The Labor Department reported that the economy added 292,000 jobs in December. There were also upward revisions to job growth for the prior two months, bringing the three month average to 284,000. The growth was widely spread across industries, with construction adding 45,000, employment services adding 42,300, and health care 39,400. However there is still little evidence that the tighter labor market is translating into stronger wage growth. The average hourly wage reportedly fell by 1 cent in the month.
The household survey showed the unemployment rate remained at 5.0 percent, but the EPOP rose to 59.5 percent, the highest rate of the recovery. Over the last two months, employment reportedly grew by 732,000. While the monthly employment numbers are erratic, this could be evidence that people are finally re-entering the labor force as the labor market strengthens.
Briefly, we wanted to update you on where Truthout stands this month.
To be brutally honest, Truthout is behind on our fundraising goals for the year. There are a lot of reasons why. We’re dealing with broad trends in our industry, trends that have led publications like Vice, BuzzFeed, and National Geographic to make painful cuts. Everyone is feeling the squeeze of inflation. And despite its lasting importance, news readership is declining.
To ensure we stay out of the red by the end of the year, we have a long way to go. Our future is threatened.
We’ve stayed online over two decades thanks to the support of our readers. Because you believe in the power of our work, share our transformative stories, and give to keep us going strong, we know we can make it through this tough moment.
At this moment, we have 24 hours left in our important fundraising campaign, and we still must raise $19,000. Please consider making a donation today.