Truthout
Economy & Labor
![A face mask is seen in front of the New York Stock Exchange on May 26, 2020, at Wall Street in New York City.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020-0731-facemask-stock-exchange-400x300.jpg)
Monumental Contraction of US Economy Wipes Out Five Years of Gains
Failure to address the pandemic head-on may have resulted in larger quarterly economic losses than were necessary.
![People crowd around an OESC employee to get a number at an unemployment event in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on July 15, 2020.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020_0731-unemployment-400x300.jpg)
Senate Departs for 3-Day Weekend as Unemployment Benefits Expire for 30 Million
More than 25,000,000 unemployed Americans are about to lose their extra unemployment benefits.
![A teacher holds a sign reading "RED 4 ED NOT DEAD 4 ED" during a socially distanced protest](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020_0727-red4ed-400x300.jpg)
Employers Require Liability Waivers as Conflict Mounts Over Workplace Safety
Nearly 50 COVID-related lawsuits have been filed relating to conditions of employment.
![Steve Mnuchin, correctly wearing his mask, stands beside Mark Meadows, who is very incorrectly wearing his mask](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020_0727-corona-republicans-400x300.jpg)
Memo Warns GOP Unemployment Benefit Formula Would Take Months to Implement
“The damage from a lapse in unemployment benefits will radiate throughout the economy,” tweeted Rep. Don Beyer.
![As protections fade, some landlords are gearing up to return to court.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/GettyImages-1222254216-400x300.jpg)
The Eviction Ban Worked, But It’s Almost Over. Some Landlords Are Getting Ready.
As protections fade, some landlords are gearing up to return to court.
![Staff and volunteers hold a drive to collect donations of Personal Protective Equipment from the community to supply hospitals and clinics that are experiencing shortages due to the COVID-19 pandemic on March 29, 2020, in Chicago, Illinois.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020_0724-covid-ppe-400x300.jpg)
How the US Chamber of Commerce Wrecked the Economy and Made the Pandemic Worse
The Chamber of Commerce lobbied against using the Defense Production Act to address COVID supply shortfalls.
![Carlos Ponce joins other demonstrators participating in a protest asking Senators to support the continuation of unemployment benefits, on July 16, 2020, in Miami Springs, Florida.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020_0723-unemployment-benefits--400x300.jpg)
GOP Floats Slashing Boosted Unemployment Payments to $100 Per Week
Enhanced unemployment benefits are set to expire just as the federal eviction moratorium comes to an end.
![A usps worker collects mail from a graffiti-sprayed federal mailbox](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020_0722-usps-worker-400x300.jpg)
USPS Needs Financial Aid to Continue Providing Essential Services
The U.S. Postal Service is facing insolvency due to crisis-related drops in mail revenue and increased costs.
![Mitch McConnell](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020_0722-mitch-mcconnell-400x300.jpg)
McConnell Laughs When Asked If COVID Relief Bill Will Pass by End of Next Week
Benefits are set to expire next week for around 30 million Americans thrown out of work by the pandemic.
![An American Airlines worker walks among a deserted baggage claim area at Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, on April 30, 2020.](https://truthout.org/app/uploads/2020/07/2020_0719-american-airlines-400x300.jpg)
Top US Airlines Plan Thousands of Layoffs When CARES Act Ban Expires
Unions are urging Congress to extend relief, but airlines say they'll only accept bailouts with no restrictions.