The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) staff expressed shock and disappointment after President Donald Trump fired its commissioner, Erika McEntarfer, in response to a dismal jobs report that contradicted the White House’s claims of an economic boom.
The July jobs report showed 73,000 jobs added, while downward revisions revealed 258,000 fewer jobs than initially reported for May and June. The BLS employees discussed the importance of accuracy and professional integrity in data production.
In a statement to staff, Acting Commissioner William Wiatrowski emphasized that their mission remains unchanged despite McEntarfer’s departure. Assistant Commissioner said they must persevere like a ship’s crew after losing its captain but maintain their commitment to providing high-quality data.
Former Commissioner Erika McEntarfer remained stoic in her response to the staff, thanking them for their work and emphasizing the agency’s vital role in the US economy.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/bls-staff-react-to-commissioner-firing-e9754152b2a26f575c3492d85e06b8d3