Home | News Briefs | U.S. | World
| Celeb Buzz | Entertainment | Sports | Business | Health | Sci / Tech | Politics | Weird & Offbeat
Feb 23 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
February 23, 2009 7:12 p.m. EST
Linda Young - AHN Editor
Washington, D.C. (AHN) - Monday brought more bad economic news with more Americans losing their jobs, including some workers for DeVilbiss Healthcare in Pennsylvania making $10 to $15 an hour who are being laid off so their jobs can be moved to China.
Companies don't move jobs to other countries because American workers are not productive. U.S. workers are consistently more productive than workers in any other country on earth. But U.S. workers can't compete with some less developed countries when it comes pay, primarily because of the cost of living. While Americans can't pay their bills if they only earn between $2 an hour or $4,000 per year, or less, workers in some other countries can.
Along with higher housing and utility costs, many businesses in the U.S. have to subsidize health insurance policy premiums for American workers. Add to that the cost of the mandatory payroll taxes for Social Security, Medicare, Workers Compensation and Unemployment Compensation that all U.S. employers must pay and those taxes on wages alone, before considering the actual wages, can often add up to more than it costs to hire a worker in China. That means a Chinese worker doesn't have to be as productive as an American worker is for a company to come out ahead on payroll costs by moving jobs overseas.
For businesses trying to cut costs, it can make sense, at least in the short-term, and as long as not too many other businesses lay off workers here.
But, of course, there is a downside.
If that company is depending on Americans to buy the goods or services the company provides, it is in trouble as more Americans become unemployed or underemployed they lack the money to buy anything and often have no health insurance to pay for using products made by companies such as DeVilbiss. That, in turn, causes more businesses to lay off workers, whether they ship the jobs over to China or not.
But it does point to a need to level the global playing field so it is more fair to U.S. workers and businesses.
Here is a look at some of the most recent job losses.
Steel manufacturer U.S. Steel will lay off 590 workers at its Minntac Plant in Mountain Iron, MN. Company officials cite slumping demand and say the layoffs are only temporary and that workers can be recalled if the economy improves.
Electronics maker Jabil Circuit Inc. is reportedly closing its Billerica, MA plant and laying off 300 employees there.
Municipal government city of New Haven, CT say they plan to cut 241 jobs, of which 161 are currently filled, in an effort to balance the 2009-2010 budget. In addition, the city is asking its 14 unions to make salary and other cuts worth $10 million. Lay off notices will go out on Feb. 27 to city workers. Notices to laid off school district workers go out on April 1 and become effective at the end of the current school term.
Window manufacturer Echo Windows LLC is closing its Red Oak, IA manufacturing plant because of the bad economy and laying off 100 employees. It cited a bad economy, decreased demand and an inability to find a buyer or new investors.
Retailer Macy's Inc. (NYSE: M) has increased the number of employees it is laying off as it closes its Bellevue, TN store to 95 from 76.
Auto parts manufacturer Tenneco (NYSE: TEN) has announced that it has made 82 job cuts permanent at its Hartwell, GA manufacturing plant because of the continued sales slump in the automotive industry. Lake Forest, IL-based Tenneco is one of the world's leading manufacturers of automotive emissions controls and ride-control products and systems. The job cuts are part of a worldwide restructuring effort to slash costs.
Trailer manufacturer Wilson Trailer announced it would lay off 80 employees at three of its plants. The fifth generation family business based in Sioux City, IA said the company had tried every strategy it could to avoid layoffs and that the company deeply regretted having to lay off its team members, "good people" it had high regard for.
Municipal government the city of North Providence, RI, announced layoffs of 20 employees Sunday night and said that it will lay off 30 firefighters on Monday after a court hearing. The mayor also announced that those moves would not be enough to close the budget gap and that he will cut the school district budget, which retains sole authority to fire teachers.
Health-care company and manufacturer of respiratory therapy devices DeVilbiss Healthcare, says it will lay off 46 workers at its Somerset, PA plant and move those jobs to China to save money, it pays U.S. workers $10 to $15 per hour and says it can lower its payroll costs by moving those jobs offshore.
Museum Detroit Institute of Arts announced it will lay off 20 percent of its workforce because of a projected $15 million budget shortfall.
Copyright © 2003 - 2009 AHN - All rights reserved.Redistribution, republication. syndication, rewriting or broadcast is prohibited without the prior written consent of AHN.License AHN news for your website, business, digital signage network or publication.
