Economy

Recession and inflation concerns conspired in June to leave Massachusetts employers on the verge of switching to a pessimistic posture.

Massachusetts gasoline prices fell 7 cents in the past week, settling at a new average of $4.93 per gallon of regular unleaded on Monday.

At a time when the healthcare industry is in need of workers of all kinds, including respiratory therapists, Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester has been recognized for its Respiratory Care Program.

Companies with new hires and promotions include Workplace Resource, MassHire Central Regional Workforce Board, Leominster Credit Union, and Bay State Savings Bank.

Worcester cannabis company Bud’s Goods & Provisions in May settled a citation by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for a violation of the state’s wage and hour laws, after it was found to be withholding tips from employees.

Less than a month after a Worcester Starbucks location voted unanimously to unionize, a location in Gardner has done the same, voting 14-0 in favor of unionization, according to a tweet from the Twitter account Boston Starbucks Workers United.

Unemployment in the Framingham area ticked up slightly in May, but the rate remained more than a percentage point lower than it was in the same month last year. 

Greater Worcester’s unemployment rate rose slightly from 3.4% to 3.5% from April to May, as most other metropolitan areas reported gains in overall employment. 

Atlanta-based recruiting and staffing enterprise Spherion Staffing and Recruiting has opened it newest location at 48 Sword Street in Auburn, owned by franchisee Brian Palaia, the former Dunstable city manager Brian Palaia. 

The exhibit Jewels of the Nile: Ancient Egyptian Treasures at the Worcester Art Museum opened Saturday and runs through Jan. 29, marking the first time the bulk of the pieces in the collection will be displayed in full since they were donated in 1926.