Labor Productivity Declined in Q3

Washington, DC, December 10, 2019-Nonfarm business sector labor productivity decreased 0.2% in Q3 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, as output increased 2.3% and hours worked increased 2.5%. 

From Q3 2018 to Q3 2019, productivity increased 1.5%, reflecting a 2.3% increase in output and a 0.9% increase in hours worked. 

Unit labor costs in the nonfarm business sector increased 2.5% in Q3 2019, reflecting a 2.3% increase in compensation per hour and a 0.2% decline in productivity. 

Unit labor costs increased 2.2% over the last four quarters.