Pennsylvania’s workforce -- the number of people employed and those searching for work -- fell to 6,394,000 in June, a decrease of 12,000 workers as compared to the previous month of May.
Pennsylvania’s losses are in line with states across the region. Sectors losing jobs include textiles/apparel; furniture/fixtures; and electronics, down one percent after Tyco Electronics closed its East Berlin plant.
The good news is that Manufacturers’ News reported that Pennsylvania is home to more than 19,000 manufacturers employing over 800,000 workers, and ranks No. 5 in the US for manufacturing jobs and plants.
Among the few major sectors in the state to gain jobs were transportation equipment and rubber and miscellaneous plastic products.
Tom Dubin, President of Manufacturers’ News Inc., says that Pennsylvania’s industrial employment is suffering due to automation, mergers, and outsourcing. But Dubin also noted that as wages in developing countries increase and fuel costs cut into freight-sensitive goods, some manufacturers are bringing production back home.
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