Department of Workforce Development

Employ Milwaukee Announces Resignation of President & CEO

SDC Has Not Paid Its Former Employees

Employees seek answers. 'The board feels horrible.'

April Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Wisconsin Unemployment Below 3% For First Time Since Last Summer

State continues to outperform the country on unemployment, labor force participation.

BLS Data: Wisconsin’s Unemployment Rate Falls Below 3.0%

Gov. Evers Sues Republican Legislators for Continued Obstruction of Investments Intended to Address Pressing Challenges Facing Wisconsin

Governor’s countersuit comes as Republican lawmakers refuse to release nearly $200 million in already-approved investments to fight PFAS, improve kids’ literacy, respond to hospital closures in Western Wisconsin

Gov. Evers Again Calls Republican Lawmakers into Special Meeting to Urge Immediate Release of $140 Million to Fight PFAS Statewide, Respond to Hospital Closures in Western Wisconsin

DWD, Wisconsin’s Regional Workforce Development Boards Launch the 2024 Winning with Wisconsin’s Workforce Event Series

March Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

BLS Data: Wisconsin Achieves Year-over-Year Growth in Labor Force, Employment, Jobs

Baldwin Blasts CNH Industrial for Laying Off Over 200 Workers in Racine while Company Makes Record Profits, Pays CEO $18 Million

Republican Lawmakers No-Show at Special Meeting to Release Statewide PFAS Funding, Stabilize Healthcare Access in Western Wisconsin

Governor implores Republicans to expeditiously release $140 million in already approved funding to address pressing challenges facing Wisconsin communities

Custom Apparel Business Owner Sued for Unpaid Wages Owed to Former Employees

April 9, 2024

Gov. Evers Calls Joint Finance Committee into Special Meeting to Release Critical Funds to Fight PFAS Statewide, Stabilize Healthcare Access in Western Wisconsin

Evers Vetoes Bill Ending Work Permit Requirement for Younger Teens

Governor cites need to protect 14- and 15-year-olds through work permit process.

Gov. Evers Vetoes Republican-Backed Bill to Roll Back Child Labor Protections, Bring More Kids into State’s Workforce

Republican bill would have removed important parental notifications and undermined child labor law enforcement

Scott Walker’s Misleading Use of Job Data

Citing isolated fact to CNN contradicted by a raft of positive data on job growth.

Concordia University Will Lay Off 24 Employees

School has run deficits in recent years. Layoffs at Mequon campus to begin May 31

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce More Than $495,000 in Technical Education Equipment Grants

Students at 17 Wisconsin school districts across the state will benefit from new advanced manufacturing training for high-demand jobs

DWD Releases New Unemployment Insurance Claims by County Dashboard

February Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

State Supreme Court Dismisses Amazon Claim That Drivers Aren’t Employees

Decision means delivery giant owes more than $200,000 in unemployment taxes.

Gov. Evers Take Actions on 44 Bills

BLS Data: Wisconsin Adds Jobs, Statewide Unemployment Rate Dips to 3.0%

DWD Announces Almost $4 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Worker Training Grants

Grants support 22 employers and new or increased wages for 2,133 trainees

Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Against Unemployment Tax Exemption For Catholic Organization

Religious groups said they will appeal the ruling to U.S. Supreme Court

January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Senate Fires 8 Evers Appointees, Approves 3 Constitutional Amendments

Senate ends session for year with governor 'apoplectic' over 'petty partisan politics.'

State Still Faces Nursing, Health Care Worker Shortage

New report finds many unfilled job openings in 8 of 18 professions hospitals employ.

Gov. Evers Slams Republicans for Continued Delays Releasing Critical Funds to Fight PFAS Statewide, Stabilize Healthcare Industry in Western Wisconsin

Republican-controlled Joint Finance Committee set to meet Monday without taking any action to release funding to fight PFAS, address urgent healthcare industry needs in Western Wisconsin

Wisconsin Had Record-High Construction Jobs in January

Several factors cited, including warm weather and boom in federally funded projects.

