Statement about dismissal of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer in the United States

The ISI expresses its deep concern regarding the reported dismissal of Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Commissioner Erika McEntarfer in the United States.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics, a fact-finding agency in the field of labor economics and statistics, serves as a crucial part of the U.S. Federal Statistical System. While the appointment of BLS leadership falls within the purview of the U.S. government, the motivation behind Dr. McEntarfer's dismissal raises serious questions about a violation of the internationally agreed UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and a disregard for the globally accepted professional ethics of statisticians. BLS data products must be publications of facts that serve the U.S. government, financial markets and the public. National statistical agencies and their commissioners must operate free from political pressure to ensure the quality and integrity of their work. Until now, the global community has rightly held U.S. federal statistics in high regard. The ISI supports the fact-finding mission of all government agencies involved in data collection, analysis, and communication.

In particular, the efficient functioning of financial markets is dependent on trustworthy statistics, especially for market-sensitive statistics such as employment and consumer prices. Experience has shown that lack of trust in official statistics can lead to an increased risk premium on borrowing rates, for example. In addition, the labor market statistics reflect the socioeconomic condition of the country and have real impacts on public policies.

In a civilised society, decisions must be based on facts. When facts are called into question, an independent, high-quality assessment is required. We therefore appeal to the U.S. government to consider ways of addressing any doubts about the BLS work to safeguard well-rooted public confidence in federal statistics in the United States. To this end, ISI promotes independent evaluation of the methods and outcomes to maintain their credibility. With its 140-year legacy in the statistics profession, the ISI stands ready to support such a process.

As a non-governmental and non-profit global statistical organisation, the ISI calls on all statisticians to stand behind the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics. The ISI also appeals to the U.S. government to take decisive actions to respect and restore public confidence in federal statistics in the United States. This goes beyond official statistics in the U.S., bearing significant global implications.

Xuming He, ISI President
Fabrizio Ruggeri, ISI President-Elect