Employee Participation

U.S. employers added 169,000 jobs in August and many fewer in July than previously thought.

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits dropped 9,000 last week to a seasonally adjusted 323,000, near the lowest level since June 2008

American businesses added 176,000 jobs in August, a private survey showed Thursday. That was fewer than in June and July but roughly in line with the monthly average for the year.

Fast-food protests are under way in cities including New York, Chicago and Detroit, with organizers expecting the biggest national walkouts yet in a demand for higher wages.

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits remained near the lowest level in more than five years last week, a sign that companies are cutting few jobs.

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week after reaching the lowest level in 5 years. But the broader trend suggests companies are laying off fewer workers and could step up hiring in the months ahead.