March 2009 Employment Cost Index — 2009-04-30

Total compensation costs for civilian workers increased 0.3 percent from December 2008 to March 2009, seasonally adjusted, the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reported today. This follows a 0.6 percent increase for the September to December 2008 period. In March 2009, wages and salaries also rose 0.3 percent, while benefits rose 0.5 percent. The Employment Cost Index (ECI), a product of the National Compensation Survey, measures changes in compensation costs for civilian workers (nonfarm private industry and state and local government workers). Table A. 3-month percent changes in the Employment Cost Index, seasonally adjusted Compensation June Sep. Dec. Mar. June Sep. Dec. Mar.