Home | News Briefs | U.S. | World | Entertainment | Sports | Business | Health | Sci / Tech | Politics | Weird / Offbeat
© 2009 AHN
Client Login |
Submit News |
Privacy Policy |
Terms of Use
|
Contact
| Content Services
All Rights Reserved
Other News on Tuesday, 24 February 2009 U.S. plans $900 million pledge for Gaza-official
| International
|
Sri Lankan army measures end of 25-year war in days
| International
|
Court to issue Bashir warrant ruling on March 4
| International
|
Iraq arrests police in law-and-order crackdown
| International
|
Showers, glamour, glitches as Rio Carnival rolls
| International
|
Microsoft asks for refund from some laid off workers
| Technology
|
Yahoo news exec departs amid reorganization rumors
| Technology
|
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper Visits New York
LG Electronics asks for patent suit against Kodak
| Technology
|
Obama Releases $15 Billion Of Stimulus To States For Medicaid; Taps Biden To Oversee Implementation
Spending For Cellphones Among Americans Exceed Landlines
Restaurant Stocks Plummet 49 Percent Over Past Year
Chicago Family Closing Echo Windows In Iowa
Justice Ginsburg Returns To Court; Republican Says She Has Months To Live
Troubled Homeowners Battle Foreclosure By Filing Lawsuits Against Lenders
Holder To Visit Guantanamo As U.S. Transfers First Detainee Under Obama Administration
California Schools Downsize; Programs Cut, Education System Hardest Hit
More than 36 million U.S. viewers watch Oscar telecast
| Entertainment
|
Dennis Ross appointed special U.S. advisor on Gulf
North Korea says preparing rocket launch
| International
|
Afghan, Pakistani diplomats in US for 'rethink'
Pakistani Taliban announce indefinite truce in Swat
| International
|
Iraq's treasure trove national museum reopens
Rihanna Speaks Up About Assault Scandal, Says Nothing
Baghdad museum reopens 6 years after looting
Wary Tibetans set for muted New Year celebrations
| International
|
3 US soldiers, interpreter killed in Iraq
Israel's Netanyahu fails to lure rivals to cabinet
Obama vows to halve massive budget deficit
U.S. plans substantial pledge at Gaza meeting
| International
|
Court to issue Bashir warrant ruling on March 4
Thaksin supporters demand new elections
| International
|
Markets tumble as US unveils bank rescue details
Iraq arrests Shiite gang accused of killing Sunnis
Israel replaces envoy to Egypt talks, Hamas angry
| International
|
First Chinese-American governor likely Obama commerce pick
Israeli leader fires lead negotiator on Gaza truce
U.S. wants decades in prison for Syrian arms dealer
| International
|
Stocks plunge, bank plan fails to calm Wall Street
Iraq arrests police in law-and-order crackdown
In the north, Afghans fight hunger, not the Taliban
| International
|
World stocks mostly rally on Citigroup report
Showers, daring, glitches as Rio Carnival rolls
| International
|
French state loans 'will back banking merger'
Antarctica: a meeting of polar and political minds
Global warming danger threat increased
Official: US aid to Gaza to top $900 million
Ease isolation of Guantanamo inmates: Pentagon
U.S. Mulls $900 Million Aid To Gaza
Yahoo to offer tools to match users, ads: report
Clinton picks a special adviser for Persian Gulf
Yahoo to offer tools to match users, ads: report
| Technology
|
U.S. Airways Restoring Free Drinks On March 1
Microsoft not to ask for money from laid-off workers
Pakistan To Explain Peace Deal With Taliban During Security Meet In Washington
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,250
Octuplets Mom's Ex-Husband Thinks She Fathered Her Kids, Seeks Paternity Test
executive leaves for Hearst amid shakeup reports
U.S. Veterans Officials To Process Benefits Of 18,000 Filipino World War II Vets
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 581
iPhone users tire quickly of new apps: study
Rattner Tapped As Auto Industry Adviser
Holder embarks on Guantanamo inspection visit
Yahoo news exec departs amid reorganization rumors
FBI Rescues 48 Minors From Prostitution Rings
Spain's under-fire justice minister resigns
Senior U.S. Republican urges rethink of Cuba policy
Bad news for Philadephia Newspapers as it files for bankruptcy
Feb 23 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
Wall Street Slides As Dow Tumbles To New Low
Microsoft asks for refund from some laid off workers
New York's Attorney General Looks To Reveal Merrill Bonuses
LG Electronics asks for patent suit against Kodak
LG Electronics asks for patent suit against Kodak
Southern wildfires continue to rage in Australia
NKorea says it is preparing satellite launch
Ledger's last film awaits deal for U.S. release
| Entertainment
|
NKorea preparing to launch satellite: state media
Revamped Oscar broadcast a pleasant surprise
| Entertainment
|
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
More than 36 million viewers watch Oscars
| Entertainment
|
Former Taiwan president attends corruption hearing
CW gives go-ahead to Melrose Place pilot
| Entertainment
|
Malaysia's outgoing PM says won't embarrass government
Milk loses best film, but sparks new activism
| Entertainment
|
Wary Tibetans set for muted New Year celebrations
Thaksin supporters gather for Thailand protest
Slumdog Millionaire wins Oscar gold
