Weak November jobs report for Illinois shows spike in unemployment By Michael Lucci 12/18/2015 New federal data show Illinois gained only 400 jobs in November, and its unemployment rate rose to 5.7 percent. TAGS: BLS: Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs, manufacturing, unemployment
What’s wrong with Illinois’ economy? By Michael Lucci 12/13/2015 Madigan’s economic record is one of failure, and the best he can say in his defense is that trying a new path would somehow make things worse. TAGS: jobs, manufacturing, unemployment, workers compensation
Illinois employers warn of 2,600 layoffs in coming months By Austin Berg 12/11/2015 A state report shows plans for more layoffs amid an already difficult jobs climate in Illinois, especially for blue-collar workers. TAGS: manufacturing
If Madigan is protecting the middle class, why do blue-collar workers earn more in Indiana? By Michael Lucci 12/07/2015 Illinois’ anti-growth policies depress middle-class wages and job opportunities. TAGS: jobs, manufacturing, Mike Madigan, unemployment
John Deere announces Illinois layoffs By Austin Berg 11/30/2015 The Illinois stalwart is cutting hundreds of jobs in the midst of the state’s worst-in-the-Midwest manufacturing climate. TAGS: manufacturing, unemployment
Strong Illinois jobs report in October, but manufacturing losses continue By Michael Lucci 11/20/2015 New federal jobs data reveal Illinois gained 14,100 jobs overall during October, but lost 1,900 manufacturing jobs during this time. TAGS: employment, jobs, manufacturing
Tyson Foods to close Chicago plant, lay off 480 workers By Austin Berg 11/20/2015 Illinois continues to lose blue-collar work as other states give thanks for healthier job climates. TAGS: jobs, manufacturing, unemployment
Illinois’ low-income and blue-collar workers are the worst-paid in the region By Michael Lucci 11/16/2015 Although Illinois’ top earners make more than most of their regional counterparts, Illinois’ bottom quarter of earners have the lowest wages in the Midwest TAGS: manufacturing, workers compensation
Ford set to invest $1.1B in Chicago-area plants By Austin Berg 11/12/2015 While thousands of Chicago-area Ford employees rejoice over news of long-term stability, many more Illinois manufacturing workers face joblessness. TAGS: employment, manufacturing
Illinois still has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the region – by far By Michael Lucci 10/29/2015 A new study reveals that Illinois has the highest workers’ compensation costs in the Midwest and the seventh highest in the United States. TAGS: manufacturing, workers compensation