.
Feedback

Unemployment Drops In The East Bay

The region's jobless rate falls as 700 jobs are added to the local economy

The East Bay's unemployment rate fell in August as the region added 700 jobs to the payrolls.

The jobless rate dropped from 9.5 percent in July to 9.2 percent last month, according to the California Employment Development Department.

In Alameda County, unemployment decreased from 9.5 percent to 9.3 percent in August.

In Contra Costa County, it dropped from 9.4 percent to 9.0 percent last month.

The total labor force in the East Bay grew from 959,100 in July to 959,800 in August.

The construction industry added 1,800 jobs in August while trade, transportation and utilities added 1,600. Professional and business services chipped in another 1,300. Education services went up by 300 jobs.

The biggest decline was seen in government, which lost 4,000 jobs. Financial services dropped 400 jobs while manufacturing lost 100 jobs.

Most communities saw a slight improvement in their unemployment rate.

Livermore's rate is now at 6.0 percent. Neighboring Pleasanton recorded 4.7 percent while Dublin came in at 5.6 percent.

Castro Valley has a 5.5 percent rate while San Lorenzo recorded 6.9 percent. San Leandro is listed at 9.2 percent and the Cherryland district is at 13.5 percent.

In the Tri-Cities, Fremont's rate is listed at 6.7 percent, Newark is at 8.6 percent and Union City is at 8.7 percent.

In the San Ramon Valley, Alamo stands at 3.4 percent, Danville at 4.8 percent and San Ramon at 3.7 percent.

Neighboring Walnut Creek has a 6.1 percent rate while Concord stands at 9.8 percent and Pleasant Hill at 7.3 percent.

Newsletter & Alerts

Get the best stories each day and important breaking news

Subscribe

Not from Union City Patch? Find your Local Patch »

Joe September 22, 2012 at 05:09 pm
Oh wow, unemployment went down because a bunch of minimum wage jobs opened and a crappy outlet mall. Hooray, we are all saved even though we went to college and have expensive loans to repay in fields that aren't hiring. I'm glad a bunch of high school drop outs can now get jobs.
Summer Hemphill September 22, 2012 at 05:19 pm
Acquaint yourself with the fact that other than upper-management no qualifies for benefits as they make sure their employees work less than forty hours a week ! At Big Lots only managers & department heads get forty hours,there are no benefits & if the District sales figures are down they'll cut your hours after they've posted them. Further no one could survive living in this area at the low end of that wage scale unless they had two more jobs or lived in an apartment with a dozen other Walmart employees ! As America's largest employer more of their workers are on the government dole than anyone elses & there is no disputing that,so don't try to change the subject ! Billions for the Waltons & billions in food stamps & health care for their employees at the taxpayer's expense ! The Waltons are the biggest freeloaders at the public trough in the history of our great nation & the largest percentage of workers who don't pay taxes (the 47%) are Walmart employees !
David September 22, 2012 at 06:50 pm
Do you similarly hate target? Or safeway? or your neighborhood mom an pop store where wages are lower and all benefits non-existent? Or is your outrage, as usual, selective at the usual fashionable causes?
Daniel Graham September 22, 2012 at 07:41 pm
@David Ross; Listen, Ultimately the the company who you work for is the one who cuts your check. If you don't hustle, make them money and represent them in a professional manner, you are down the road. The union just makes it a level playing field: in terms of safety, overtime hours and the working rules which are the laws of this state. Now when I first started working construction back in the early 80's, remember last century, we worked non union for cash. Paid absolutely no taxes. The union is what brought us into the system. It benefits everybody through higher standards and work rules. You just watch that Outlet Mall fall apart and become an empty blight on our community. Just my experience.
Daniel Graham September 22, 2012 at 07:52 pm
Hey David; Why do you pick on the little people. Why don't you go after the guy who runs a underachieving school district for a couple of years and receives a $300,000 pension, from a state that can't pay its bills. Are we easier to kick when we are down? Pull that silver spoon out of your backside a fight the true fight.
David September 22, 2012 at 08:05 pm
hah. I go after the government all the time.
I'm not going "after" anyone here. Just pointing out to the usual local "liberals" who fume at Wal-Mart that their favorite stores like Target and the local mom-and-pops have wages that are the same or worse than Wal-Mart. As for 'silver spoon'--first off, don't have one. Second off, wouldn't apologize for it if I did.
The Real Anon September 22, 2012 at 08:07 pm
I have no sympathy for people complaining their union didn't get the work. You didn't put in a competitive bid, that's why you got locked out. Why do you need a union anyway? Why can't a union guy negotiate with their prospective employer directly like everyone else? You want a job, go interview for it. Get the job...work the job, and shut up. Do your damn job and you won't have any problems.
But no, instead you wound up sitting around holding a sign on a stick when you could have been working. Real smart.
The Real Anon September 22, 2012 at 08:10 pm
Unions are nothing more than government - based on coercion and threats of violence. Union busters have the right idea. I would never hire anyone from any union, because I don't like thugs and bullies. I want peaceable and respectful people who are interested in working cooperatively to the mutual benefit of all, not people who are interested in trying to extort their employers and business partners to obtain favorable advantages for themselves at the expense of others.
David September 22, 2012 at 08:10 pm
The only reason "liberals" don't like Wal-Mart is that they bought the unions' lie that the labor at Wal-Mart is somehow exploited, when Wal-Mart pays the same or better as the competition. In fact, the benefits are better at Wal-Mart than, say, Target.
But hey, unions just make everything so much better, especially when you're out of a job. As the former workers at every factory in the Midwest.
The Real Anon September 22, 2012 at 08:15 pm
If you don't like the fact that Walmart and other giant corporations get what amounts to corporate weflare by paying low wages that don't support a family then you shouldn't keep supporting the idea of government.
The only reason that is able to occur is through the existence of government and the fact that it uses violence and coercive force to pick winners and losers and meddles with the entire free market. Don't hate the players...hate the game. Government is the problem, not the companies playing its game.
Dalamar September 22, 2012 at 10:16 pm
Let me have a moment of your time.
Reviewing the article and previous posts, this is what I can summarize. Fact; Government jobs became more scarce, thus reducing civil services. Fact; Overall unemployment rates went down in the SF East Bay. Fact; One contributing (not exclusive) factor reducing unemployment, a new mall opened in Livermore. Fact; Non-union workers were employed to build the mall. Fact; Non-union workers were employed in the mall. And thanks to David, (by the way you looked very official in the hard hat and safety vest in the sept 19 Castro Valley BLVD paving photo gallery), we now know Walmart can afford to pay slightly more than Target due to their “low employee benefits” policy. For those of you who are bickering, what are you all angry about? Because there are fewer government jobs now? Because some people were fortunate enough to find non-union employment? Or because those who found employment aren’t getting paid more because they are non-union? One could conclude based on your bitterness you all would be much happier if these people had found government jobs with union representation, union wages and benefits instead of working private sector non-union jobs.
Daniel Graham September 22, 2012 at 11:36 pm
@Dalamar; I speak to little Spanish to work non union. But I'll run an underachieving school district. Just watch me. Benefits are great, no job performance requirements, free travel, all expenses paid by the taxpayer. And Hey! What about that pension. Pretty nice right. It beats picketing next to a inflated Halloween prop.
Really Anon September 22, 2012 at 11:38 pm
Unions are what is bringing down America. Why are so-called "Scabs" doing your job. Because no body else wants to do it. Go learn a real skill or trade and quit complaining.
Summer Hemphill September 22, 2012 at 11:42 pm
I'm angry that the Walton's became the nations wealthiest family by forcing the taxpayers to care for their employees. When union workers receive decent wages & benefits it shifts the burden for their welfare to their employer where it belongs & forces non-union companies to offer better wages to remain competitive for talented employees,thus raising the standard of living for everyone. The American worker has been exploited for years by those who profit handsomely from their labor without being adequately compensated for their labor. Before the union busting era began during the Reagan years the decent wages & benefits earnned by government employees through collective bargaining were commonplace in the private sector. Now that the number of union jobs has shrunk,so have the wages & benefits of everybody else,while the exorbitant salaries of corporate executives continue to soar. The rich corporate interests & their GOP co-conspirators have waged class warfare on American workers since at least 1980 & after the voters give Obama & the Democrats a mandate to raise taxes on the richest,restoring & enlarging union organizing rights will be a the top of our list. I'd sure like to keep millions in foreign banks,but unfortunately I have to work for a living like 99% of Americans whether they're part of the 47% or not. Let's see how much more damage Romney/Ryan can do to other Republican candidates in the next six weeks,they can't distance themselves from those fools fast enough !
David September 22, 2012 at 11:45 pm
I'm assuming you're referring to another David, but again, Wal-Mart benefits are better than Target, in addition to their wages.
"Two years ago, Target dropped health care insurance coverage for all part-time workers. By contrast, Wal-Mart makes its medical plan available to all workers, full- and part-time. All Wal-Mart’s employees, from store cashiers to chief executive Lee Scott, are covered under the same medical plan. All employees can choose from the same four deductible options and receive unlimited coverage for catastrophic expenses — such as organ transplants or cancer treatments — that can financially ruin an employee. At Target, store employees do not receive catastrophic coverage and deductible levels vary, according to former and current employees. Wal-Mart estimates that 56 percent of its employees receive health care coverage. (by the way, that's about the national average) I'm not the one hating on anyone. Summer and others are busy promulgating the conventional proggie "wisdom" that Wal-Mart is practically worst employer in the world, when it's the same or better than the competition.
David September 22, 2012 at 11:50 pm
Thanks to Obama, only 58% of Americans are working, down from 66% before the POR (Pelosi-Obama-Reid) economy was established.
John Harrington September 23, 2012 at 12:16 am
The employment/.unemployment numbers reflect August. Is the outlet place open? No. It will probably be the unemployment reports issued in December, January before you see any outlet jobs reflected. And, just remember, those numbers do not reflect just Livermore or TriValley, but East Bay. So, gains here could easily be offset by losses in another part of the East Bay, or vice-versa.
Rob Rich September 23, 2012 at 02:07 am
For some this must seem like bad news: East Bay employment improved, even though government shed 4,000 jobs, because construction added 1,800 jobs, while trade, transportation and utilities added 1,600 & professional and business services chipped in another 1,300.
As for the building trades, if you don't value apprenticeship, you're really missing something.
Paisley September 23, 2012 at 02:11 am
The unemployment reports are issued every single week. The ADP comes out on Thursday of every week, and the full report comes out on Friday. EVERY WEEK.
I'm sorry, but it doesn't take a full quarter to reflect changes.
Rob Rich September 23, 2012 at 01:19 pm
Here's a link for some local carpentry apprenticeship programs, both union & nonunion. You'll need a HS diploma. Good luck! http://www.dir.ca.gov/databases/das/results_pwadd.asp?varCounty=ALAMEDAA&varType=10&Submit=Search
Albert Rubio September 24, 2012 at 12:29 am
Dalamar, Great Point.
