111.7
115.2
71.5
119.3
112.3
115.9
73.3
119.9
114.0
116.7
73.4
120.3
115.2
87.7
93.2
81.6
93.7
96.2
87.9
96.5
97.1
91.8
95.7
96.6
90.8
95.3
96.1
90.5
94.7
95.3
90.1
94.4
95.9
89.2
93.7
97.2
87.3
94.7
99.7
87.4
94.1
99.8
86.4
95.7
101.2
88.0
97.1
104.5
88.2
98.2
108.4
87.5
97.0
109.9
84.8
101.9
63.0
109.7
109.7
110.6
104.0
61.8
112.3
112.5
113.3
104.7
64.9
112.3
112.6
113.4
104.2
63.4
112.4
112.8
113.1
105.1
62.4
113.1
113.4
114.5
105.1
62.5
113.2
113.4
114.5
104.9
61.4
112.9
113.1
114.5
104.9
59.2
113.9
114.3
115.2
105.0
58.5
113.8
114.0
115.5
105.1
58.2
114.1
114.4
115.7
105.8
60.9
114.3
114.5
115.9
106.2
61.5
114.9
115.2
116.2
106.4
60.8
115.5
115.9
116.5
106.8
60.7
116.3
117.0
117.2
111.1
114.2
114.3
114.1
115.6
115.6
115.7
116.5
116.8
117.1
117.2
117.5
117.9
118.9
113.1
116.3
116.9
117.3
117.4
117.6
118.4
119.5
119.9
120.4
120.5
120.9
121.3
122.8
99.3
96.2
72.6
104.5
101.7
99.2
73.0
107.3
102.7
99.6
77.0
107.7
102.8
101.0
75.6
108.3
103.2
100.6
74.4
109.1
103.6
101.4
74.1
109.5
103.7
102.0
72.7
110.1
104.2
102.9
70.5
111.2
104.4
101.9
70.0
111.4
104.8
102.0
69.3
112.1
105.7
103.5
70.2
112.8
106.3
104.9
71.2
113.5
107.1
112.0
73.0
114.5
107.7
116.8
73.1
115.5
104.9
107.8
108.2
108.7
109.6
110.1
110.6
111.8
112.2
112.9
113.7
114.3
114.9
115.7
71.8
95.4
103.1
75.0
100.9
115.7
78.9
102.3
118.7
76.7
103.0
122.9
75.4
103.6
126.4
74.7
103.1
127.1
73.6
103.7
127.3
70.8
105.1
129.2
70.4
107.6
131.6
68.7
108.1
133.4
70.5
109.2
133.6
71.4
110.9
131.1
70.7
113.8
131.0
66.9
115.4
132.8
Special groupings
Finished goods, excluding fo o d s.................
Finished energy goods ................................
Finished goods less energy........................
Finished consumer goods less energy.......
Finished goods less food and energy........
Finished consumer goods less food and
energy.........................................................
Consumer nondurable goods less food and
energy.........................................................
Intermediate materials less foods and
fe e d s...........................................................
Intermediate foods and feeds.....................
Intermediate energy goods .........................
Intermediate goods less energy..................
Intermediate materials less foods and
energy.........................................................
Crude energy materials................................
Crude materials less energy.......................
Crude nonfood materials less energy.........
88
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
34.
Producer Price indexes, by durability of product
(1982 = 100)
May
June
July
Nov.
Dec.
Jan.
110.2
98.8
111.4
98.5
111.7
98.6
112.0
98.3
112.8
98.5
113.0
98.6
113.3
98.8
113.8
99.8
114.0
100.8
114.5
101.9
114.8
102.5
105.1
109.7
100.5
105.1
109.7
100.4
105.8
110.9
100.7
106.0
111.1
100.9
106.0
111.4
100.6
106.6
112.2
101.1
106.8
112.4
101.3
107.1
112.6
101.7
107.8
113.1
102.6
108.5
113.4
103.7
109.1
113.9
104.4
109.8
114.1
105.4
96.2
125.7
94.7
95.9
130.9
94.3
94.9
137.3
92.9
94.7
138.0
92.6
94.5
138.3
92.4
94.0
139.9
91.9
94.1
144.6
91.8
93.8
146.2
91.4
94.9
146.6
92.5
95.6
142.9
93.4
97.7
144.0
95.5
97.4
149.2
94.9
Aug.
Total nondurable goods...............................
107.5
94.8
109.9
97.5
110.0
99.0
Nondurable ................................................
101.7
107.5
96.0
104.4
109.6
99.2
92.3
107.8
91.5
94.2
122.6
92.9
35.
Apr.
Oct.
1987
Nondurable ................................................
Mar.
Feb.
1986
Total raw or slightly processed goods .......
1988
1987
Annual average
Grouping
Sept.
Annual data: Producer Price Indexes, by stage of processing
(1982 = 100)
Index
Finished goods:
Intermediate materials, supplies, and
components:
1979
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
88.0
88.6
85.8
96.1
96.6
94.6
100.0
100.0
100.0
101.6
101.3
102.8
103.7
103.3
105.2
104.7
103.8
107.5
103.2
101.4
109.7
105.4
103.6
111.7
78.4
90.3
98.6
100.0
100.6
103.1
102.7
99.1
101.5
80.9
84.2
61.6
79.4
80.2
91.7
91.3
85.0
89.1
89.9
98.7
97.9
100.6
96.7
96.9
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
101.2
102.8
95.4
100.4
101.8
104.1
105.6
95.7
105.9
104.1
103.3
107.3
92.8
109.0
104.4
102.2
108.1
72.7
110.3
105.6
105.3
109.8
73.3
114.5
107.7
85.9
100.0
69.6
57.3
95.3
104.6
84.6
69.4
103.0
103.9
101.8
84.8
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
101.3
101.8
100.7
105.1
103.5
104.7
102.2
105.1
95.8
94.8
96.9
102.7
87.7
93.2
81.6
92.2
93.7
96.2
87.9
84.1
Crude materials for further processing:
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
1981
77.6
77.5
77.5
Materials and components for
Materials and components for construction ....
1980
—
—
89
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
36.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics: Price Data
U.S. export price indexes by Standard International Trade Classification
(June 1977=100, unless otherwise indicated)
Category
1974
SITO
ALL COMMODITIES (9/83 = 100)..........................................................
1985
Dec.
1986
Mar.
1987
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
1988
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
99.7
99.4
99.1
97.9
99.0
99.9
102.2
102.8
104.9
106.5
109.4
97.2
102.5
100.2
91.7
98.6
120.0
98.0
97.1
105.2
108.6
89.0
108.6
114.8
97.0
86.0
111.3
111.9
66.3
114.6
123.9
98.7
90.1
114.5
115.9
72.5
117.5
119.7
99.9
87.3
115.0
117.1
68.3
115.3
117.0
100.1
89.9
121.2
125.8
71.0
112.4
123.8
100.6
86.7
118.8
131.1
67.8
101.1
123.1
100.3
94.6
116.8
138.5
77.4
100.5
145.2
100.3
95.2
122.8
140.9
79.8
97.5
134.6
102.3
103.4
131.8
144.7
87.2
104.4
158.1
102.7
96.6
97.4
97.3
102.6
Food (3/83 = 100)............................................................
Meat (3/83 = 100)......................................................................
Fish (3/83 = 100) .................................................................
Grain and grain preparations (3/80 = 100) ...............................................
Vegetables and fruit (3/83-100) ............................................................
Feedstuffs for animals (3 /8 3 -1 0 0 )...................................................
Misc. food products (3/83 = 100)............................................................
0
01
03
04
05
08
09
100.7
103.6
100.6
98.8
98.2
114.0
99.5
Beverages and tobacco (6 /8 3 = 10 0 ).......................................................
Beverages (9 /8 3 = 1 0 0 )..................................................................
Tobacco and tobacco products (6 /8 3 = 1 0 0 )...........................................
1
11
12
99.4
102.6
_
105.0
_
105.5
107.0
109.6
110.6
99.5
96.3
97.1
97.0
102.6
102.6
105.0
105.5
107.0
109.8
110.7
Crude materials (6/83 = 100).....................................................................
Raw hides and skins (6/80=100) ............................................................
Oilseeds and oleaginous fruit (9 /7 7 =10 0 )...............................................
Crude rubber (including synthetic and reclaimed) (9 /8 3 = 1 0 0 )...............
W ood.......................................................................................................
Pulp and waste paper (6/83 = 100) ..........................................................
Textile fibers...............................................................................................
Crude fertilizers and minerals...................................................................
Metalliferous ores and metal scrap ..........................................................
2
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
98.1
110.0
94.7
99.7
101.9
96.7
96.4
99.2
94.8
101.4
108.7
99.1
99.7
101.5
104.2
100.2
100.0
100.3
102.2
117.1
98.1
99.9
101.2
116.4
98.0
98.4
98.0
99.6
108.3
97.5
99.6
102.9
129.0
73.0
98.0
100.4
102.4
115.9
95.2
98.9
107.9
129.4
90.9
96.8
96.8
105.7
131.9
90.4
99.9
111.2
144.2
97.8
94.4
98.8
114.5
149.6
101.6
101.0
116.2
149.9
112.4
94.0
107.0
118.7
147.7
95.1
102.8
141.7
153.0
116.5
91.6
117.4
125.2
157.1
109.6
105.3
146.0
160.4
111.6
91.6
125.9
130.0
171.4
115.6
104.5
150.2
171.2
107.5
92.8
131.8
139.7
164.2
143.0
106.1
149.5
178.8
109.8
94.9
146.0
Mineral fu e ls ................................................................................................
