The state Employment Security Department says the average annual wage in Washington increased 1.9 percent last year to $47,153. The department said Thursday the loss of thousands of low-paying jobs contributed to the raise. The average is used to compute jobless benefits, so they’ll be going up next month. The minimum weekly benefit will increase by $2 to $135 and the maximum will increase $10 to $570. The average annual wage also is used to compute employers’ unemployment taxes and workers’ compensation benefits.
GE-powered 787 completes first test
Boeing officials say the fifth 787 test aircraft flew for three hours and 48 minutes over Washington state Wednesday before returning to Paine Field in Everett. Capt. Mike Bryan says the flight went as expected. The jet is the first 787 to be equipped with General Electric engines and will be used to demonstrate that that type of engine won’t affect its flying characteristics. The four previous test 787s had Rolls-Royce engines. Boeing says the sixth and final 787 to take part in the flight test program is expected to fly before the end of next month.
Rise in jobless claims stokes rebound worries
The number of people filing new claims for jobless benefits jumped last week after three straight declines, another sign that the pace of layoffs has not appreciably slowed. Initial claims for jobless benefits rose by 12,000 to a seasonally adjusted 472,000, the Labor Department said Thursday. It was the highest level in a month and overshadowed a report that showed consumer prices remain essentially flat. The rise in jobless claims highlighted concerns about the economic rebound — especially after a report earlier this week said home construction plunged in May after government tax credits expired. If layoffs persist, there’s a concern that the June employment numbers may show a decline in private-sector jobs after five straight months of gains, according to Jennifer Lee, an economist with BMO Capital Markets.
New UAW president wants to organize
The top priority for the United Auto Workers union is now to organize nonunion workers at U.S. Toyota factories and those of other foreign automakers, the union’s new president said Thursday. Bob King, who was elected to the post on Wednesday, said in his acceptance speech that the union must fight for greater rights to organize nonunion workers. That includes lobbying for passage of the federal Employee Free Choice Act, which would allow workers to join unions simply by filling out a card. King spent much of his speech criticizing Toyota, and said the UAW would conduct a banner campaign at its dealerships. The banners will say that Toyota puts profits before people, King said. Currently, there are no unionized Toyota plants in the United States.
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