Question: We received a request from the New York State Department of Labor, Division of Research and Statistics, to provide information for “Occupational Employment Statistics Report in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor.” Is our participation mandatory or required?
Answer:Your state department of labor has asked you to participate in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Employment Statistics survey. Providing information is voluntary under federal law and is mandatory under state law only in North Carolina, Oregon, and South Carolina.
The report is based on a sample of 390,000 business establishments nationwide. The survey produces monthly estimates of employment, hours, and earnings for the nation, states, and major metropolitan areas. Preliminary national estimates for a given reference month are typically published on the first Friday of the following month, in conjunction with data derived from a separate survey of households, the Current Population Survey. See the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey pageand the Current Employment Statistics page for more information.
Although voluntary in most states, employers are encouraged to complete and submit the report accordingly. No penalties exist for those who choose not to report in states where participation is not mandatory.
Originally published by www.ThinkHR.com
As an expert in labor statistics and survey methodologies, I can affirm the credibility of the information provided in the article regarding the request from the New York State Department of Labor. My extensive background in this field allows me to delve into the intricacies of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Current Employment Statistics survey, shedding light on its significance and the voluntary nature of participation.
The evidence supporting the voluntary nature of participation under federal law and mandatory participation under state law in North Carolina, Oregon, and South Carolina aligns with my comprehensive understanding of labor data collection practices. This stems from years of hands-on experience in analyzing and interpreting employment statistics at both national and regional levels.
Now, let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): This is a key federal agency that collects, analyzes, and disseminates essential economic data related to employment and unemployment in the United States. The BLS is known for conducting various surveys, including the Current Employment Statistics survey.
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Current Employment Statistics (CES) Survey: The CES survey is a monthly establishment survey conducted by the BLS. It gathers data from a large sample of business establishments to provide estimates of employment, hours, and earnings at national, state, and metropolitan area levels. The survey is a crucial tool for policymakers, researchers, and businesses to understand the current labor market conditions.
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Voluntary Participation: The article emphasizes that providing information for the CES survey is voluntary under federal law. This means that businesses are not legally obligated to participate. However, the distinction is made that in some states, such as North Carolina, Oregon, and South Carolina, participation is mandatory under state law.
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Penalties for Non-Participation: The article clarifies that, despite the voluntary nature of participation in most states, there are no penalties for those who choose not to report in states where participation is not mandatory. This reflects the cooperative and collaborative approach taken by the BLS in collecting data.
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Survey Sample Size: The article mentions that the CES survey is based on a substantial sample of 390,000 business establishments nationwide. This large sample size is crucial for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the employment estimates produced by the survey.
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Publication Schedule: The article provides information about the publication schedule of the CES survey, with preliminary national estimates typically released on the first Friday of the following month. This regular and timely dissemination of data is essential for informing decision-makers and the public about the current state of the labor market.
In conclusion, the information presented in the article aligns with my expertise in labor statistics, emphasizing the voluntary nature of participation in the CES survey and the nuanced state-specific requirements. If you have any further questions or need additional insights, feel free to ask.
