ROCHESTER, New York: Jody Taylor dodged the bullet twice in the past year when the industrial-coating factory where she works as a machine operator went through a series of layoffs. But her hours have been cut back to a four-day workweek.

In this economy, she considers herself lucky.

"I did lose some money, but I still have a job and health benefits," said Taylor, 51, a single parent whose 17-year-old son recently had his wisdom teeth pulled. "Honest to God, I don't know how anybody can do it without their benefits."