The Guam Department of Labor is pleased to release the June 2009 Current Employment Report . (pdf format)

Employment Highlights

The total number of jobs on Guam declined measurably in the preliminary statistics, for June 2009 as did private sector employment and average weekly hours paid.

The private sector was significantly affected by reduced visitor arrival numbers.

The private sector job count went from 45,630 in March to 44,910 in June 2009, a reduction of 720 jobs. The largest reduction was in hotels, 260, and retail trade, which lost 310 jobs; other services declined 290 jobs.  The retail trade and services reductions were largely accounted for by seasonal employment changes in educational institutions and services associated with them during summer months.   

Federal employment increased by 110 jobs compared to the previous quarter and were up 160 from the prior year’s figures. Government of Guam employment was virtually unchanged from the comparable June period a year ago. Temporary summer trainees were hired early enough last year to be included on the June payroll last year but not this year.

Average weekly hours paid declined most dramatically in hotels. Paid hours averaged 31.7 in June 2009, down from 36.4 in June a year ago. In percentage terms hours worked declined 13% in hotels, 7% in retail and 4% for all private industry for the comparable period. Private total average weekly earnings were little changed, however, as higher hourly earnings offset the decline in hours worked.