Online Community

ASA Central

A dynamic online community for ASA members to exchange ideas and best practices, and connect with industry peers in their sector. Visit the site ›
Find Goods & Services

ASA Marketplace

This powerful online resource enables staffing companies to find and access industry supplier information, products and services. Visit the site ›
Daily Publication

Staffing Today Newsletter

Your #1 daily source for news about the workforce industry. With versions available to members and nonmembers. Visit the site ›
Health Care Reform

Affordable Care Act Resources for Staffing

Up-to-date news, resources, interactive tools, and more—all focused on helping ASA members comply with the ACA. Visit the site ›
Advertisers & Exhibitors

Staffing Industry Suppliers

ASA has numerous and diverse marketing opportunities available to help you reach the rapidly growing staffing industry. Visit the site ›
Exclusive Products

ASA Store

From certification packages and study guides to marketing tools and data reports, ASA resources add value to your business. Visit the site ›

Economists Offer More Pessimistic View on Manufacturing in Upcoming Report

Washington Post (03/20/12) Peter Whoriskey

Federal advisers from the Clinton and Bush administrations attributed job losses in the manufacturing industry in the 2000s to increased productivity. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures indicate that productivity more than doubled from 1991 to 2011. However, some experts believe U.S. statistics showing productivity gains in manufacturing have been miscalculated and misrepresented, noting that price savings realized from outsourcing work to other countries may have been incorrectly included in calculations of U.S. output and productivity. Some experts also note that gains in output from 2000 to 2010 were registered only when computer and electronics products were included with the rest of U.S. manufacturing.

However, they point out that computer and electronics manufacturing has shifted overseas, and gains tied to innovation have been factored into productivity calculations. Rob Atkinson of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation says the fact that U.S. manufacturers have lost their competitive advantage in the global marketplace has contributed to job losses in the industry and that government policy should be changed to bring millions of manufacturing jobs back to the U.S.