Labor Productivity Rose 2.9% in Q2

Washington, DC, August 15, 2018-Nonfarm business sector labor productivity increased 2.9% during the second quarter of 2018, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported, as output increased 4.8% and hours worked increased 1.9%.

From the second quarter of 2017 to the second quarter of 2018, productivity increased 1.3%,

reflecting a 3.5% increase in output and a 2.2% increase in hours worked.

Unit labor costs in the nonfarm business sector decreased 0.9% in the second quarter of 2018,

reflecting a 2.0% increase in hourly compensation and a 2.9% increase in productivity. Unit

labor costs increased 1.9% over the last four quarters.