• 
  • MEMBERSHIP
  • ONE-TIME GIFT
  • ADA EDUCATION FUND
  • SUSTAINER CLUB

• 
  • ADA HISTORY
  • ADA STAFF
  • ADA LEADERSHIP
  • MEMBERSHIP CONVENTION AND ANNUAL BANQUET
  • EDUCATION FUND
  • PAC
  • INTERN AT ADA

• 
  • LOBBY
  • LETTER TO THE EDITOR
  • NEW LEADERS FOR DEM. ACTION
  • TELL A FRIEND ABOUT ADA
  • START YOUR OWN DONATION PAGE

• 
  • MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND LGBT RIGHTS
  • UNEMPLOYMENT
  • HEALTH CARE REFORM
  • TAX REFORM
  • EMPLOYEE FREE CHOICE ACT
  • IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN AND INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY
  • EDUCATION
  • ENERGY, ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORTATION
  • FAIR TRADE
  • ALL POLICY RESOLUTIONS

• 
  • VOTING RECORDS
  • 2009 ACTION AGENDA
  • ADA TODAY
  • MISERY INDEX
  • POLICY REPORTS
  • PRESS RELEASES
  • OPINIONS & EDITORIALS
  • RECENT ALERTS

• 
  • START A CHAPTER
  • FIND LOCAL CHAPTERS

ADA

AMERICANS FOR DEMOCRATIC ACTION

1625 K Street, N.W. * Suite 210 * Washington, DC 20006 * (202) 785-5980 * 785-5969

info@adaction.org * http://www.adaction.org

For Information Contact:                                              FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Karen Traeger 202-785-5980                                           3/05/2010

A Deceptive Job Recovery -- Real Unemployment at 16.8%

Washington, DC - The real unemployment rate released today by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of 16.8%, is much worse than the official 9.7% rate reported for February.  The long-sought improvement in the labor market is imperceptible at this time as more than 36,000 new jobless claims were filed.

The official unemployment rate only accounts for people who are out of work and actively seeking fulltime employment. The real rate, which takes into account part-time workers desiring full-time employment and discouraged job seekers, is a more accurate indicator of the labor market.  The new data shows that 8,791 Americans were working part-time last month because they were unable to find full-time jobs and another 2,527 had given up looking for work.  In addition, 5.2% of the employed work more than one job in order to support themselves and their families. 

“With more than 14 million workers seeking employment, the need for federal investment in job creation is as strong as ever.” said Michael J. Wilson, National Director of Americans for Democratic Action.  “Congress must focus on the twin challenges of ensuring an adequate safety net for these families and rebuilding the American economy.”

“While the number of jobless persons rose slightly last month, the average length of unemployment declined from a record 30.2 weeks in January to 29.7 weeks in February, which was still the second-highest figure on record.” said Paul Manchester, ADA’s Economic Advisor.  “The decrease in the average duration of unemployment offset the increase in the number of unemployed.  The Manchester Index therefore declined from 448.1 million total weeks of joblessness in January to 441.7 million in February.  However, this remains the third highest level for the Manchester Index on record.”

ADA is America's most experienced independent liberal lobbying organization. In the spirit of the New Deal and ADA founders Eleanor Roosevelt, renowned economist John Kenneth Galbraith, and former Senator and Vice President Hubert Humphrey we lobby through coalition partnerships, through direct advocacy, and through the media.

ADA Praises House Economic Recovery and Job Creation Plan
Posted Feb 02 2009
Press Releases >>

Washington, DC - Americans for Democratic Action, the nation’s leading liberal advocacy group, praised the House of Representatives and the job creation and economic recovery plan released yesterday. 

For far too long, hard-working Americans have struggled to make ends meet while the wealthiest among us grew wealthier still.  The House plan addresses President-elect Obama’s call to rebuild the middle class by investing in infrastructure, energy, health care and public schools and providing funds for states to continue critical services.  The plan is expected to create or save three to four million jobs and set the country on the right track for long term economic recovery.

ADA National Director Amy Isaacs said: “The House economic recovery and job creation plan is the direct result of average Americans coming together and demanding change.  President-elect Obama and the House Leadership have responded by proposing a bold plan that addresses the needs of working people and makes certain that everyone will benefit from an improved economy.  Together, we can put our country on the right track.”