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U.S. Work Absences Surge to 19-Year High

9/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Absences from work for military or civic duties among Americans hit a 19-year high.
From January to August, 90,000 workers reported being absent for at least a week.
This number more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
Current absences are the highest since 2006, during significant National Guard deployments.
This increase further strains the disrupted U.S. labor market.

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Story summary

Absences from work for military or civic duties among Americans hit a 19-year high.
From January to August, 90,000 workers reported being absent for at least a week.
This number more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
Current absences are the highest since 2006, during significant National Guard deployments.
This increase further strains the disrupted U.S. labor market.