| Entertainment
|
Taiwan's ex-leader back in court on graft charges
New case of Ebola-Reston virus in Philippines
Japan's Takashimaya to open Shanghai department store
It was ruff for Mickey Rourke, it's also dog's life in sport
US milk company defends safety record in China
Asian markets dive on US bank rescue fears
S.Korea, Iraq agree on $3.55 bln oil development deal
Seoul shares drop 3 pct on growing financial woes
Korea Hot Stocks
China central bank says downturn could worsen
It was ruff for Mickey Rourke, it's also dog's life in sport
China sets out on European spending spree: report
CW gives go-ahead to "Melrose Place" pilot
NZ stocks close down 2 pct, near-5 year low
'Slumdog' success not sign of British film renaissance: Boyle
China vows more moves to fight slowdown
Ticketmaster settles with NJ, faces Tues. hearings
Hat's entertainment at new London exhibition
Howard Zieff, movie and commercial director, dies
Britney's dad testifies for restraining order
"Milk" loses best film, but sparks new activism
Revamped Oscar broadcast a pleasant surprise
Paul Smith does tweeds and military with a jolt in London
Octuplets Mom's Ex-Husband Thinks She Fathered Her Kids, Seeks Paternity Test
Islamists blamed for Cairo bombing: report
Bomb attack adds to tourism woes in Egypt
Sri Lankan troops in last Tiger-held town: military
| International
|
Court Grants Heath Ledger's Daughter Right To Privacy
French wounded in Cairo attack head home
Nicky Hilton Places Man Under Citizen's Arrest For Pushing Her From Behind
Lack of funds may mean Liberia's Taylor freed: prosecutor
| International
|
Obama set for showpiece address to Congress
NASA satellite mission to monitor carbon dioxide fails
India says to file waging war charges over Mumbai
| International
|
Germany ready to aid Opel
No risk of default seen in Eastern Europe: IMF
| International
|
Khmer Rouge social minister denies wrongdoing
| International
|
Swedish crown princess to marry long-time boyfriend
| International
|
NASA global warming satellite has troubled launch
Britain faces torture questions over ex-US detainee
Mumbai attacks could happen in the US: FBI
Internet addiction may fuel teen aggression
| Technology
|
Vudu offering HD films for download to own
| Technology
|
Britons prefer Amazon for digital media
| Technology
|
Houston City Council Proposes Program To Help Residents Buying Home For The First Time, Improve Credit Scores
Vudu offering HD films for download to own
Mobile email firm Visto buys rival from Motorola
| Technology
|
Polls: Obama's First-Month Approval Rating Solid Despite Lower Bipartisan Support
Microsoft drops payback demand on ex-workers
| Technology
|
Britons prefer Amazon for digital media
Television Viewing Of Average American On The Rise
Some See Unplanned Nuclear Disarmament Around The Corner If U.S. Doesn't Replace Aging Arsenal
Senate To Hold Crucial Cloture Vote On Labor Secretary-Designee Hilda Solis
Clinton Apoints Veteran Middle East Negotiator As Iran Envoy
Ethan Allen Announces 190 Job Cuts At Vermont, North Carolina Plants
Russian tycoon Khodorkovsky facing new trial
National Rules For Regulating Greenhouse Gas Emissions For Vehicles Under Consideration
Obama Pledges To Halve Deficit By 2013
Jailed Russian tycoon framed on sex charge: ex-prisoner
Economic Crisis Sidetracks Shift To Eco-Friendly Bag Legislation Among States
China hails 'positive results' of Clinton visit
Military: Sri Lankan troops enter last rebel town
Asian bank: Region must prepare for aging trend
Sri Lanka troops advance on last rebel stronghold
US urged to keep Philippines on IPR watch list
Chinese go to Europe with $15 billion to spend
Japanese public broadcaster's office set on fire
North Korea to launch rocket
Taiwan's export orders plunge to record low
China closes Tibet to foreign tourists: agencies, hotel
Taiwan export orders show Asia slump deepens
Philippine presidential aide says give 7.5 bln dlrs for poor
Barkley pleads guilty in Scottsdale to DUI charges
Taiwan dollar weakens on Jan export orders, c.bank
Seoul, Baghdad sign $3.55B deal to rebuild Iraq
Bond star draws attention to AIDS in Swaziland
China warns slowdown could worsen, does not rule out rate cut
Rapper arrested after fight at Fla. burger joint
Vietnam inflation eases to still-high 14.8 percent
Mystery ends as Agatha Christie's home opens doors
China sends buying mission to Europe
Clooney meets with Obama to discuss Darfur trip
Japan's Nikkei index falls near 26-year low
Boredom is US soldiers' new foe in Iraqi desert
Mitsubishi Motors increases production in March
Midnight Oil reunite for wildfires relief concert
Rio wraps up celebrity-fueled Carnival parades
Urban elephants ply Bangkok streets in search of tourist dollars
Ledger's last film awaits deal for U.S. release
Villagers kill 3 rare tigers in western Indonesia
Eleven-Year-Old Boy Charged In Shooting Death Of Pennsylvania Pregnant Woman
A First: Spending For Cellphones Among Americans Eclipses Landlines
Television Viewing Of Average American On The Rise
FBI Rescues 48 Minors From Prostitution Rings Across The Nation
Octuplets Mom's Ex-Husband Thinks He Fathered Her Kids, Seeks Paternity Test
US-TECH Summary
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights