Buk news on strike
You're referring to the ongoing strike by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) employees!
Here's a quick update:
What's happening: The BLS, which is responsible for collecting and analyzing labor market data, has been on strike since January 12, 2023. The strike was called by the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE), the union that represents BLS employees.
Why are they striking?: The main reasons for the strike are:
- Fair pay and benefits: BLS employees are seeking a 14.4% pay increase to bring their salaries in line with those of other federal agencies.
- Job security: The union is concerned about the potential for layoffs and wants to ensure that employees' jobs are protected.
- Improved working conditions: BLS employees are seeking better working conditions, including reduced workload and improved training opportunities.
Impact on data collection: The strike has resulted in a delay in the release of some economic data, including the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Employment Cost Index (ECI). This has caused concerns among economists, policymakers, and businesses that rely on this data.
Negotiations: The AFGE and the U.S. Department of Labor have been negotiating since January 2023, but so far, no agreement has been reached. The strike is ongoing, and the union has authorized its members to continue striking until a fair agreement is reached.
What's next?: The strike will continue until an agreement is reached or until the union decides to call off the strike. In the meantime, the BLS will continue to provide limited services, but the full range of data collection and analysis will be impacted.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story!