3
97.0
83.6
76.8
77.4
77.8
81.3
82.8
84.6
82.5
79.3
82.1
Animal and vegetables oils, fats, and w axe s.........................................
Fixed vegetable oils and fats (6/83 = 1 00)...............................................
4
42
82.5
80.3
74.3
71.3
67.7
70.6
62.1
60.2
71.8
64.6
73.9
67.3
78.8
71.9
78.5
71.2
81.6
75.4
92.7
85.7
97.3
93.7
Chemicals (3/83 = 100)...............................................................................
Organic chemicals (12/83=100) ..............................................................
Fertilizers, manufactured (3/83 = 100)......................................................
5
51
56
99.6
99.2
100.5
99.8
98.5
98.9
98.0
93.1
93.0
95.7
91.6
85.1
95.2
92.4
77.4
99.6
101.9
85.6
106.7
118.4
91.6
107.7
116.1
100.9
112.9
123.5
106.5
117.9
135.1
110.6
121.8
145.1
109.8
Intermediate manufactured products (9/81 = 1 0 0 ).................................
Leather and furskins (9 /7 9 = 10 0 ).............................................................
Rubber manufactures ................................................................................
Paper and paperboard products (6/78 = 100)..........................................
Iron and steel (3/82=100) .......................................................................
Nonferrous metals (9/81=100) ................................................................
Metal manufactures, n.e.s. (3/82=100) ...................................................
6
61
62
64
67
68
69
99.8
98.0
99.7
97.9
100.9
98.9
100.2
101.3
97.3
100.7
100.5
100.3
104.2
100.4
102.5
103.8
100.1
104.7
100.2
103.1
100.8
103.8
104.2
100.5
109.1
102.3
105.3
100.8
104.2
107.8
100.9
110.8
101.9
102.6
100.8
106.4
123.6
102.0
114.7
102.9
106.6
101.5
107.9
126.9
102.5
117.0
102.9
113.0
101.3
110.3
128.7
103.9
120.1
100.7
123.0
102.3
111.2
118.0
104.1
122.4
102.9
124.4
103.4
114.4
125.7
105.2
126.2
106.1
134.0
104.5
117.8
125.1
108.8
129.0
110.8
143.7
108.0
Machinery and transport equipment, excluding military
and commercial aircraft (12/78 = 1 00)....................................................
Power generating machinery and equipment (12/78=100) ....................
Machinery specialized for particular industries (9/78-100) ....................
Metalworking machinery (6/78=100) ....................................................
General industrial machines and parts n.e.s. 9/78 = 100).......................
Office machines and automatic data processing equipment...................
Telecommunications, sound recording and reproducing equipment.......
Electrical machinery and equipment.........................................................
Road vehicles and parts (3/80 = 100)....................................................
Other transport equipment, excl. military and commercial aviation .......
7
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
100.2
101.3
100.4
101.3
100.4
99.1
100.1
98.9
100.9
101.1
100.7
102.3
100.6
101.9
100.9
99.9
99.2
99.5
101.0
102.1
100.8
102.4
100.3
102.0
101.6
99.0
98.9
99.2
101.7
103.1
101.0
102.5
100.4
103.0
102.5
98.8
99.7
99.7
101.9
102.8
101.6
103.7
100.6
104.2
103.3
98.2
101.3
100.3
103.3
103.5
101.7
104.6
100.0
105.8
104.2
96.0
101.9
101.7
103.1
104.5
101.8
103.7
100.1
106.7
104.5
96.1
101.4
102.1
103.5
105.5
102.1
104.8
100.5
107.8
104.6
95.7
101.4
102.5
103.8
105.8
102.4
105.2
100.9
108.2
105.4
95.5
101.9
101.8
104.6
106.6
103.2
107.0
102.1
109.3
106.7
95.8
102.8
103.1
104.5
107.4
103.9
108.5
103.6
111.3
108.0
95.5
104.6
102.8
104.7
109.6
100.3
102.3
103.5
105.2
105.4
-
-
-
_
_
Other manufactured articles ........................................................
Apparel (9/83 = 1 00).................................................................................
Professional, scientific, and controlling instruments and apparatus........
Photographic apparatus and supplies, optical goods, watches and
clocks (12/77=100)..........................................................................
8
84
87
105.6
_
106.9
108.0
100.6
102.0
103.1
103.0
103.5
104.4
105.5
106.3
107.1
110.0
111.1
88
100.1
101.9
102.6
102.4
102.1
102.7
102.5
99.0
97.9
97.6
99.8
Miscellaneous manufactured articles, n.e.s...............................................
89
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Gold, non-monetary (6 /8 3 = 1 0 0 )..............................................................
971
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Data not available.
90
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
-
-
-
103.4
_
103.8
_
104.6
_
_
_
37.
U.S. import price indexes by Standard International Trade Classification
(June 1977=100, unless otherwise indicated)
Category
1974
SITC
A LL COMMODITIES (9 /8 2 -1 0 0 )...............................................................
1988
1987
1986
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
98.7
101.1
102.3
106.5
110.0
110.9
112.5
113.8
116.9
June
M e a t...........................................................................................................
Dairy products and eggs (6/81— 100) ....................................................
0
01
02
03
107.3
96.0
108.7
110.5
112.0
104.3
111.3
114.1
109.1
109.2
113.8
119.1
105.2
105.0
119.3
121.8
108.3
108.0
122.3
126.0
109.1
114.4
121.7
130.4
112.5
113.4
125.1
131.0
114.1
111.5
125.6
132.5
113.9
107.1
125.0
129.1
Bakery goods, pasta products, grain and grain preparations
(9/77-100) ..............................................................................................
Fruits and vegetables ................................................................................
Sugar, sugar preparations, and honey (3 /8 2 -1 0 0 ).................................
Coffee, tea, cocoa.....................................................................................
04
05
06
07
112.5
100.0
104.6
117.2
117.8
106.0
106.2
121.5
118.8
104.3
106.5
104.9
122.3
101.9
107.4
89.9
126.2
110.1
109.6
87.0
124.8
110.0
109.0
85.1
130.7
116.2
107.0
90.6
135.8
115.4
109.6
94.3
139.9
120.3
110.0
93.4
1
11
105.2
106.1
103.9
107.5
106.8
109.5
107.8
112.1
112.8
114.2
112.2
114.8
113.5
116.2
116.0
118.7
116.2
119.9
2
23
24
25
27
28
29
106.4
99.5
104.3
100.3
99.0
121.6
111.3
109.5
97.7
107.6
108.0
98.4
124.8
112.4
109.1
98.4
104.8
116.9
98.6
118.3
111.9
115.1
98.4
113.5
127.0
98.2
122.8
113.0
116.2
103.7
110.2
132.0
99.6
124.5
109.0
120.3
110.7
117.4
133.4
99.2
128.7
107.6
122.1
120.1
108.8
141.0
99.9
137.9
118.3
129.2
121.7
112.4
151.0
100.4
151.2
135.8
137.8
151.1
111.4
160.5
101.0
167.6
149.0
3
33
51.5
49.0
52.2
50.0
55.9
55.0
67.4
67.4
74.1
74.4
74.3
75.2
67.2
67.8
60.6
60.4
64.7
65.0
4
42
66.7
-
61.2
-
83.4
-
82.9
-
87.9
“
96.4
100.0
102.1
105.7
106.4
111.1
111.2
116.1
5
54
56
59
99.7
111.2
93.0
110.1
99.8
115.9
89.8
111.3
99.0
113.6
89.9
112.7
102.6
120.1
92.9
115.1
104.8
123.4
94.6
117.7
105.6
124.3
109.3
120.6
110.1
126.3
133.6
124.8
114.2
135.3
133.7
138.7
116.3
140.3
136.3
148.6
6
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
103.6
106.3
101.2
111.0
100.8
105.4
110.5
98.9
98.9
107.9
105.8
108.8
102.0
112.7
101.0
107.4
116.6
100.0
103.3
107.7
106.7
107.2
101.8
117.4
104.9
107.9
117.9
100.9
101.5
108.3
108.6
110.9
104.3
118.0
104.8
110.4
120.5
102.7
102.5
112.1
112.5
116.6
104.6
124.3
104.9
111.8
126.7
106.6
112.4
112.7
116.3
117.8
103.2
128.3
110.3
114.6
130.4
109.4
120.9
114.6
119.8
124.4
104.6
128.2
112.3
118.6
133.4
114.0
125.8
117.8
124.4
131.8
106.0
133.8
117.2
120.0
137.4
120.0
132.7
121.1
131.6
137.0
107.7
137.8
118.3
120.6
142.5
127.2
154.6
127.9
7
72
73
74
110.4
116.9
113.0
116.2
113.0
122.7
117.7
119.9
114.4
123.0
120.9
120.9
117.5
130.4
126.4
127.9
119.9
136.1
128.1
130.8
119.9
134.3
130.2
130.1
123.1
142.1
135.5
137.0
125.4
146.8
139.9
140.4
127.3
149.5
142.5
143.5
75
109.1
109.9
108.9
110.0
114.0
114.8
118.3
118.1
119.6
76
77
78
106.4
106.4
110.8
109.2
108.8
112.9
108.9
109.8
116.1
110.5
112.4
118.6
110.3
115.8
120.5
110.2
115.1
120.6
112.1
118.2
122.6
112.8
122.2
125.5
114.0
123.8
127.7
8
81
82
84
85
106.8
108.6
108.0
100.7
108.0
109.7
111.1
110.7
101.7
110.7
110.3
110.8
112.3
102.6
112.3
114.5
111.6
114.8
106.4
114.8
117.8
117.0
119.8
109.2
119.8
118.5
116.2
119.0
111.9
119.0
121.8
121.0
124.3
112.3
124.3
124.2
123.4
125.4
115.6
125.4
125.8
127.0
130.2
114.8
130.2
87
117.9
122.6
122.5
131.3
135.9
132.7
138.7
140.0
142.2
88
89
113.8
"
118.0
“
119.0
“
123.7
“
126.0
-
122.1
127.3
"
129.2
“
129.3
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Food (9 /7 7 -1 0 0 )........................................................................................
Beverages and to bacco ...................................................................................
Beverages .................................................................................................
Crude m a te ria ls ...................................................................................................
Crude rubber (inc. synthetic & reclaimed) (3/84 = 100)...........................
Wood (9/81-100) ....................................................................................
Pulp and waste paper (12/81 -1 00 ) ........................................................
Crude fertilizers and crude minerals (12/83=100) ..................................
Metalliferous ores and metal scrap (3/84 = 100).....................................
Crude vegetable and animal materials, n.e.s.............................................
Fuels and related pro d u cts (6 /8 2 -1 0 0 )..................................................
Petroleum and petroleum products (6/82-100) ......................................
Fats and oils (9/83-100) ..........................................................................
Vegetable oils (9 /8 3 -1 0 0 ).......................................................................
Chem icals (9 /8 2 -1 0 0 )...............................................................................
Medicinal and pharmaceutical products (3/84-100) ..............................
Manufactured fertilizers (3/84 — 100)........................................................
Chemical materials and products, n.e.s. (9/84— 100)..............................
Interm ediate m anufactured pro d u c ts (12/77-100) ..............................
Leather and furskins.................................................................................
Rubber manufactures, n.e.s.......................................................................
Cork and wood manufactures ..................................................................
Paper and paperboard products ...............................................................
Textiles.......................................................................................................
Nonmetallic mineral manufactures, n.e.s...................................................
Iron and steel (S/78-100) .......................................................................
Nonferrous metals (12/81— 100) ..............................................................
Metal manufactures, n.e.s..........................................................................
M achinery and tra n sp o rt equipm ent (6/81 — 1 0 0 )....................................
Machinery specialized for particular industries (9/78— 100)....................
Metalworking machinery (3/80 — 100) ......................................................
General industrial machinery and parts, n.e.s. (6/81-100) ....................
Office machines and automatic data processing equipment
(3 /8 0 -1 0 0 ).............................................................................................
Telecommunications, sound recording and reproducing apparatus
(3 /8 0 -1 0 0 ).............................................................................................
Electrical machinery and equipment (12/81— 100) ..................................
Road vehicles and parts (6/81 — 100)......................................................
Mlsc. m anufactured articles (3/80 — 100).................................................
Plumbing, heating, and lighting fixtures (6/80— 100) ...............................
Furniture and parts (6/80 — 100) ...............................................................
Clothing (9/77-100) ................................................................................
Footwear....................................................................................................
Professional, scientific, and controlling instruments and
apparatus (12/79— 100)...........................................................................
Photographic apparatus and supplies, optical goods, watches, and
clocks (3/80 — 1 00)..................................................................................
Mise, manufactured articles, n.e.s. (6 /8 2 = 1 0 0 )......................................
Gold, non -m onetary (6 /8 2 — 1 0 0 )....................................................................
Data not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
971
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
38.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Price Data
U.S. export price indexes by end-use category
(September 1983 = 100 unless otherwise indicated)
Category
Foods, feeds, and beverages .......................................................
Raw materials................................................................................
Capital goods (12/8 2=1 0 0 )..........................................................
Automotive vehicles, parts and engines (12/82=100) ................
Consumer goods............................................................................
Durables ......................................................................................
Nondurables................................................................................
39.
Percentage
of 1980
trade
value
16.294
30.696
30.186
7.483
7.467
3.965
3.501
1986
June
96.2
96.0
100.6
101.9
103.3
102.8
103.7
Sept.
87.2
95.1
100.7
102.3
103.6
102.9
103.8
1987
Dec.
90.2
96.3
101.1
103.5
105.2
104.9
104.3
Mar.
June
87.4
100.8
101.4
103.4
105.9
105.5
105.4
1988
Sept.
91.5
106.1
101.6
103.6
106.3
106.6
104.3
88.0
109.1
101.8
104.0
106.9
107.3
104.6
Dec.
Mar.
96.6
111.8
102.1
104.5
108.0
107.9
106.3
June
98.5
114.2
103.3
104.3
110.1
110.4
107.4
110.2
118.3
104.1
104.7
110.6
110.3
108.8
U.S. import price indexes by end-use category
(December 1982=100)
Category
Foods, feeds, and beverages .......................................................
Petroleum and petroleum products, excl. natural g a s ..................
Raw materials, excluding petroleum .............................................
Raw materials, nondurable .........................................................
Raw materials, durable................................................................
Capital goods.................................................................................
Automotive vehicles, parts and engines.......................................
Consumer goods............................................................................
Durable ........................................................................................
Nondurable..................................................................................
Percentage
of 1980
trade
value
7.477
31.108
19.205
9.391
9.814
13.164
11.750
14.250
5.507
8.743
1986
June
Sept.
1987
Dec.
Mar.
June
1988
Sept.
106.1
49.1
109.8
50.0
108.4
54.7
105.2
67.2
107.8
74.1
109.0
74.7
-
-
-
-
_
_
-
-
_
_
_
Dec.
Mar.
112.1
67.6
113.7
60.3
113.6
64.8
_
_
_
-
-
-
-
_
_
_
_
110.7
110.4
107.1
113.5
112.7
110.1
114.2
114.6
110.5
118.7
116.5
114.2
122.2
118.4
116.9
121.9
118.4
118.2
126.6
120.6
121.4
130.8
125.9
126.4
-
-
_
-
_
_
_
128.6
123.7
124.2
“
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
_
_
- Data not available.
40.
U.S. export price indexes by Standard Industrial Classification 1
1986
1987
1988
Industry group
June
Manufacturing:
Food and kindred products (6/83 = 100) ..........................
Lumber and wood products, except furniture
(6/83 = 1 00).....................................................................
Furniture and fixtures (9/83=100) ....................................
Paper and allied products (3/81 = 100).............................
Chemicals and allied products (1 2/8 4=1 0 0 )....................
Petroleum and coal products (1 2/8 3=1 0 0 ).....................
Primary metal products (3/82=100) .................................
Machinery, except electrical (9/78 = 1 00).........................
Electrical machinery (12/80=100) ....................................
Transportation equipment (12/78 = 100)...........................
Scientific instruments; optical goods; clocks
(6 /7 7 = 1 0 0 ).....................................................................
1 SIC - based classification.
92
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Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
97.2
97.4
100.2
102.0
107.4
107.1
116.3
120.8
124.8
103.4
103.7
97.9
98.0
61.8
102.6
100.1
99.5
104.7
104.8
104.0
102.3
95.8
65.1
109.3
100.1
99.9
104.8
108.8
104.1
104.9
95.8
67.6
106.9
100.1
100.8
106.0
112.8
108.0
109.3
100.5
73.5
110.6
99.6
101.9
106.2
116.2
108.6
112.3
107.6
80.5
117.2
99.4
102.1
106.7
138.9
108.7
115.5
108.7
81.4
122.3
99.4
102.5
106.9
142.5
111.2
119.3
113.8
78.8
126.6
99.7
102.2
107.8
146.1
112.5
124.6
118.4
73.0
126.9
100.6
102.9
108.0
145.3
112.9
129.5
122.5
78.3
134.8
101.3
103.4
109.0
104.5
104.7
105.3
105.8
106.8
106.6
107.1
109.2
110.6
_
_
41.
U.S. import price indexes by Standard Industrial Classification 1
1986
1987
1988
Industry group
June
Manufacturing:
Food and kindred products (6/77— 100) .................................
Textile mill products (9 /8 2 = 10 0 ).............................................
Apparel and related products (6/77 — 100)..............................
Lumber and wood products, except furniture
(6/77-100) ............................................................................
Furniture and fixtures (6 /8 0 =10 0 )...........................................
Paper and allied products (6 /7 7 = 1 0 0 )...................................
Chemicals and allied products (9/82 = 100) ............................
Rubber and miscellaneous plastic products
(1 2/8 0= 1 0 0 )..........................................................................
Leather and leather products ...................................................
Primary metal products (6/81 = 100) .......................................
Fabricated metal products (12/84 — 100).................................
Machinery, except electrical (3/80 = 100)................................
Electrical machinery (9 /8 4 -1 0 0 ).............................................
Transportation equipment (6/81=100) ....................................
Scientific instruments; optical goods; clocks
(1 2 /7 9 -1 0 0 )..........................................................................
