Record engineering unemployment spurs IEEE-USA to call for Congressional action

Sept. 1, 2002
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA) asked members of Congress to address the unemployment situation for engineers and other high-tech professionals. The unemployment rate for all engineers increased from 3.6% in the first quarter of 2002 to 4.0% in the second quarter, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate for electrical

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE-USA) asked members of Congress to address the unemployment situation for engineers and other high-tech professionals.

The unemployment rate for all engineers increased from 3.6% in the first quarter of 2002 to 4.0% in the second quarter, according to data from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics. The rate for electrical and electronics engineers rose from 4.1% to 4.8%. Overall unemployment fell from 5.9% to 5.4%.

“The IEEE-USA is concerned that the most recent increase in engineering unemployment is not a short term or cyclical phenomenon, but represents a more fundamental shift in engineering utilization that has potentially negative impacts for our nation,” said IEEE-USA President LeEarl Bryant.

IEEE-USA is also asking Congress to investigate the impacts of increased hiring of non-U.S. guest workers, the greater use of temporary workers and the outsourcing of engineering work overseas as causes of the unemployment problem, in addition to the economic downturn.

“It is time for Congress to take a closer look at the problem of engineering unemployment and to eliminate the government subsidies and incentives that encourage corporate management to treat U.S. engineers as a disposable labor commodity rather than an essential investment in our nation's future,” Bryant said.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.