Today’s celebration of labor is bittersweet.
Labor Day 2009 comes as the nation’s jobless rate hits a 26-year high and we weather the worst recession since the Great Depression.
The unemployment rate is 9.7 percent, and some economists are predicting it will reach 10 percent.
Since the recession began in December 2007, almost 7 million jobs have been lost.
The 9.7 percent rate surprised economists, who had predicted it would rise to 9.5 from July’s 9.4, according to The Associated Press. (Colorado’s unemployment rate in July was 7.8 percent.)
Then there is the so-called underemployment rate, or the percentage of laid-off workers who are settling for part-time jobs or have given up looking for new jobs. That rate is now at 16.8 percent.
Just in August alone:
• The construction industry has lost 65,000 jobs.
• Factories let go 63,000 workers.
• Financial services cut 28,000 workers and business and professional services cut 22,000.
Even the government is cutting jobs.
State and local governments hit hard by the recession laid off workers, as has the Postal Service, for a total of 18,000 job losses last month.
Such numbers are sobering.
With so many relatives, friends and neighbors out of work or getting by with far less pay, and with so few companies willing to hire, it will be difficult for consumer confidence to return.
Though economists say the recession should end before year’s end, they predict anemic growth levels for the next few quarters.
The recession also has been tough for labor unions, and that’s been on vivid display in Colorado’s capital city.
On Sept. 15, Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper will present a budget to the City Council that attempts to trim $120 million in spending by the end of next year.
City workers are taking unpaid furlough days, being offered early retirement packages and toiling in understaffed departments under a months-long and ongoing hiring freeze.
Union leaders representing Denver firefighters have agreed to delay $7 million in salary and health benefits to avoid layoffs and to do their part to cut spending. The reductions now go to a full union vote and we hope members accept the deal.
But the police union rejected a similar request, forcing a standoff with the mayor that could mean the loss of 90 officers.
The mayor asked police to postpone a 4.5 percent pay raise next year and a 3 percent raise in 2011. The officers still would get the money, only at a later date.
We’re surprised that the officers rejected that offer, especially since it means breaking solidarity with the 90 junior officers who will now be out of work.
Against the local and national backdrop of the grim employment figures, we find the police union’s move a brazen stick in the eye to the all- for-one mantra of unions.
There is still an outside chance police can work something out with the mayor and possibly rethink their position. They should — for the benefit of all Denver citizens.
Call it the Labor Day compromise.
