In a national Labor Day scorecard released by Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations, work in America has come off looking the worse for wear. The scorecard cites many disturbing statistics. More than 10% of Americans are underemployed, discouraged from seeking work, or unemployed, up 25% from last year. The federal minimum wage, $6.55, after adjustment for inflation, is worth approximately 40 cents less than it was 10 years ago. About 530,000 were laid off last year. There were a few small gains though ? improvements in workplace safety, increased childcare support, and a greater percentage of Americans who claim to be ?completely satisfied with their jobs.?
See "Workers? Labor Day scorecard: Bad news on pay, unemployment, the minimum wage", Associated Press, Chicago Tribune, August 31, 2008