These job losses represent the largest decline in jobs on record as well as the highest level of unemployment recorded. According to BLS, 18 million of those jobs lost were “temporary layoffs” expected to last no more than six months. However, with 78% of Americans working paycheck to paycheck and nearly 40% unable to come up with $400 for an emergency, temporary layoffs are devastating working Americans.

In response to the release of the jobs report, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director Jason Walsh:

“While Donald Trump dismisses the massive job losses and skyrocketing unemployment with grand promises for ‘next year,’ millions of Americans are struggling to get by today. By downplaying the severity of this crisis, Trump shows once again how truly out of touch he is with working Americans. This crisis has starkly highlighted what we already knew—our economy does not work for too many Americans.

“American workers need real action to ensure that our economy works for them, not more empty promises. That’s why it’s crucial that Congress pass a robust relief package that supports workers, including extended unemployment insurance, protecting the health and safety of all workers, and state and local funding to ensure critical services for community health and safety and education.”