Nonfarm business sector labor productivity was unchanged during the first quarter of 2017, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today, as both

output and hours worked increased 1.7 percent. From the first quarter of 2016 to the first quarter of 2017, productivity increased 1.2 percent, reflecting a 2.5-percent increase in output and a 1.3-percent increase in

hours worked.

Unit labor costs in the nonfarm business sector increased 2.2 percent in the first quarter of 2017, reflecting a 2.2-percent increase in hourly compensation; productivity was unchanged. Unit labor costs increased 1.1 percent over the last four quarters.