SEASONAL UNEMPLOYMENT

Individuals in the labor force searching for work may be subject to seasonal unemployment. Seasonal unemployment results from variations in employment patterns because of seasonal change. This is a common occurrence in the agricultural industry, where harvesting season naturally demands more workers than are needed during other months.

A similar situation occurs in the construction industry, which experiences a higher rate of unemployment in the winter months than during the spring or summer. This is not always the case. California is less likely to experience an intense employment fluctuation in its construction industry because of relatively mild seasonal change. Michigan, on the other hand, is much more apt to be affected with increased unemployment in its construction industry during the winter months.

Why do workers remain in such industries? Those employed in the construction industry are often attracted to the high wages. However, agricultural workers do not receive high compensation for their efforts. Harvesting work may often be completed by migrant workers. Migrant workers are individuals who move from region to region looking for employment. For instance, a worker from Latin America may migrate to California for harvesting work and then return home with his or her earnings at the end of the season.

Seasonal unemployment does not affect every part of the country. It varies from region to region.