Statewide unemployment rate rises to 5.5 percent

Labor & Industry Secretary Stephen M. Schmerin on November 24 commented on Pennsylvania's continued unstable employment statistics and called for federal action to address .unfair trade practices that are devastating the manufacturing sector."

"The rise in the statewide unemployment rate

to 5.5 percent shows the economy continues to struggle," Schmerin said. "On one hand, it is good news that the Civilian Labor Force increased by 4,000, which means that more Pennsylvanians in October were optimistic about the economy and started looking for work. However, the unemployment count rose by 10,000, which means most of the job seekers could not find work.

Unfortunately October jobs data show that only the construction sector has grown every month of this year. By contrast, the manufacturing sector has lost jobs 49 out of the past 51 months.

"Manufacturers Pennsylvania House and Armstrong World Industries recently announced furniture and flooring plant closings that will lay off more than 850 workers in Lancaster, Northumberland and Union counties.

"Regretfully, the U.S. Commerce Department's action earlier this month to reduce antidumping duties on imports of Chinese bedroom furniture is a serious blow to furniture makers like Pennsylvania House.

"U.S. furniture makers are struggling to compete with foreign imports and were counting on the Commerce Department to adopt duties on the imports that would help to level the playing field. Instead, Commerce backed off from its position in June and days after the election announced a range of duties that are far below the industry's initial request.

"The layoff announcements at Pennsylvania House and Armstrong are not reflected in the October employment report but are clear indicators of a continuing decline in the state's manufacturing industry Across the state and the nation, manufacturers are investing in technology improvements that allow them to better compete in the global market, but in some cases their ultimate success or failure hinges on the willingness of the federal government to address unfair trade tariffs and barriers."