U.S. economy healthy, yet stimulus needed -industry group
WASHINGTON, Sept 2 (Reuters) - Jobs are plentiful and wages are rising
in the United States, a manufacturing group said on Wednesday, but lower
taxes and interest rates are needed to ensure that workers continue to
enjoy the fruits of a healthy economy.
Increased productivity and economic growth have contributed to rising
pay, with compensation packages reaching an all-time high, The National
Association of Manufacturers (NAM) said in its ''State of the American
Workforce'' report. It also said many manufacturers were having a hard
time finding qualified workers amid tight labor markets.
Still, ''The spread of recession abroad and the decline in asset and
stock values at home genuinely threaten our ability to maintain healthy
levels of growth and employment,'' NAM President Jerry Jasinowski warned
in a statement accompanying the report.
He urged the Federal Reserve to reduce short-term interest rates, and
said the U.S. government should cut taxes.
''The time has come to adjust our economic policy to encourage growth by
lowering interest rates and cutting taxes,'' Jasinowski said.
A NAM survey found 88 percent of manufacturers reported a shortage of
qualified workers in at least one job category.
A separate poll by an international outplacement firm also said firms it
polled in the in a wide range of industries were having trouble luring
workers to fill vacant positions.
The survey conducted by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, Inc. said 58
percent of the respondents reported problems in filling existing
positions. In the hi-tech field, 88 percent said they would hire
qualified professionals on the spot, according to the poll.
''It's a Utopia for job seekers right now due to the strong economy we
are experiencing,'' William Ramsdell of the National Association of
Realtors said in a statement. ''If people aren't working, it's probably
because they don't want to.''
biz.yahoo.com
On another note I loss my prediction job in last hour of trading.
Regards,
R.T |
