April 24, 2008 - Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates edged downward over the month in 12 of Michigan's 17 major labor market areas, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.  In March, total employment and labor force levels increased slightly in the majority of regions.

"Although many areas in Michigan reported seasonal jobless rate declines, the initial impact of a major auto-related labor dispute pushed up unemployment in a portion of the state," said Rick Waclawek, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives.  "Jobless rate increases in the Detroit and Flint metro areas were primarily due to strike-related layoffs."

From February to March, jobless rate reductions in 12 regions ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 of a percentage point with an average decrease of 0.4 of a percentage point.  The unemployment rate in the Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) was unchanged in March.

Unemployment rates rose over the month in four areas, including the Flint, Detroit-Warren-Livonia, Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, and Bay City MSAs.  These four regions were all impacted by strike-related layoffs in the auto industry.

Jobless Rates Up Since March 2007
From March 2007 to March 2008, unemployment rates increased in 16 major labor market regions.  Rate advances were wide ranging from 0.1 to 2.0 percentage points; however, the median advance was only 0.3 of a percentage point.  Above average over-the-year rate hikes were recorded in the Flint, Saginaw-Saginaw Township North, Monroe, and Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSAs.  The unemployment rate in the Battle Creek MSA declined slightly by 0.2 of a percentage point since March 2007.

Total Employment Up Over Month, Down Over Year
From February to March, total employment was up seasonally in 14 areas with a moderate average increase of 0.6 percent.  Three regions recorded declines over the month, with the most pronounced drops registered in the Flint and Detroit-Warren-Livonia MSAs.

Since March 2007, total employment declined in 15 regions, with an average reduction of 1.5 percent.  A number of regions posted decreases of around 2.0 percent or greater in this period.  Total employment increased over the year in the Niles-Benton Harbor MSA and was essentially unchanged in the Muskegon-Norton Shores MSA.

Labor Force Levels Up Slightly Over Month, Down Over Year
In March, workforce levels edged upward over the month in 13 areas, declined slightly in three regions and were essentially unchanged in the remaining area. 

From February 2007 to March 2008, labor force levels fell in 14 regions with an average decline of 1.3 percent.  The Niles-Benton Harbor MSA displayed a relatively large work force gain over the year, while the labor force levels in the Muskegon-Norton Shores and Grand Rapids-Wyoming MSAs edged upward in that period.

Counteracting Events Flatten Payroll Jobs in March
The monthly survey of employers indicated that seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs in Michigan were essentially flat in March, edging upward by 1,000 to total 4,161,000.  A drop in manufacturing jobs (-13,000) was offset by typical seasonal gains in leisure and hospitality services (+5,000) and retail trade (+4,000).  Widespread minor increases were displayed throughout the rest of the major industry sectors in March.

The decline in manufacturing jobs was directly related to layoffs in the auto industry due to the ripple effect of a major strike.  Most metro areas reported manufacturing declines in March, however, the Detroit-Warren-Livonia (-6,000) and Flint (-3,000) MSAs bore the brunt of this event.

Minor gains over the month in seasonal sectors such as leisure and hospitality services and retail trade were observed in most metropolitan regions within the state.

From March 2007 to March 2008, seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs fell statewide by 72,000 or 1.7 percent.  Of the 12 major metropolitan areas in the state, ten reported job declines over the year while two displayed increases.  The largest over-the-year metro job losses were recorded in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia (-45,000), Flint (-8,000), Saginaw-Saginaw Township North (-3,000), and Ann Arbor (-3,000) MSAs.  Payroll jobs increased sharply over the year in the Niles-Benton Harbor MSA, while the Muskegon-Norton Shores MSA reported a minor gain.  Jobs in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming and Kalamazoo Portage MSAs were little changed.

Over the year, manufacturing and construction jobs were down in all metropolitan areas, while jobs in health services were up in nearly all regions.

County Jobless Rates Down Over Month, Up Over Year
Sixty-eight of Michigan's 83 counties recorded seasonal jobless rate reductions in March, while 13 counties recorded increases.  Two counties reported no change over the month.

From March 2007 to March 2008, unemployment rates were up in 63 of the state's counties.  Fifteen counties displayed rate declines since March 2007, and five were unchanged.

Note:  Data in this release is not seasonally adjusted.  As a result, employment and unemployment trends may differ from previously released Michigan seasonally adjusted data.

A breakdown of seasonally unadjusted March workforce estimates for Michigan and its 17 major labor market areas follows, along with a listing of county jobless rates for March.

Note to Editors:  Please ensure that the source for state unemployment rates reads "Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth."

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs.