What's New at the Job Service Missoula - September 2024

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Job Service Missoula | September 2024 Newsletter

Job Service Missoula is OPEN for business! Our hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday except for Wednesday when our business hours begin at 11 a.m. To save you time and travel, we offer services by phone and email. We also offer online meetings, and scheduled appointments for those needing more intensive assistance with their employment and training needs.  Give us a call at (406) 728-7060 or visit us online at  MontanaWorks.gov for assistance with recruitment, training and other labor-related business needs.

Montana Minimum Wage Increase information expected by September 30, 2024

The minimum wage in Montana is expected to increase to $10.55 per hour on January 1, 2025. This is based on calculations from Bloomberg Tax that use federal data and Montana statutes. Montana law requires the state to calculate the annual minimum wage adjustment by September 30. Stay tuned for more information in our October newsletter.

You can also visit the Employment Standards webpage here to review the determination letter or download the minimum wage poster for 2025 when they are made available.

2024 Montana Labor Day Report On Labor Day in 2024, the Montana economy continues its steady expansion. Employment continues to grow, unemployment remains near record lows, and wage growth over the last year resulted in an increased standard of living for Montana workers. While the state continues to face a workforce shortage, with two job openings for every one unemployed person, there are signs that the labor market is beginning to ease. Over 10,000 more Montanans entered the labor market in 2023 – a welcome sign for many businesses who have been struggling to find workers. See the publication here.

Reservation Economies and Labor Markets in Montana Montana shares geography with seven Indian reservations and eight federally recognized Native nations that represent thirteen Tribes. Over half of American Indians in Montana live on Tribal lands, with the local economies of these areas providing opportunity and supporting the livelihoods of those who live there. Each reservation’s local economy varies, along with its own geographical characteristics, industrial opportunities, workforce characteristics, and histories. This article takes an in-depth look at Montana’s reservation economies to broaden understanding of the factors that contribute to different economic trends within reservations. Read the full report here.

DLI Stands Ready to Help Sibanye-Stillwater Workers

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) was informed that Sibanye-Stillwater mine intends to lay off a significant portion of its Montana workforce. DLI immediately began coordinating with mine leadership, representatives from the Montana chapter of United Steel Workers, community leaders, and other government leaders to develop a plan to support workers and focus resources to minimize the effects of the layoff.

"Governor Greg Gianforte has directed DLI to support Montana's hardworking miners and their families as we navigate this significant blow to our mining community. In the coming days, DLI will release a mining-specific Skills Matching Tool to help every impacted worker identify new employment opportunities, leveraging the skills they mastered at the mine," said Commissioner Sarah Swanson. "Using this tool combined with the exemplary work of our Job Service Workforce Consultants, we will help affected workers navigate employment opportunities, identify any skill gaps needed to advance into new careers, and source funding for any necessary training programs needed to acquire additional skills."

Read the full press release here.

44th Annual Montana Arbitration & Labor Relations Conference

October 01, 2024 – October 03, 2024 Copper King Hotel & Convention Center Butte: Montana The Montana Arbitration & Labor Relations Conference is an exciting opportunity for members of labor and management at all levels to learn and grow with networking and educational sessions that will help attendees pursue excellence in labor relations.

Local, State and National Unemployment Rates for August 2024

Check out the interactive map at https://lmi.mt.gov/  to see county unemployment rates throughout the state.

539 S 3rd Street West  |  Missoula, MT 59801 Phone: (406) 728-7060  |  Fax: (406) 721-7094 Email: MissoulaJSC@mt.gov