Jackson Hole demonstrators press Yellen not to raise rates; Fed chair’s staff to seek meeting

JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. – Shadowing central bankers and economists at the Federal Reserve conference here, a group of about 10 demonstrators pressed Fed Chair Janet Yellen not to yield to pressure to raise interest rates.

Carrying placards and green T-shirts embossed with the slogan “What recovery?” they said they’d come from New York, Missouri, Minnesota and elsewhere to draw attention to people left behind by the recovery and still unable to find work.

One demonstrator approached Yellen as she prepared to enter the opening reception Thursday night to press their point. With security guards hovering nearby, the two shook hands and spoke for about a minute before Yellen entered the closed-door gathering.

Yellen spokesman Doug Tillett said her staff would seek to arrange a meeting between the chair and the demonstrators back in Washington.