Miscellaneous manufactured commodities
(9/82-100) ............................................................................
Sept.
Dec.
Mar.
June
Sept.
Mar.
Dec.
June
97.3
106.8
101.2
99.7
109.2
102.4
103.0
110.6
103.0
103.8
114.1
107.0
106.3
116.1
109.4
108.4
119.4
112.3
110.6
124.3
113.4
114.0
127.4
116.6
114.4
128.9
116.0
106.3
109.4
97.3
103.3
109.0
111.4
98.6
104.3
109.0
111.6
103.3
102.6
114.8
116.1
105.1
105.7
115.0
117.0
105.9
106.2
120.3
118.3
110.9
107.2
115.4
118.9
113.6
112.2
119.5
122.2
119.1
116.8
120.0
124.0
121.2
121.2
105.3
103.2
97.1
110.5
114.9
104.3
112.8
106.6
105.3
102.3
111.1
118.2
106.9
114.7
107.9
106.4
101.3
111.7
118.9
107.0
117.3
110.6
109.3
102.7
116.7
123.4
109.4
119.9
113.6
113.3
110.4
117.5
127.4
110.7
122.1
112.3
113.3
115.2
119.8
127.8
110.2
122.5
115.7
118.4
120.0
123.2
133.9
112.5
124.6
117.2
120.8
122.6
127.3
135.9
114.7
127.3
119.2
125.1
135.0
133.9
138.2
116.1
129.5
117.8
122.6
122.4
128.8
132.5
128.8
134.0
135.8
136.9
104.7
110.7
112.2
115.1
118.1
121.4
123.8
127.7
133.2
1 SIC - based classification.
42.
Indexes of productivity, hourly compensation, and unit costs, quarterly data seasonally adjusted
(1977 = 100)
Quarterly Indexes
Item
1985
IV
1986
I
II
1987
III
IV
I
II
1988
III
IV
I
II
Business:
Output per hour of all persons.............................
Compensation per hour........................................
Real compensation per h o u r................................
Unit labor costs ....................................................
Unit nonlabor payments .......................................
Implicit price deflator............................................
108.5
178.8
99.4
164.8
161.6
163.7
110.5
180.4
100.0
163.3
164.5
163.7
110.4
182.0
101.2
164.9
165.2
165.0
110.0
184.0
101.7
167.3
166.6
167.0
109.8
186.2
102.2
169.6
163.7
167.5
109.9
187.3
101.5
170.5
165.6
168.7
110.6
189.0
101.2
170.8
168.7
170.1
111.7
191.1
101.4
171.1
171.5
171.2
111.8
194.0
102.0
173.5
168.9
171.9
112.8
195.8
102.1
173.5
170.0
172.3
112.2
198.0
102.0
176.5
169.2
173.9
Nonfarm business:
Output per hour of all persons.............................
Compensation per hour........................................
Real compensation per h o u r................................
Unit labor costs ....................................................
Unit nonlabor payments .......................................
Implicit price deflator ............................................
106.5
177.9
99.0
167.1
162.7
165.5
108.6
179.8
99.6
165.5
166.1
165.7
108.4
181.2
100.7
167.1
166.6
167.0
108.0
183.1
101.2
169.5
168.1
169.0
107.8
185.4
101.8
172.1
164.9
169.5
107.8
186.4
101.0
172.9
167.2
170.9
108.6
187.9
100.6
173.0
169.8
171.9
109.6
190.0
100.8
173.3
173.0
173.2
109.9
192.9
101.4
175.6
170.9
174.0
110.8
194.6
101.5
175.7
171.6
174.2
110.3
196.6
101.3
178.2
171.4
175.8
Nonfinancial corporations:
Output per hour of all employees........................
Compensation per hour........................................
Real compensation per h o u r................................
Total unit co sts.....................................................
Unit labor costs ..................................................
Unit nonlabor co sts............................................
Unit profits.............................................................
Unit nonlabor payments .......................................
Implicit price deflator ............................................
108.0
175.3
97.5
165.8
162.3
176.3
132.4
160.9
161.8
109.5
177.1
98.1
165.5
161.7
176.7
133.7
161.7
161.7
109.3
178.5
99.2
166.7
163.3
176.9
132.7
161.4
162.6
109.6
180.2
99.6
168.4
164.3
180.3
133.6
164.0
164.2
110.3
182.2
100.1
168.8
165.1
179.6
129.7
162.1
164.1
110.1
182.9
99.1
169.9
166.2
180.8
128.5
162.5
164.9
110.9
184.3
98.7
170.3
166.1
182.6
129.8
164.1
165.4
112.2
186.1
98.7
170.2
165.9
183.0
136.4
166.6
166.1
112.2
188.5
99.1
172.0
168.1
183.6
128.3
164.2
166.7
113.3
189.9
99.0
171.5
167.5
183.4
132.5
165.6
166.9
Manufacturing:
Output per hour of all persons.............................
Compensation per hour........................................
Real compensation per h o u r................................
Unit labor costs ....................................................
125.3
179.4
99.8
143.2
126.6
181.1
100.3
143.0
127.2
182.0
101.2
143.2
128.0
183.6
101.5
143.4
128.8
185.3
101.7
143.8
130.0
185.9
100.8
143.1
131.7
186.3
99.7
141.4
132.8
187.2
99.3
141.0
133.2
134.3
188.2 ' 190.7
99.0
99.4
141.3
142.1
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
-
135.4
192.1
99.0
141.9
- Data not available.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
93
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Price and Productivity Data
43. Annual indexes of multifactor productivity and related measures, selected years
(1977 = 100)
Item
1960
1970
1973
1976
1978
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
Private business
Productivity:
Output per hour of all persons ..........................
Output per unit of capital services.....................
Multifactor productivity.......................................
O utput....................................................................
Inputs:
Hours of all persons...........................................
Capital services ..................................................
Combined units of labor and capital inp u t........
Capital per hour of all persons.............................
67.3
102.1
78.1
55.3
88.4
101.9
92.9
80.2
95.9
105.3
99.1
93.0
98.4
97.2
98.0
94.5
100.8
102.0
101.2
105.8
99.2
94.2
97.4
106.6
100.6
92.4
97.7
108.9
100.3
86.7
95.3
105.4
103.1
88.4
97.7
109.9
105.7
92.8
101.0
119.2
107.6
92.8
102.2
124.0
109.7
92.8
103.4
128.1
82.2
54.2
70.8
65.9
90.8
78.7
86.3
86.7
96.9
88.3
93.8
91.1
96.1
97.2
96.5
101.2
105.0
103.8
104.5
98.8
107.5
113.1
109.4
105.3
108.2
117.8
111.5
108.8
105.2
121.7
110.7
115.7
106.7
124.4
112.6
116.6
112.8
128.5
118.1
113.9
115.2
133.6
121.3
116.0
116.8
138.0
123.8
118.2
70.7
103.6
80.9
54.4
89.2
102.8
93.7
79.9
96.4
106.0
99.6
92.9
98.5
97.3
98.1
94.4
100.8
101.9
101.2
106.0
98.7
93.4
96.9
106.6
99.6
91.1
96.7
108.4
99.1
85.1
94.1
104.8
102.5
87.3
97.0
110.1
104.7
91.3
99.9
119.3
105.9
90.8
100.5
123.7
107.6
90.5
101.4
127.6
77.0
52.5
67.3
68.2
89.6
77.8
85.3
86.8
96.3
87.6
93.3
91.0
95.8
97.0
96.2
101.3
105.1
104.0
104.7
98.9
108.0
114.1
110.0
105.6
108.8
119.0
112.2
109.4
105.7
123.2
111.4
116.5
107.4
126.1
113.5
117.4
114.0
130.6
119.4
114.6
116.8
136.3
123.1
116.7
118.5
141.0
125.8
119.0
62.2
102.5
71.9
52.5
80.8
98.6
85.2
78.6
93.4
111.4
97.9
96.3
97.1
96.2
96.8
93.1
101.5
102.1
101.7
106.0
101.4
91.2
98.7
103.2
103.6
89.2
99.8
104.8
105.9
81.8
99.2
98.4
112.0
86.9
105.1
104.7
118.1
95.7
112.2
117.5
124.2
97.8
117.0
122.5
128.8
99.3
120.6
125.9
84.4
51.2
73.0
60.7
97.3
79.7
92.2
82.0
103.1
86.4
98.4
83.8
95.9
96.7
96.1
100.9
104.4
103.7
104.2
99.4
101.7
113.1
104.5
111.2
101.1
117.5
105.0
116.2
92.9
120.3
99.2
129.4
93.5
120.6
99.7
129.0
99.5
122.8
104.7
123.5
98.7
125.3
104.8
127.0
97.8
126.8
104.4
129.7
Private nonfarm business
Productivity:
Output per hour of all persons..........................
Output per unit of capital services.....................
Multifactor productivity.......................................
O utput...................................................................
Inputs:
Hours of all persons...........................................
Capital services ..................................................
Combined units of labor and capital inp u t........
Capital per hour of all persons.............................
Manufacturing
Productivity:
Output per hour of all persons ..........................
Output per unit of capital services.....................
Multifactor productivity.......................................
O utput...................................................................
Inputs:
Hours of all persons...........................................
Capital services ..................................................
Combined units of labor and capital inputs......
Capital per hour of all persons.............................
94
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
44.
