Employment forecast shadows Labor Day parade
This Labor Day many are focusing on Western New York’s work force. YNN’s Nicki Mayo reports a recent rise in the national unemployment rate is making many workers nervous about the local job outlook.
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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- “They offered me early retirement, only because I’m over 55,” said Buffalo’s Nancy Killian. She says she may be working today, but Killian may have to start looking for a new job tomorrow.
“I only have 22 years with the state. I’m not looking to retire yet,” Killian added. Killian fears outsourcing and privatizing labor will dissolve her position with the New York State Liquor Authority. The Buffalo clerk is one of the thousands of workers who filled South Buffalo for the annual Labor Day parade.
“We need jobs. Right here, right now in Western New York,” said Buffalo AFL-CIO Central Labor Council President Michael Hoffert. He says there are 70,000 organized labor force workers around the Queen City. That’s down from 120,000 workers.
“That’s in large to the de-industrialization of Buffalo and being a ‘Rust Belt City,’” Hoffert added.
According to the US Labor Department the national unemployment rate rose from 9.5 percent to 9.6. The US Census Bureau and State governments lost 54,000 jobs, while businesses added 67,000 positions.
“The American people should get wise. Smarten up and start buying American,” said Local
United Auto Workers 897 President Charles Gangarossa.
Union leaders say consumers need to support items made in the USA. Service industry employees like Nancy Killian say she’s ready to fight to keep her job.
“I’ll put it on my sign and all of Buffalo will know that I love my job, and it’s thanks to my union that I do,” said Killian.