In response to the February jobs report showing that job growth has fallen dramatically since President Trump took office, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler released the following statement:
President Trump’s first economic report card just came in: in February, the economy added just 151,000 new jobs. Bosses announced plans for another 172,017 layoffs, a 245% increase over January. More than 450,000 workers are settling for part-time work instead of the full-time jobs they need—reflecting a harsher job market than we’ve had in years.
Elon Musk and his so-called Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were directly responsible for the thousands of jobs lost in February because this unelected billionaire fired experienced, skilled and dedicated federal workers across the country without cause. DOGE’s cuts also have drained jobs from companies with government contracts, nonprofits reliant on government funding, and universities whose researchers are funded by federal grants.
The new data released today also indicates the damage won’t stop here. The jobs report showed there are insufficient new jobs to keep up with demand, which could cause an increase in unemployment. Alongside a slowing gross domestic product and still-rising prices for food, the report signals a weakening economy, which is devastating news for working people who have to figure out how to make ends meet every day.
We must change course immediately, or more working families will suffer. We call on President Trump to reverse DOGE’s reckless cuts to the federal workforce, and restore funding for government programs that provide valuable services to our communities and employ hundreds of thousands of Americans across the nation.
Contact: Prerna Jagadeesh, 202-637-5018