Annual indexes of productivity, hourly compensation, unit costs, and prices, selected years
(1977 = 100)
Item
1960
1970
1973
1976
1978
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
67.6
33.6
68.9
49.7
46.4
48.5
88.4
57.8
90.3
65.4
59.4
63.2
95.9
70.9
96.8
73.9
72.5
73.4
98.3
92.8
98.8
94.3
93.3
94.0
100.8
108.5
100.9
107.6
106.7
107.3
99.3
131.5
96.7
132.5
118.7
127.6
100.7
143.7
95.8
142.7
134.6
139.8
100.3
154.9
97.3
154.5
136.6
148.1
103.0
161.4
98.2
156.7
146.4
153.0
105.5
167.9
97.9
159.1
156.5
158.2
107.7
175.5
98.8
162.9
160.9
162.2
110.1
183.1
101.2
166.3
165.0
165.8
111.0
190.4
101.5
171.5
168.7
170.5
71.0
35.3
72.3
49.7
46.3
48.5
89.3
58.2
90.9
65.2
60.0
63.4
96.4
71.2
97.2
73.9
69.3
72.3
98.5
92.8
98.9
94.3
93.0
93.8
100.8
108.6
100.9
107.7
105.6
107.0
98.8
131.3
96.6
132.9
118.5
127.8
99.8
143.6
95.8
144.0
133.5
140.3
99.2
154.8
97.2
156.0
136.5
149.2
102.5
161.5
98.3
157.6
148.3
154.3
104.6
167.8
97.9
160.4
156.3
159.0
106.1
174.9
98.5
164.9
161.9
163.8
108.2
182.3
100.8
168.6
166.4
167.8
109.0
189.4
101.0
173.8
170.2
172.5
73.4
36.9
75.5
49.4
50.2
47.0
59.8
51.5
50.7
91.1
59.2
92.5
64.8
65.0
64.2
52.3
60.1
63.3
97.5
71.6
97.7
72.7
73.4
70.7
65.6
68.9
71.9
98.4
92.9
98.9
94.8
94.3
96.2
89.4
93.8
94.2
100.6
108.4
100.8
107.3
107.8
105.7
102.0
104.4
106.6
99.1
131.1
96.4
133.4
132.3
136.7
85.2
118.6
127.6
99.6
143.3
95.5
147.7
143.8
159.1
98.1
137.8
141.7
100.4
154.3
96.9
159.5
153.8
176.4
78.5
142.1
149.8
103.5
159.9
97.3
159.5
154.5
174.3
110.9
152.1
153.7
106.0
165.8
96.7
160.8
156.5
173.6
136.5
160.6
157.9
107.7
172.5
97.1
164.1
160.2
175.8
133.0
160.8
160.4
109.7
179.5
99.2
167.3
163.6
178.4
132.4
162.3
163.2
111.3
185.5
98.9
170.6
166.6
182.5
130.8
164.4
165.8
62.2
36.5
74.8
58.7
60.0
59.1
80.8
57.4
89.6
71.0
64.1
69.0
93.4
68.8
93.9
73.7
70.7
72.8
97.1
92.1
98.1
94.9
93.5
94.5
101.5
108.2
100.6
106.6
101.9
105.2
101.4
132.4
97.4
130.6
97.8
121.0
103.6
145.2
96.8
140.1
111.8
131.8
105.9
157.5
98.9
148.7
114.0
138.6
112.0
162.4
98.8
145.0
128.5
140.2
118.1
168.0
98.0
142.2
138.6
141.2
123.6
176.4
99.3
142.7
130.4
139.1
127.7
183.0
101.2
143.3
136.3
141.3
132.0
186.3
99.7
141.7
139.2
141.0
Business:
Output per hour of all persons.............................
Compensation per h our........................................
Real compensation per h o u r................................
Unit labor costs ....................................................
Unit nonlabor payments .......................................
Implicit price deflator ............................................
Nonfarm business:
Output per hour of all persons.............................
Compensation per hour........................................
Real compensation per h o u r................................
Unit labor costs ....................................................
Unit nonlabor payments .......................................
Implicit price deflator ............................................
Nonfinancial corporations:
Output per hour of all employees........................
Compensation per hour........................................
Real compensation per h o u r................................
Total unit costs.....................................................
Unit labor costs ..................................................
Unit nonlabor co sts ............................................
Unit profits.............................................................
Unit nonlabor payments .......................................
Implicit price deflator ............................................
Manufacturing:
Output per hour of all persons.............................
Compensation per h our........................................
Real compensation per h o u r................................
Unit labor costs ....................................................
Unit nonlabor payments .......................................
Implicit price deflator ............................................
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
International Comparisons Data
45. Unemployment rates, approximating U.S. concepts, in nine countries, quarterly data
seasonally adjusted
Annual average
1986
1987
1988
Country
1986
1987
IV
I
II
III
IV
I
II
Total labor force basis
United States....................................
Canada ..............................................
Australia ............................................
Japan .................................................
6.9
9.5
8.0
2.8
6.1
8.8
8.1
2.9
6.8
9.4
8.3
2.8
6.5
9.6
8.2
3.0
6.2
9.0
8.1
3.1
5.9
8.8
8.0
2.8
5.8
8.2
7.9
2.7
5.6
7.8
7.5
2.7
_
France ...............................................
Germany.............. ..............................
Italy \ 2 ..............................................
Sweden3 ............................................
United Kingdom.................................
10.4
6.8
7.4
2.6
11.5
10.6
6.8
7.7
1.9
10.2
10.5
6.7
7.7
2.6
11.1
10.7
6.7
7.4
2.0
10.9
10.7
6.8
7.6
1.9
10.5
10.6
6.8
7.9
1.9
10.0
10.4
6.8
7.9
1.7
9.4
10.4
6.8
7.9
1.7
9.0
_
United States....................................
Canada ..............................................
Australia ............................................
Japan .................................................
7.0
9.6
8.1
2.8
6.2
8.9
8.1
2.9
6.8
9.4
8.4
2.8
6.6
9.6
8.3
3.0
6.3
9.1
8.2
3.1
6.0
8.8
8.0
2.8
5.9
8.2
8.0
2.7
5.7
7.9
7.6
2.7
_
France ...............................................
Germany............................................
Italy1, 2 ...............................................
Sweden3 ............................................
United Kingdom.................................
10.6
7.0
7.5
2.6
11.2
10.9
6.9
7.9
1.9
10.3
10.8
6.8
7.8
2.6
11.2
10.9
6.8
7.6
2.0
11.0
10.9
6.9
7.8
1.9
10.6
10.8
7.0
8.1
1.9
10.0
10.6
7.0
8.0
1.7
9.5
10.6
6.9
8.0
1.7
9.0
5.4
7.6
6.9
1.6
8.6
Civilian labor force basis
1 Quarterly rates are for the first month of the quarter.
2 Many Italians reported as unemployed did not actively
seek work in the past 30 days, and they have been ex
cluded for comparability with U.S. concepts. Inclusion of
such persons would about double the Italian unemployment
rate In 1985 and earlier years and increase it to 11-12 per
cent for 1986 onward.
3 Break in series beginning in 1987. The 1986 rate based
1
96
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
5.5
7.7
7.0
_
1.6
8.6
on the new series was 2.2 percent.
- Data not available.
NOTE: Quarterly figures for France, Germany, and the
United Kingdom are calculated by applying annual adjust
ment factors to current published data and therefore should
be viewed as less precise indicators of unemployment under
U.S. concepts than the annual figures.
46. Annual data: Employment status of the civilian working-age population, approximating U.S. concepts,
10 countries
(Numbers in thousands)
Employment status and country
1978
1979
1980
102,251
10,895
6,443
54,610
22,460
26,000
20,570
5,010
4,203
26,260
104,962
11,231
6,519
55,210
22,660
26,250
20,850
5,100
4,262
26,350
106,940
11,573
6,693
55,740
22,800
26,520
21,120
5,310
4,312
26,520
63.2
62.7
61.9
62.8
57.5
53.3
47.8
48.8
66.1
62.8
63.7
63.4
61.6
62.7
57.5
53.3
48.0
49.0
66.6
62.6
96,048
9,987
6,038
53,370
21,260
25,130
19,720
4,750
4,109
24,610
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
108,670
11,904
6,810
56,320
22,950
26,650
21,320
5,520
4,327
26,590
110,204
11,958
6,910
56,980
23,160
26,700
21,410
5,570
4,350
26,740
111,550
12,183
6,997
58,110
23,140
26,650
21,590
5,600
4,369
26,790
113,544
12,399
7,133
58,480
23,300
26,760
21,670
5,620
4,385
27,180
115,461
12,639
7,272
58,820
23,360
26,960
21,800
5,710
4,418
27,370
117,834
12,870
7,562
59,410
23,450
27,100
22,280
5,760
4,443
27,540
119,865
13,121
7,736
60,050
23,520
27,260
22,340
5,780
4,480
27,760
63.8
64.1
62.1
62.6
57.2
53.2
48.2
50.2
66.9
62.5
63.9
64.8
61.9
62.6
57.1
52.9
48.3
51.4
66.8
62.2
64.0
64.1
61.7
62.7
57.1
52.6
47.7
51.2
66.8
62.3
64.0
64.4
61.4
63.1
56.6
52.3
47.5
50.9
66.7
62.1
64.4
64.8
61.5
62.7
56.6
52.4
47.3
50.5
66.6
62.6
64.8
65.2
61.8
62.3
56.3
52.6
47.2
50.7
66.9
62.7
65.3
65.7
63.0
62.1
56.1
52.8
48.2
50.8
67.1
62.7
65.6
66.2
63.0
61.9
55.8
53.1
48.2
50.5
67.4
63.0
98,824
10,395
6,111
54,040
21,300
25,470
19,930
4,830
4,174
24,940
99,303
10,708
6,284
54,600
21,330
25,750
20,200
4,980
4,226
24,670
100,397
11,006
6,416
55,060
21,200
25,560
20,280
5,010
4,219
23,800
99,526
10,644
6,415
55,620
21,240
25,140
20,250
4,980
4,213
23,710
100,834
10,734
6,300
56,550
21,170
24,750
20,320
4,890
4,218
23,600
105,005
11,000
6,490
56,870
20,980
24,790
20,390
4,930
4,249
24,000
107,150
11,311
6,670
57,260
20,890
24,950
20,490
5,110
4,293
24,310
109,597
11,634
6,952
57,750
20,960
25,210
20,610
5,200
4,326
24,450
112,440
11,955
7,107
58,320
20,970
25,370
20,590
5,240
4,396
24,910
59.3
57.5
58.0
61.3
54.4
51.5
45.9
46.3
64.6
58.8
59.9
58.7
57.8
61.4
54.0
51.7
45.9
46.4
65.3
59.2
59.2
59.3
58.3
61.3
53.5
51.7
46.1
47.0
65.6
58.1
59.0
59.9
58.4
61.2
52.8
50.8
45.9
46.6
65.1
55.7
57.8
57.0
57.3
61.2
52.3
49.6
45.2
45.8
64.7
55.3
57.9
56.7
55.3
61.4
51.8
48.6
44.7
44.5
64.4
54.7
59.5
57.4
56.0
61.0
51.0
48.5
44.5
44.3
64.5
55.3
60.1
58.4
56.6
60.6
50.4
48.7
44.4
45.4
65.0
55.7
60.7
59.4
57.9
60.4
50.2
49.1
44.6
45.8
65.4
55.7
61.5
60.3
57.9
60.1
49.7
49.4
44.4
45.8
66.2
56.6
6,202
908
405
1,240
1,200
870
850
260
94
1,650
6,137
836
408
1,170
1,360
780
920
270
88
1,420
7,637
865
409
1,140
1,470
770
920
330
86
1,850
8,273
898
394
1,260
1,750
1,090
1,040
510
108
2,790
10,678
1,314
495
1,360
1,920
1,560
1,160
590
137
3,030
10,717
1,448
697
1,560
1,970
1,990
1,270
710
151
3,190
8,539
1,399
642
1,610
2,320
1,970
1,280
690
136
3,180
8,312
1,328
602
1,560
2,440
2,010
1,310
600
125
3,060
8,237
1,236
610
1,670
2,490
1,890
1,680
560
117
3,090
7,425
1,167
629
1,730
2,550
1,890
1,760
540
84
2,850
6.1
8.3
6.3
2.3
5.3
3.3
4.1
5.2
2.2
6.3
5.8
7.4
6.3
2.1
6.0
3.0
4.4
5.3
2.1
5.4
7.1
7.5
6.1
2.0
6.4
2.9
4.4
6.2
2.0
7.0
7.6
7.5
5.8
2.2
7.6
4.1
4.9
9.2
2.5
10.5
9.7
11.0
7.2
2.4
8.3
5.8
5.4
10.6
3.1
11.3
9.6
11.9
10.0
2.7
8.5
7.1
5.9
12.7
3.5
11.9
7.5
11.3
9.0
2.8
10.0
7.4
5.9
12.3
3.1
11.7
7.2
10.5
8.3
2.6
10.4
7.5
6.0
10.5
2.8
11.2
7.0
9.6
8.1
2.8
10.6
7.0
7.5
9.7
2.6
11.2
6.2
8.9
8.1
2.9
10.9
6.9
7.9
9.3
1.9
10.3
Labor force
United S tates........................................................
Canada ..................................................................
Australia.................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Sweden..................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
Participation rate'
United S tates........................................................
Canada ..................................................................
Australia.................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
France....................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Sweden..................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
Employed
United States ........................................................
Canada .................................................................
Australia.................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Sweden.................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
Employment-population ratio2
United States ........................................................
Canada .................................................................
Australia................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Sweden.................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
Unemployed
United S tates........................................................
Canada ..................................................................
Australia.................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
France...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Sweden..................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
Unemployment rate
United S tates........................................................
Canada .................................................................
Australia.................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
France...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Sweden.................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
1 Labor force as a percent of the civilian working-age population.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
2 Employment as a percent of the civilian working-age population.
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
47.
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
International Comparisons Data
Annual indexes of manufacturing productivity and related measures, 12 countries
(1977=100)
Item and country
1960
1970
1973
1975
1976
1977
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
1987
62.2
50.7
23.2
33.0
37.2
36.6
40.3
35.4
32.4
54.6
42.3
55.9
80.8
75.6
64.8
60.4
65.6
70.0
71.2
72.7
64.3
81.7
80.7
80.4
93.4
90.3
83.1
78.8
83.3
82.7
84.0
90.9
81.5
94.6
94.8
95.5
92.9
88.6
87.7
86.5
94.6
89.0
90.1
91.1
86.2
96.8
100.2
94.9
97.1
94.8
94.3
95.3
98.2
95.6
96.4
98.9
95.8
99.7
101.7
99.1
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
101.4
102.0
114.8
111.9
106.5
109.7
108.2
110.5
112.3
107.1
110.9
102.5
101.4
98.2
122.7
119.2
112.3
110.6
108.6
116.9
113.9
106.7
112.7
101.9
103.6
102.9
127.2
127.6
114.2
114.0
111.0
124.8
116.9
107.0
113.2
107.0
105.9
98.3
135.0
135.2
114.6
122.0
112.6
129.6
119.4
109.8
116.5
113.5
112.0
105.4
142.3
148.2
120.2
125.1
119.2
138.6
127.5
117.2
125.5
123.2
118.1
116.8
152.5
154.4
118.6
129.3
123.7
147.8
140.5
123.9
131.0
130.0
124.2
119.7
161.1
159.0
118.3
133.3
128.5
151.9
145.1
125.2
136.1
134.7
128.8
119.4
163.8
165.4
118.5
136.2
130.7
153.1
144.7
124.8
136.4
138.5
132.4
121.5
170.5
52.5
41.3
19.2
41.9
49.2
35.4
50.0
36.4
44.8
55.1
52.6
71.2
78.6
73.5
69.9
78.6
82.0
73.3
86.6
78.0
84.4
86.9
92.5
95.0
96.3
93.5
91.9
96.4
95.9
88.6
96.1
90.5
95.8
99.5
100.3
104.8
84.9
89.9
86.2
92.7
95.0
90.0
91.0
86.9
92.7
101.0
106.1
96.3
93.1
96.5
94.8
99.7
99.6
96.1
98.0
97.9
99.0
101.4
106.1
98.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
108.1
108.5
113.9
104.1
105.4
105.3
106.6
108.6
106.1
100.3
103.6
100.5
103.2
103.6
124.1
106.8
110.1
104.6
106.6
115.4
106.6
98.8
104.0
91.7
104.8
107.4
129.8
105.7
106.6
102.9
104.9
115.1
106.7
97.7
100.6
86.2
98.4
93.6
137.3
110.1
108.3
104.0
102.4
113.4
105.0
97.4
100.1
86.4
104.7
99.6
148.2
114.8
115.6
103.8
103.6
114.3
107.0
