Skilled and unskilled labor markets are described as very tight in areas with a high proportion of high-tech employment. Larger than average wage gains have been noted for information technology positions. Shipyards along the Gulf Coast reportedly cannot find enough skilled workers to keep pace with the recent business boom. Low unemployment rates in some District cities are making it hard for employers to fill positions or retain experienced workers. However, some employment placement firms report no significant real wage increases in spite of labor shortages, and other contacts note that firm downsizings and restructurings have helped the labor supply in parts of the District.
Competitive pressures continue to hold down final- goods prices, according to most contacts.