Employment cost index up 0.4% in first quarter

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch)
Compensation costs for civilian workers increased a seasonally adjusted 0.4% in the first quarter, the Labor Department said Friday
Wages and salaries, which make up about 70% of compensation costs, increased 0.5%, and benefits also rose 0.5%
Year-over-year, compensation costs were up 1.9% vs. the 2% gain in the year to March 2011, with wages and salaries up 1.7% and benefits up 2.7%