The strength of the U.S. job market continues to be debated, with different metrics painting differing pictures. A recent study by the Ludwig Institute for Shared Economic Prosperity (LISEP) points towards a much higher unemployment rate than official figures suggest. It shows that nearly 24% of the workforce is functionally unemployed, including those unable to find steady, full-time employment and those in poverty-wage jobs. This contradicts government numbers, which place the unemployment rate at 4.2%. The LISEP study captures economic nuances often missed in official statistics, showing that many are being left behind in economic upswings. Trade wars, tariffs, and other external factors may be slowing the job market, affecting certain sectors, including government and tech workers.

For those who are unemployed in California, contacting the Employment Development Department (EDD) can be essential for filing unemployment claims and accessing benefits. However, it can prove challenging to reach a live representative given the high volume of calls they receive. If you’re struggling to get through, consider using a service like eddcaller.com. This site can provide helpful information about how to contact a live person at EDD California, when the best times to call are, and what to do if you’re having difficulty reaching their customer service.