97.2
105.2
88.9
117.5
114.9
165.4
117.5
119.7
104.0
106.4
119.0
113.3
102.6
111.5
92.6
122.5
121.2
177.0
119.9
123.4
103.3
110.1
121.8
116.0
105.2
115.3
95.2
125.9
123.9
178.0
122.0
126.7
103.0
112.8
125.8
117.3
107.0
115.2
95.5
84.4
81.4
82.7
127.1
132.4
96.7
123.8
102.8
138.4
101.0
124.4
127.3
97.3
97.2
107.9
130.2
125.1
104.7
121.7
107.4
131.2
106.4
114.6
118.1
103.1
103.6
110.7
122.3
115.2
107.1
114.4
99.6
117.6
105.1
105.7
109.8
91.4
101.5
98.2
107.1
100.4
101.1
101.0
95.4
107.6
104.3
105.9
101.5
95.9
101.8
100.6
104.6
101.4
100.6
101.6
99.0
103.3
101.7
104.3
99.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
106.5
106.3
99.3
93.0
99.0
95.9
98.5
98.2
94.4
93.6
93.4
98.0
101.7
105.5
101.2
89.6
98.0
94.6
98.1
98.7
93.6
92.6
92.3
90.1
101.1
104.3
102.0
82.8
93.4
90.3
94.6
92.2
91.2
91.3
88.9
80.6
92.9
95.2
101.7
81.4
94.5
85.2
91.0
87.5
88.0
88.6
85.9
76.2
93.5
94.5
104.2
77.5
96.2
83.0
86.9
82.5
83.9
82.9
83.9
72.2
99.5
98.3
108.5
76.1
100.9
80.4
86.1
80.5
80.6
82.8
85.1
71.2
98.7
101.2
109.8
75.4
104.3
77.5
85.7
80.2
79.9
84.0
84.7
70.7
97.8
103.8
108.7
73.8
106.9
75.6
86.3
82.2
81.1
85.7
84.5
69.0
36.5
27.5
8.9
13.8
12.6
15.2
18.8
8.4
12.5
15.8
14.7
15.2
57.4
47.9
33.9
34.9
36.3
36.7
48.0
26.1
39.0
37.9
38.5
31.4
68.8
60.0
55.1
53.5
56.1
52.4
67.5
43.7
60.5
54.5
54.2
47.9
85.1
78.9
84.2
79.0
81.0
77.0
84.5
70.2
82.2
77.2
77.3
76.4
92.1
90.3
90.7
89.5
90.4
89.2
91.2
84.2
91.9
88.8
91.5
88.4
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
118.6
118.6
113.4
117.5
123.1
128.4
116.1
134.7
117.0
116.0
120.1
139.0
132.4
131.3
120.7
130.4
135.9
148.5
125.6
160.2
123.6
128.0
133.6
168.7
145.2
151.1
129.8
144.5
149.7
172.0
134.5
198.4
129.1
142.8
148.1
193.3
157.5
167.0
136.6
150.7
162.9
203.9
141.0
238.3
137.5
156.0
158.9
211.7
162.4
177.2
140.7
159.7
174.2
225.2
148.3
282.9
144.0
173.5
173.3
226.6
168.0
185.5
144.9
173.0
184.4
247.2
155.5
316.5
150.0
188.3
189.7
242.3
176.9
194.7
151.4
184.5
196.1
267.2
164.7
348.6
157.7
204.8
212.4
258.6
182.7
202.3
158.8
191.9
205.3
279.8
172.1
360.0
161.5
225.3
228.1
278.5
58.7
54.2
38.4
41.7
33.8
41.5
46.6
23.7
38.5
29.0
34.8
27.2
71.0
63.4
52.3
57.8
55.4
52.5
67.4
36.0
60.7
46.4
47.7
39.1
73.7
66.5
66.4
67.9
67.4
63.4
80.3
48.1
74.3
57.6
57.2
50.2
91.7
89.1
96.0
91.2
85.6
86.5
93.8
77.1
95.4
79.7
77.1
80.5
94.9
95.3
96.2
93.9
92.1
93.3
94.6
85.1
96.0
89.1
90.0
89.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
117.0
116.2
98.8
105.0
115.7
117.0
107.3
121.9
104.1
108.2
108.3
135.6
130.6
133.7
98.4
109.4
121.0
134.3
115.7
137.0
108.5
120.0
118.6
165.6
140.1
146.7
102.0
113.2
131.1
151.0
121.2
158.9
110.4
133.4
130.9
180.6
148.7
170.0
101.2
111.4
142.2
167.2
125.2
184.0
115.2
142.1
136.3
186.6
145.0
168.1
98.9
107.8
144.9
179.9
124.4
204.1
113.0
148.0
138.1
183.9
142.2
158.8
95.0
112.1
155.4
191.2
125.8
214.1
106.8
152.0
144.8
186.4
142.4
162.6
94.0
116.0
165.7
200.4
128.2
229.5
108.7
163.5
156.1
192.0
141.8
169.4
97.0
116.0
173.2
205.4
131.7
235.1
111.6
180.5
167.3
201.1
58.7
59.4
28.5
30.0
29.5
41.6
25.9
33.7
25.1
21.7
30.1
43.7
71.0
64.5
39.1
41.7
44.4
46.7
42.9
50.6
41.2
34.5
41.1
53.7
73.7
70.6
65.6
62.7
67.2
70.2
70.4
73.1
65.6
53.4
58.7
70.5
91.7
93.1
86.7
89.1
89.6
99.3
88.7
104.3
92.8
81.4
83.2
102.5
94.9
102.7
86.9
87.2
91.5
96.1
87.3
90.5
89.1
86.9
92.3
92.2
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
117.0
105.4
121.3
128.3
132.0
135.2
135.9
129.5
127.4
113.8
112.9
165.0
130.6
121.5
116.8
134.3
129.0
156.4
147.9
141.4
134.1
129.3
125.3
220.7
140.1
130.0
123.8
109.6
110.3
136.4
124.9
123.2
108.9
123.6
115.4
209.5
148.7
146.3
108.8
87.2
102.3
124.9
119.7
119.9
105.8
117.1
96.9
186.9
145.0
144.9
111.5
75.5
95.1
116.1
113.1
118.6
97.1
107.9
80.4
159.8
142.2
130.3
107.2
69.5
90.1
107.6
102.6
107.6
81.6
99.1
78.2
142.8
142.4
126.5
105.6
70.1
93.9
109.7
101.1
106.1
80.4
101.3
81.1
142.7
141.8
129.5
154.2
93.1
128.5
145.8
140.8
139.2
111.9
129.8
104.9
169.2
Output per hour
United S tates........................................................
Canada ..................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
Belgium.................................................................
Denmark................................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Norway..................................................................
Sweden .................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
-
121.0
141.2
132.4
158.9
_
134.4
139.9
148.1
Output
United S tates........................................................
Canada ..................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
Belgium.................................................................
Denmark................................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Norway..................................................................
Sweden.................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
130.7
129.9
184.1
-
124.3
104.1
113.5
131.2
_
108.9
118.8
100.7
Total hours
United S tates........................................................
Canada .................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
Belgium.................................................................
Denmark...............................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany...............................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Norway..................................................................
Sweden.................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
98.7
106.9
108.0
-
102.7
73.7
85.7
82.6
-
81.0
84.9
68.0
Compensation per hour
United S tates........................................................
Canada .................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
Belgium.................................................................
Denmark...............................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Norway..................................................................
Sweden.................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
185.1
211.4
161.1
-
225.9
289.3
179.1
383.2
-
263.1
243.8
301.3
Unit labor costs: National currency basis
United S tates........................................................
Canada .................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
Belgium.................................................................
Denmark ...............................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Norway..................................................................
Sweden.................................................................
Un>ted Kingdom....................................................
139.7
174.0
94.5
-
186.6
204.9
135.2
241.2
-
195.7
174.3
203.4
Unit labor costs: U.S. dollar basis
United States ........................................................
Canada .................................................................
Japan ....................................................................
Belgium.................................................................
Denmark................................................................
France ...................................................................
Germany................................................................
Italy........................................................................
Netherlands...........................................................
Norway..................................................................
Sweden.................................................................
United Kingdom....................................................
- Data not available.
98
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
139.7
139.4
175.0
-
163.6
167.5
174.5
164.2
-
154.5
122.7
191.2
48.
