State Jobless Rate Rises Spokane Rate Drops; Still Higher Than ‘97

Washington’s unemployment rate increased to 4.9 percent in November and was nearly half a percentage point above the 32-year low for November posted last year, Employment Security Commissioner Carver Gayton announced today.

“The rate reflects some modest slowing in the economy,” Gayton said. “That, coupled with the usual seasonal downturns in construction, tourism and the resource-based industries of agriculture and forest products, caused the four-tenths of a percentage point increase.”

The state’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate inched down a tenth of a percentage point to 4.7 percent. The comparable national rate dropped two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.4 percent.

In Spokane, the unemployment rate for November was 5.3 percent, compared with an adjusted October rate of 5.4 percent and 4.0 percent in November 1997.

The jump in year-over-year rates locally reflects a similar jump that occurred in October’s rate. Fred Walsh, regional labor analyst for the Employment Security Department, said the jump reflects a general slowing of the local economy.

Walsh said the transition from October to November generally sees a bigger jump than occurred this year. But most of that jump was absorbed in the unexpected October increase.

“We’re seeing the result of various layoffs that were announced locally in July and August,” Walsh said. “Other than that, it’s just a slowing in the economy.”

In November, Spokane had an eligible work force of 210,200 people, with 199,000 of those employed, and 11,200 looking for work.

Statewide, total nonfarm wage and salary employment increased by 6,900 workers. Manufacturing payrolls pulled back by 4,200, with seasonal losses in lumber and wood products (-600) and food and kindred products (-2,300). Aircraft and parts employment dropped 500, bringing the cumulative five-month job loss from the peak in June to 2,300. Other manufacturing held firm, with a second month of strikes idling 2,300 workers in primary aluminum production.

Construction retrenched by 4,000 workers. Services employment fell by 2,000, led by cutbacks in amusement and recreation (-2,300). Gains were posted in business services (+900), health care (+500) and private education (+600).

The Christmas buildup pushed wholesale and retail trade employment up 7,400, roughly comparable with last year. At the same time, the job count in non-durable wholesaling fell by 1,600.

Over the year, manufacturing payrolls were off 1,000 workers, discounting the 2,300 on strike. The shortfall centered in computer and office equipment (-1,900) and aircraft and parts (-900). Gains came in electronics (+1,000) and fabricated metals (+800). Construction expanded by 6,500 and wholesale and retail trade grew by 23,800. Services employment jumped by 34,700, led by major buildups in business services.

Total nonfarm wage and salary employment adjusted in collaboration with the Office of the Forecast Council was up 65,000 or 2.6 percent.