Labor Department Watchdog Investigates BLS Data Collection Procedures
The Labor Department watchdog is investigating the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data collection practices. In a letter dated Wednesday, Laura Nicolosi, assistant inspector general for the Labor Department, stated that the investigation will scrutinize the BLS's methods for compiling the consumer price index (CPI), producer price index (PPI), and employment data.
This inquiry comes after the BLS recently announced revisions to job growth figures, indicating that the U.S. economy added 911,000 fewer jobs than initially reported through March.
The letter was sent to acting BLS Commissioner William Wiatrowski, following the dismissal of former Commissioner Erika McEntarfer, who was accused without evidence of manipulating jobs numbers.
The BLS's revisions have raised serious questions about the integrity of the data, leading Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to emphasize the commitment to enhancing transparency and delivering timely data.
Furthermore, the acting deputy inspector general, Michael Mikulka, will spearhead this review. This investigation takes place amidst growing scrutiny of federal data collection methods.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.