Occupational injury and illness incidence rates by industry, United States
Incidence rates per 100 full-time workers2
1978
1979
1980
1981
1982
1983
1984
1985
1986
PRIVATE SECTOR3
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
9.4
4.1
63.5
9.5
4.3
67.7
8.7
4.0
65.2
8.3
3.8
61.7
7.7
3.5
58.7
7.6
3.4
58.5
8.0
3.7
63.4
7.9
3.6
64.9
7.9
3.6
65.8
11.6
5.4
80.7
11.7
5.7
83.7
11.9
5.8
82.7
12.3
5.9
82.8
11.8
5.9
86.0
11.9
6.1
90.8
12.0
6.1
90.7
11.4
5.7
91.3
11.2
5.6
93.6
11.5
6.4
143.2
11.4
6.8
150.5
11.2
6.5
163.6
11.6
6.2
146.4
10.5
5.4
137.3
8.4
4.5
125.1
9.7
5.3
160.2
8.4
4.8
145.3
7.4
4.1
125.9
16.0
6.4
109.4
16.2
6.8
120.4
15.7
6.5
117.0
15.1
6.3
113.1
14.6
6.0
115.7
14.8
6.3
118.2
15.5
6.9
128.1
15.2
6.8
128.9
15.2
6.9
134.5
15.9
6.3
105.3
16.3
6.8
111.2
15.5
6.5
113.0
15.1
6.1
107.1
14.1
5.9
112.0
14.4
6.2
113.0
15.4
6.9
121.3
15.2
6.8
120.4
14.9
6.6
122.7
16.6
6.2
110.9
16.6
6.7
123.1
16.3
6.3
117.6
14.9
6.0
106.0
15.1
5.8
113.1
15.4
6.2
122.4
14.9
6.4
131.7
14.5
6.3
127.3
14.7
6.3
132.9
15.8
6.6
111.0
16.0
6.9
124.3
15.5
6.7
118.9
15.2
6.6
119.3
14.7
6.2
118.6
14.8
6.4
119.0
15.8
7.1
130.1
15.4
7.0
133.3
15.6
7.2
140.4
13.2
5.6
84.9
13.3
5.9
90.2
12.2
5.4
86.7
11.5
5.1
82.0
10.2
4.4
75.0
10.0
4.3
73.5
10.6
4.7
77.9
10.4
4.6
80.2
10.6
4.7
85.2
22.6
11.1
178.8
20.7
10.8
175.9
18.6
9.5
171.8
17.6
9.0
158.4
16.9
8.3
153.3
18.3
9.2
163.5
19.6
9.9
172.0
18.5
9.3
171.4
18.9
9.7
177.2
17.5
6.9
95.9
17.6
7.1
99.6
16.0
6.6
97.6
15.1
6.2
91.9
13.9
5.5
85.6
14.1
5.7
83.0
15.3
6.4
101.5
15.0
6.3
100.4
15.2
6.3
103.0
16.8
7.8
126.3
16.8
8.0
133.7
15.0
7.1
128.1
14.1
6.9
122.2
13.0
6.1
112.2
13.1
6.0
112.0
13.6
6.6
120.8
13.9
6.7
127.8
13.6
6.5
126.0
17.0
7.5
123.6
17.3
8.1
134.7
15.2
7.1
128.3
14.4
6.7
121.3
12.4
5.4
101.6
12.4
5.4
103.4
13.3
6.1
115.3
12.6
5.7
113.8
13.6
6.1
125.5
19.3
8.0
112.4
19.9
8.7
124.2
18.5
8.0
118.4
17.5
7.5
109.9
15.3
6.4
102.5
15.1
6.1
96.5
16.1
6.7
104.9
16.3
6.9
110.1
16.0
6.8
115.5
14.4
5.4
75.1
14.7
5.9
83.6
13.7
5.5
81.3
12.9
5.1
74.9
10.7
4.2
66.0
9.8
3.6
58.1
10.7
4.1
65.8
10.8
4.2
69.3
10.7
4.2
72.0
8.7
3.3
50.3
8.6
3.4
51.9
8.0
3.3
51.8
7.4
3.1
48.4
6.5
2.7
42.2
6.3
2.6
41.4
6.8
2.8
45.0
6.4
2.7
45.7
6.4
2.7
49.8
11.5
5.1
78.0
11.6
5.5
85.9
10.6
4.9
82.4
9.8
4.6
78.1
9.2
4.0
72.2
8.4
3.6
64.5
9.3
4.2
68.8
9.0
3.9
71.6
9.6
4.1
79.1
6.9
2.6
37.0
7.2
2.8
40.0
6.8
2.7
41.8
6.5
2.7
39.2
5.6
2.3
37.0
5.2
2.1
35.6
5.4
2.2
37.5
5.2
2.2
37.9
5.3
2.3
42.2
11.8
4.5
66.4
11.7
4.7
67.7
10.9
4.4
67.9
10.7
4.4
68.3
9.9
4.1
69.9
9.9
4.0
66.3
10.5
4.3
70.2
9.7
4.2
73.2
10.2
4.3
70.9
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing3
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday cases ..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Mining
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Construction
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
General building contractors:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday cases ..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Heavy construction contractors:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Special trade contractors:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday cases ..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Manufacturing
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday cases ..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Durable goods
Lumber and wood products.
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Furniture and fixtures:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Stone, clay, and glass products:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Primary metal industries:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Fabricated metal products:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Machinery, except electrical:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Electric and electronic equipment:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Transportation equipment:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
Instruments and related products:
Total cases................................................................................................
Lost workday ca ses..................................................................................
Lost workdays...........................................................................................
Miscellaneous manufacturing industries:
Total cases.............. ..................................................................................
Lost workday cases..................................................................................
Lost workdays............................................................................................
See footnotes at end of table.
https://fraser.stlouisfed.org
Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
M ONTHLY LABOR REVIEW
October 1988
•
Current Labor Statistics:
Injury and Illness Data
48. Continued— Occupational injury and illness incidence rates by industry, United States
Incidence rates per 100 full-time workers2
Industry and type of case1
1981
Nondurable goods
Food and kindred products:
Total cases.............. ,......................................
Lost workday cases .......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Tobacco manufacturing:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday ca ses.......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Textile mill products:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday ca ses.......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Apparel and other textile products:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday cases.......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Paper and allied products:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday cases .......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Printing and publishing:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday ca ses.......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Chemicals and allied products:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday cases.......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Petroleum and coal products:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday cases.......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Rubber and miscellaneous plastics products:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday ca ses.......................................
Lost workdays.................................................
Leather and leather products:
Total cases.....................................................
Lost workday cases .......................................
Lost workdays................................................
1982
19.4
8.9
132.2
19.9
9.5
141.8
18.7
9.0
136.8
17.8
8.6
130.7
16.7
8.0
129.3
16.5
7.9
131.2
16.7
8.1
131.6
16.7
8.1
138.0
16.5
8.0
137.8
8.7
4.0
58.6
9.3
4.2
64.8
8.1
3.8
45.8
8.2
3.9
56.8
7.2
3.2
44.6
6.5
3.0
42.8
7.7
3.2
51.7
7.3
3.0
51.7
6.7
2.5
45.6
10.2
3.4
61.5
9.7
3.4
61.3
9.1
3.3
62.8
8.8
3.2
59.2
7.6
2.8
53.8
7.4
2.8
51.4
8.0
3.0
54.0
7.5
3.0
57.4
7.8
3.1
59.3
6.5
32.4
6.5
2.2
34.1
6.4
2.2
34.9
6.3
2.2
35.0
6.0
2.1
36.4
6.4
2.4
40.6
6.7
2.5
40.9
6.7
2.6
44.1
6.7
2.7
49.4
13.5
5.7
103.3
13.5
6.0
108.4
12.7
5.8
112.3
11.6
5.4
103.6
10.6
4.9
99.1
10.0
4.5
90.3
10.4
4.7
93.8
10.2
4.7
94.6
10.5
4.7
99.5
7.0
2.9
43.8
7.1
3.1
45.1
6.9
3.1
46.5
6.7
3.0
47.4
6.6
2.8
45.7
6.6
2.9
44.6
6.5
2.9
46.0
6.3
2.9
49.2
6.5
2.9
50.8
7.8
3.3
50.9
7.7
3.5
54.9
6.8
3.1
50.3
6.6
3.0
48.1
5.7
2.5
39.4
5.5
2.5
42.3
5.3
2.4
40.8
5.1
2.3
38.8
6.3
2.7
49.4
7.9
3.4
58.3
7.7
3.6
62.0
7.2
3.5
59.1
6.7
2.9
51.2
5.3
2.5
46.4
5.5
2.4
46.8
5.1
2.4
53.5
5.1
2.4
49.9
7.1
3.2
67.5
17.1
125.5
17.1
8.2
127.1
15.5
7.4
118.6
14.6
7.2
117.4
12.7
6.0
100.9
13.0
6.2
101.4
13.6
6.4
104.3
13.4
6.3
107.4
14.0
6.6
118.2
11.7
4.7
72.5
11.5
4.9
76.2
11.7
5.0
82.7
11.5
5.1
82.6
9.9
4.5
86.5
10.0
4.4
87.3
10.5
4.7
94.4
10.3
4.6
88.3
10.5
4.8
83.4
10.1
10.0
5.9
107.0
9.4
5.5
104.5
9.0
5.3
100.6
8.5
4.9
96.7
8.2
8.8
8.6
8.2
4.7
94.9
5.2
105.1
5.0
107.1
4.8
102.1
8.0
7.4
3.2
48.7
7.3
3.1
45.3
7.2
3.1
45.5
7.2
3.1
47.8
7.4
3.3
50.5
7.4
3.2
50.7
7.7
3.3
54.0
8.8
8.2
4.1
59.1
3.9
58.2
7.7
3.6
54.7
7.1
3.4
52.1
7.0
3.2
50.6
7.2
3.5
55.5
7.2
3.5
59.8
7.2
3.6
62.5
7.7
3.1
44.7
7.1
2.9
44.5
7.1
2.9
41.1
7.2
2.9
42.6
7.3
3.0
46.7
7.5
3.2
48.4
7.5
3.1
47.0
7.8
3.2
50.5
2.0
.8
1.9
2.0
2.0
.9
12.2
11.6
.9
13.2
12.8
1.9
.9
13.6
2.0
.9
15.4
2.0
.8
12.5
2.1
.9
13.3
5.5
2.4
36.2
5.5
2.5
38.1
5.2
2.3
35.8
5.0
2.3
35.9
4.9
2.3
35.8
5.1
2.4
37.0
5.2
2.5
41.1
45.4
2.2
8.1
Transportation and public utilities
Total cases..................................................................
Lost workday ca ses....................................................
Lost workdays ............................................................
5.7
102.3
Wholesale and retail trade
Total cases............................................................
Lost workday cases..............................................
Lost workdays.......................................................
Wholesale trade:
Total cases............................................................
Lost workday ca ses..............................................
Lost workdays.......................................................
Retail trade:
Total cases............................................................
Lost workday cases ..............................................
Lost workdays.......................................................
7.9
3.2
44.9
8.9
3.9
57.5
7.5
2.8
39.7
3.4
49.0
Finance, insurance, and real estate
Total cases...................................................................
Lost workday ca ses.....................................................
Lost workdays...............................................................
2.1
.8
Services
Total cases............
Lost workday cases
Lost workdays.......
1 Total cases include fatalities.
2 The incidence rates represent the number of injuries and illnesses or lost
workdays per 100 full-time workers and were calculated as:
(N/EH) X 200,000, where:
N = number of injuries and illnesses or lost workdays.
100
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5.4
2.6
.9
17.1
5.3
2.5
43.0
EH = total hours worked by all employees during calendar year.
200,000 = base for 100 full-time equivalent workers (working 40 hours per
week, 50 weeks per year.)
3 Excludes farms with fewer than 11 employees since 1976.
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