CBS: The Growing Class Of "Underemployed"

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/08/01/eveningnews/main4316205.shtml

As Unemployment Rises, Sometimes Part-Time Work Doesn't Cut It

HIALEAH, Fla., Aug. 1, 2008

(CBS) Carlos Campo has had plenty of work lately. Problem is, it's all in his own home. He's a carpenter in Florida, where the construction boom has gone bust, CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella reports.

"Have you gotten any nibbles?" she asked him.

"Here and there I get an offer, but it only lasts like two weeks, and then I lose my job again," Campo said. "I gotta reapply for unemployment."


Carlos Campo, a construction worker, is one of the growing class of "underemployed" Americans. (CBS)


As a result, Campo's income dropped from $45,000 last year to $19,000 this year, while the cost of food and utilities rose.

Does he worry about paying those bills?

"Every day," he said. "Bill collectors calls me every day."


FULL story at link.

[ixion]

1. I know many who are in this gentleman's situation

which is why it really pisses me off when I hear pols and pundits talk about the economies "strong fundamentals".

I got news for these pundits: Construction is a fundamental, and it is not strong. It is, in fact, quite piss poor right now. The same goes for my industry, the Technology industry. It is languishing right now.

[Union Thug]

2. The most infuriating thing is that THIS is the kind of economy that the conservatives

love. The more they can drive down the cost of labor, the happier they are.

Good luck, murkins, if you elect McBrainFreeze...