Schools Encouraged to Apply for $504,894 in Wisconsin Fast Forward Technical Education Equipment Training Grants

BLS Data: Wisconsin Sets New Records in Total State Jobs, Employment

State Officials Hear From Industry, Labor on Embracing AI

Goal to make changes without leaving workers behind, they tell governor's task force.

140-Year-Old Florist Closing

DWF Wholesale Florists and its predecessors have Milwaukee roots going back to the 1870s.

Gov. Evers, DWD Celebrate Success of New Youth Apprenticeship Child Care, Education Pathways

Employ Milwaukee Secures Nearly $5 Million to Address Infrastructure Workforce Needs

FBI Investigating Wisconsin Solar Company For Fraud

FBI sought communications between Sun Badger officials, employees

Bill Eliminates Work Permits for Younger Teens

Democrats warn it undermines child labor laws. Legislation now goes to governor.

Kirsten Johnson Aims to Restore Trust in Public Health

And bolster workforce. State DHS leader oversees nearly 6,000 employees.

Marquette University School of Dentistry dean appointed to Governor’s Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce

Gov. Evers, Members of Evers Administration Meet with Eau Claire Leaders to Support Regional Healthcare Workforce Following HSHS and Prevea Closures

Most of State’s High-Paying Future Jobs Require College Degree

Report shows over half of jobs paying $50,000 or more will require a bachelor's degree.

Labor Leaders Want 2024 To Be A Big Year for Unions

Poll says a supermajority of Americans now say they support unions. Groups hope to deliver more wins for workers.

Evers Task Force to Spotlight Health Care Worker Shortage

Everyone in state should have good quality care, 'no matter their zip code.'

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Creating Task Force on the Healthcare Workforce, Appoints Lieutenant Governor Chair

Governor’s task force announced in State of the State address to create action plan to address chronic challenges in the state’s healthcare industry, bolster healthcare workforce

DWD, Regional Partners Taking Action to Support Healthcare Industry Workforce in Eau Claire, Chippewa Valley Regions

December Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Press Release: Gov. Evers Delivers 2024 State of the State Address

Gov. Evers Declares 2024 the Year of the Worker

Governor’s declaration builds on administration’s work to bolster state’s workforce in high-demand, high-need industries

Gov. Evers, Members of Evers Administration Celebrate Grand Opening of Child Care Center in Sturgeon Bay

State Sets Record With 3,026,500 Jobs

December's totals also show low unemployment rate of 3.3% as 'fairly strong economy' continues.

DWD Highlights Year of Historic Results for Workforce in 2023 Annual Report

BLS Data – Total Nonfarm Jobs Hit Record High for Second Month

Unemployment Insurance 2023 Tax Statements Available Online

State Labor Secretary Touts Wins in 2023

Record year for apprenticeships and much improved unemployment insurance system.

Apprenticeship Bill Targets Teacher Shortage

Students would attend college two years, then teach for two more before graduation.

Bills Classify Ride-Share Drivers As Independent Contractors

Uber, other companies again push law that 'eliminates' worker rights, AFL-CIO charges.

November Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

2023 Roundup: Gov. Evers Highlights 2023 Accomplishments

Wisconsin Reaches New Job Record, Unemployment Remains Low

Unemployment rate, labor force participation both beat national benchmarks.

BLS Data: State Reaches All-Time High in Monthly Total Nonfarm Jobs

State Supreme Court Hears Arguments on ‘Gig Workers’

Should Amazon delivery drivers be treated as employees, earn unemployment aid?

Three-Agency Collaboration Supports Higher Employment Rates for Individuals with Disabilities

Competitive Integrated Employment Yielding Improved Employment Outcomes

Wisconsin Apprenticeship Partners with UW-Stout on New Program

Certificate program allows students to apply coursework toward apprenticeship or college degree

Court Will Decide If Amazon Drivers Are Really Independent Contractors

Wisconsin Supreme Court will rule on case, which would make workers eligible for unemployment.

Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence Continues Efforts to Identify Priorities for Training, Education, and Employment Solutions

DWD Equal Rights Case Portal Adopts MyWisconsin ID

Celebrating innovation and entrepreneurship in Kenosha’s Uptown

WEDC Secretary Hughes announces grant, visits small businesses

October Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Proposal Would Eliminate Teen Work Permits

Critics say it would eliminate funding for employer education, compliance monitoring.

