According to the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the unemployment rate in Massachusetts held at 4.2 percent in May, the lowest rate Massachusetts has seen in 15 years.

Statistics show Massachusetts lost 6,400 jobs in May, which the state is blaming on the Verizon strike. Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II said: “The labor force continues to grow, with 7,000 more employed residents and 2,000 fewer unemployed residents in May. Eduation and health care, and professional, scientific and business services sectors continue to generate the most jobs in the Commonwealth.”

Nationally, the unemployment rate dropped to 4.7 percent in May.