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EconoMeter: Are employers getting too used to a lean workforce?

Roger Showley, SAN DIEGO UNION-TRIBUNE

Sunday, July 17, 2011

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Kelly Cunningham, National University System
ANSWER: No

Growth in temp jobs is a good sign the economic recovery is taking hold as employers test the waters of recovery. Capitalism works because companies find the most efficient way to allocate and produce products and services. Far from being exploitive, productivity increases result in real wage gains as companies create, coordinate, and improve labor efficiency. As demand for products and services improve, employers offer higher wages and better benefits to hire and keep the best, most productive workers. Wealth is thus created in the most efficient manner raising the standard of living and increasing economic opportunities for everyone.