Number of separations due to extended mass layoff events in private nonfarm economy in first quarter of each year, 1996-2006 1996 I 246,820 1997 I 226,735 1998 I 178,251 1999 I 230,711 2000 I 202,500 2001 I 304,171 2002 I 299,266 2003 I 286,947 2004 I 276,503 2005 I 186,506 2006 I (p) 161,686 p = preliminary