Many workers' earnings stagnating or declining
Employers big and small have resorted to slashing hours, and once-unthinkable wage cuts. In March, staffing agencies that work for Microsoft Corp. agreed to a 10% reduction in their billing rate. In April, hotel operators in New York City asked unionized waiters, housekeepers and bellhops to reopen their contract and accept wage cuts. State governments such as Indiana's have frozen pay, while others, including those in Maryland and California, have furloughed employees.http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-wages9-2009may09,0,1841770.story