Record number 4.4 million US workers quit their job in September, feds report

The Labor Department reported Friday a record 4.4 million U.S. employees quit their jobs in September, another indication that jobs in the country exceed demand and that workers continue to aggressively hunt for higher pay and other benefits.

The number is being reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

"Labor now has the initiative, and the era of paying individuals less than a livable wage has ended," Joseph Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US, told CNN. "This strongly suggests that rising wages are going to be part and parcel of the economic landscape going forward."

In addition, the bureau report shows the U.S. had 10.4 million open jobs in September, slightly less than the 10.6 million in August.

The report also shows "quits" increased in several industries with the largest in arts, entertainment, and recreation.