BLS Data: State Labor Force Participation Rate Holds Steady in October

Gov. Evers, DWD Announce All-Time Record-High Number of Registered Apprentices in Program’s 112-Year History

A record 16,384 apprentices to participate in state program to ‘earn while they learn’

City Attorney Spencer Faces Inspector’s Call For Ouster, Likely Violation Of Discrimination Law

Inspector General says attorney, deputy committed misconduct in office, state hearing coming on separate case.

Gov. Evers Announces Winners of 2023 Vets Ready Employer Awards

Seventeen employers honored for exemplary commitment to hiring and supporting veterans

DWD Taking Applications for Wisconsin Fast Forward Worker Training Grants

Application deadline is Nov. 28 for innovative and collaborative customized worker training projects

Gov. Evers Announces Appointments to Governor’s Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence

30 task force members, national AI experts set to convene at public task force meeting Oct. 30 in Madison

September Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

State’s Job Surge Continues in September

Number of jobs in Wisconsin set a new record for third month in a row.

Strauss Brands Cutting 130 Jobs

Meatpacking company in Franklin cutting two product lines, causing job cuts.

Summit brings leaders ‘Together’ to build an economy for all

WEDC event celebrates innovative workforce solutions

BLS Data: State Reaches Record Number of Jobs for Third Month in Row

DWD Accepting Proposals for Nearly $1 Million in Wisconsin Fast Forward Funds for Technical Education Equipment in Schools

Applications for advanced manufacturing tool and equipment grants are due 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5

GOP Senators Express Skepticism of Governor’s Childcare, Workforce Bill

Issue coming to head with worker shortage, expiration of childcare subsidy program.

DWD Equal Rights Division Expands Online Research Portal to Include Reports on Lost Wages Collected for Wisconsin Workers

DWD Marks Manufacturing Month, Promotes Careers

October celebrates one of state's top industries

Racine County Principal Charges He Was Fired For Being Gay

Legal complaint by Raymond School principal charges discrimination.

FlexRide Milwaukee Expands to Serve More Milwaukee Neighborhoods, Adds Access to Employers in New Berlin, Oak Creek

Milwaukee County Funding Enables Continued Growth for Innovative, Affordable, On-Demand Transportation Service

Wisconsin Wins Grant To Replace Troubled Unemployment System

Mainframe software system was burdened with backlogs in 2020, leaving thousands without answers or payment.

DWD Celebrates 50th Anniversary of Anti-Discrimination Law Protecting People with Disabilities with Launch of Virtual Accommodation Training Library

Modules leverage 21st century technology to support hiring and retention of workers with disabilities

U.S. Department of Labor Awards DWD More Than $11 Million

Eighteen states, including Wisconsin, receive funds to modernize unemployment insurance systems

Employers and Job Seekers Connect with Resources at Statewide Job Center Open House

Bipartisan Legislative Task Force Takes On Artificial Intelligence

Other task forces will address childhood obesity and human trafficking, Vos announces.

GOP Lawmakers Propose Eliminating Work Permits For Young Workers

Proposal would eliminate "red tape" in hiring 14- and 15-year-old workers.

July Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released

Historically low or tied July unemployment rates in 18 counties, 8 major cities and one metro area compared to July unemployment rates in previous years

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order Creating Task Force on Workforce and Artificial Intelligence

State’s Tight Labor Market Continued in July

Wisconsin's labor force participation rate rose to 65.5%, versus 62.6% for the nation.

BLS Data: State Labor Force Participation Up, Jobs Increase

Both private and nonfarm jobs are at record highs

DWD Announces $227,520 in Advanced Manufacturing Technical Education Equipment Grants to Serve More Than 1,030 Students

Training will boost workforce readiness and fill the need for skilled manufacturing workers

Evers Signs School Bus Driver, Crime Laws, Vetoes Nine Bills

Vetoes restrictions on unemployment insurance and protections for fossil fuels.