New York (CNN Business) A record 4.3 million people quit their jobs in August, evidence of the considerable leverage workers have in today's economy.
The number of workers who quit rose by 242,000 from July as more Americans demanded higher pay, better working conditions and more flexible arrangements.
Those number of people who quit rose in accommodation and food services, wholesale trade and state and local government education.
The number of job openings in July was revised higher to 11.1 million, a record high since this report began in 2000.
That bargaining power comes from their willingness to quit jobs they don't like and look for new ones.
And this shift is not merely centered on simple economics -- but a broader reassessment around quality of life and purpose.
All of this helps explain why employers, including factories trucking companies, restaurants construction firms and schools , are having trouble finding workers. »