>One could conclude based on your bitterness you all would be much happier if these people had found government jobs with union representation, union wages and benefits instead of working private sector non-union jobs. Summer Hemphill wrote: >"I'm angry that the Walton's became the nations wealthiest family by forcing the taxpayers to care for their employees." The essence of taxation is the use of force. The state is the monopoly of force. This use of force consumes 24% of GDP by the federal government alone. Are you angry about this? “The 'private sector' of the economy is, in fact, the voluntary sector; and the 'public sector' is, in fact, the coercive sector.” -- Henry Hazlitt What Walmart is not forcing anyone but adjusting to existing conditions, brought about forcefully by the government. Are you angry about this? Nothing illegal was done. In fact food stamps (now called "Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program." SNAP) now have commercials paid for by forced taxation. Are you angry about this? No need to answer, the questions are rhetorical.
Jessica September 24, 2012 at 07:31 pm
Hi David,
I am a "rare" liberal that dislikes Wal-Mart and Unions. I dislike Wal-Mart because of the ill-mannered, hoodrats that shop there. I dislike Unions because they no longer help their employees. They merely continue to collect the employees' wages and protect poor performing employees.
David September 24, 2012 at 09:35 pm
Those are fine reasons to dislike going to Wal-Mart, and I agree with you and 93% of private sector workers that unions are useless.
I'm a conservative, and I don't shop at Wal-Mart, mainly because the grocery prices there aren't actually that competitive (especially with gas and hassle factored in), and other larger ticket items I just buy on Amazon and save the gas and the hassle, or I'm at a specialty store (for furniture or appliances for example).
David September 24, 2012 at 09:38 pm
Rich, in order to learn a skill, let's say you offer your services for free to a tradesman.
That tradesman can take you on, IF you're union, and use your work product (sell it). If you're not union, your work product must be literally thrown away. Therefore, what is the incentive for a non-union apprenticeship program? If this is not true, then why does the Department of Labor fine people who violate these rules?
Tom Abate (Editor) September 24, 2012 at 10:51 pm
My son applied for a paid apprenticeship with the electrician's union. He was close but not successful. If anyone knows of non-union electricians who offer paid OJT, please use Patch to seek applicants.
Fred Eiger September 24, 2012 at 11:35 pm
Did he apply at the Union's Traning Center on Alvarado St.? Don't they expect the guy to go through four years of training?
Rob Rich September 25, 2012 at 01:35 am
The purpose of an apprenticeship program is for the next generation of tradespeople to learn from the current generation. That's how you pass a trade along.
I must admit, I'm not familiar w/the "problem" of apprentices working for free. That sounds like indentured servitude. In any case, the apprentices we employ are paid, & they mix classroom training w/OTJ training. There is a ratio of 4 - 5 journeymen to each apprentice. It is a highly successful program.
Albert Rubio September 25, 2012 at 02:38 am
>I must admit, I'm not familiar w/the "problem" of apprentices working for free. T. hat sounds like indentured servitude.
indentured servitude just means you are under contract to work for someone as payment for something received. This is just a trade of labor for training entered into voluntarily. Each side benefits or the trade would not happen. "Indentured servitude refers to the historical practice of a person contracting to work for a fixed period of time, typically three to seven years, in exchange for transportation, food, clothing, lodging and other necessities during the term of indenture."
usahhxjoirb September 25, 2012 at 04:14 am
coachoutletsho coachoutletshopusa a lim Feminist Hijab Fashion Abaya <a href="http://www.coachoutletshopusa.com/" title="coach outlet"><strong>coach outlet</strong></a> Fashion The Hair Bares Calendar Girls Jul 19, 2010 As part of popular <a href="http://www.coachoutletshopusa.com/" title="cheap coach bags">Alibaba.Feb 7, 2012 Purchase online <a href="http://www.coachoutletshopusa.com/" title="cheap coach purses"><strong>cheap coach purses</strong></a> abaya, designer abaya, exc
Jun 4, 2012 Of course we all copulate the abayas, hijabs and jilbabs are our Qatar graduate, Maryam, who with hecoach outlet store.<br/>Source:<a href="http://www.coachoutletshopusa.com/" title="coach outlet"><strong>www.coachoutletshopusa.com</strong></a>
xiaoyanzichuanghuayi October 30, 2012 at 06:01 am
If you applause football, you allegedly acquire a admired accession from the National Football League or two and acquire a annual of players who like to acquire seen. A abounding way to actualization your adherence to this accession is the use of NFL jerseys of their accession colors, sports, logo and name. If you are actually on a complete player, you can achieve a replica of his jersey and actualization that you ahead is the boss. http://www.wholesalejerseys88.com/archives/11
Note Article
Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
Nika Megino (Editor) May 30, 2013 at 10:45 am
When is Kid's Night Out?
Pacific West Gymnastics June 8, 2013 at 09:18 am
Hey Nika, Sorry for the delay. We offer Kid's Night Out 1 to 2 times per month. We have oneRead More tonight, actually! Our full schedule is on our website (http://pacwestgymnastics.com/camps-events/kids-night-out/). Thanks!