Crawford County’s seasonal unemployment rate has jumped to its highest level in more than 20 years — with manufacturing jobs taking a big hit.
The county’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 10.4 percent for May — it’s highest level since September 1986 when it was 10.4 percent — according to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. It’s up from 9.5 percent in April and almost double the May 2008 seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.3 percent.
The number of manufacturing jobs in May fell to 7,000, down from 7,200 in April, and from 8,000 in May 2008.
“We’ve seen a slow-down,” said Tim Mullen, vice president of Starn Tool & Manufacturing of Meadville. “We’ve not lost customers, but they’re just downsizing the amount of work we get.”
Mullen said the 50-employee company hasn’t had to lay anyone off, “but we’ve reduced hours.”
Crawford County is more heavily dependent on manufacturing than other areas of the country. More than 20 percent of the jobs in the county are related to manufacturing, compared to about 12 percent for the state and 11 percent nationally.
Most of the local manufacturing jobs are tied to the tooling and machining industry. While they don’t make the end-products themselves, the firms supply tools, equipment and parts to major manufacturers.
The seasonal unemployment rate jumped because of the 200-job loss in manufacturing and 200-job loss in education-related jobs as local schools and colleges shut down for the academic year, said Lauren Nimal, a state labor analyst who covers Crawford County.
Crawford County’s seasonally adjusted total labor force was 43,600 in May with 39,100 employed and 4,500 unemployed. In April, the total labor force was 43,300, with 39,200 employed and 4,100 unemployed.
The county’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 10.4 percent for May is higher than the 8.2 percent for Pennsylvania and 9.4 percent nationally for May.
The seasonally adjusted unemployment rates in other counties in northwestern Pennsylvania all rose in May.
The rates, listed for May, then April, were: Erie, 9.3, 8.4; Mercer, 11.4, 10.8; Venango, 9.1, 8.5; and Warren, 7.8, 7.7.
Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.
Local News
County jobless stats worst since 1986
- Local News
-
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
-
Local legislators: Corbett budget off to a good start
Elected officials representing Crawford County in Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives are gearing up for what looks like a lengthy budget process.
-
Crawford Central's Heller says new budget plan hobbles school districts
Area educators haven’t had a lot of time to mull over the implications of the budget proposal presented Tuesday to a joint meeting of Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
-
District Judge Chisholm nears record for ‘longest serving’
Magisterial District Judge William Chisholm is in line to set a new record by becoming Crawford County’s longest-serving magistrate.
-
Traveling breast cancer exhibit to make local stop
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is bringing its traveling photo exhibit, “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania,” to Crawford County March 1 through 10.
-
Judge Chisholm’s memories run deep
Looking back over his 26 years as a district magisterial judge, Judge William Chisholm has many memories of special events — even some humorous ones.
-
Fire guts historic Vernon Township building
“Another landmark gone,” Sandy Porter of the Crawford County Historical Society said as he looked across the street at the large red-brick building gutted by fire early Sunday just outside Meadville’s city limits.
-
No snow? Road crews have plenty to keep them busy
Patching potholes, clearing ditches and readying equipment for spring projects: Those are a few of the ways area crews have been keeping busy in recent days as Mother Nature’s decidedly spring-like behavior has caused road departments to start switching gears.
-
News analysis: Romney proves he's tough and adaptable
Mitt Romney’s resounding win in the Florida GOP primary last week is a warning shot to any Democrats who think the former Massachusetts governor will be a soft target.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
White House Attacks Romney on Birth Control
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Mo. Teen Gets Life Sentence for Killing Girl, 9
Lower-hassle Screening to Be Tested at Airports
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Helmet Camera Captures Calif. Fire Rescue
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes Minn., Mo., Colo.
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
