Unemployment claims in Massachusetts increased during the week ending December 16, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Last week’s jobless claims totaled 8,833, up from 7,874 the week before. Nationwide, US unemployment claims rose to 205,000, marking an increase of2,000 claims from the previous week. Oklahoma witnessed the most significant percentage increase in weekly claims, with a rise of 71.3%, while Vermont had the largest percentage decrease, with a drop of 34%.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus recently wrote to Julie Su, the Acting Secretary of Labor in the United States, expressing concerns regarding the potential impact of tech layoffs on Black workers. The letter asked about the steps the Department of Labor has taken to monitor the impact of tech layoffs on African Americans and drew attention to regulations around business practices. It also questioned how the Department of Labor ensures that recent Supreme Court cases are not being used to undermine corporate DEI practices and budgets.