All News

Featured News

Labor Commissioner Sarah Swanson talks exploding construction sector, climate jobs and more
May 01, 2024
Swanson’s appointment to the head of the 800-person agency comes at a significant moment in Montana: the state’s huge post-pandemic job creation rush has slowed, although certain sectors like . . .
New bill tells Department of Labor to back off apprenticeship programs
May 01, 2024
The “Apprenticeship Freedom Act” from House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., was obtained exclusively by The Center Square. The proposed legislation in question would “amend . . .
Governor Gianforte, DLI Launch Tool to Assist Displaced Lumber Industry Workers
April 26, 2024
HELENA, Mont. – Today, Governor Greg Gianforte and Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) Commissioner Sarah Swanson announced a new tool to assist workers affected by the recent lumber mill . . .
MT Dept. of Labor projects 6,000 healthcare job openings per year
March 14, 2024
MTDLI projects 638 openings for RNs per year, for which the median wage is $76,550. Over half are projected to be due to retirement. Another eight percent are expected to be due to increased demand caused by the . . .
Montana labor force hits all-time high in January
March 14, 2024
Montana's unemployment was lower than the national average of 3.7% with 3.3% in January. In January total employment added 400 workers and payroll jobs increased by 300. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry . . .
State Sets New Records for Employment, Labor Force in November
December 22, 2023
More than 41,000 jobs created since January 2021 HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte and Sarah Swanson, commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), today announced the . . .
Montana Reports Fewer Work-Related Fatalities in 2022
December 20, 2023
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry today released the 2022 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, an annual study conducted jointly by the agency and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics that . . .
Montana Department of Labor & Industry Announces Results of 2022 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
December 14, 2023
HELENA – The Montana Department of Labor & Industry today released the annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. In 2022, employees of Montana businesses in all industries experienced a . . .
Montana Reaches 24th Consecutive Month of Unemployment Below 3%
November 20, 2023
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana reached its 24th consecutive month of unemployment below 3%. Prior to the governor taking office, Montana’s unemployment rate had . . .
Montana Successfully Replaces Decades-Old Unemployment Insurance System
November 09, 2023
System modernization will improve customer experience, increase efficiencies, save taxpayer resources MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry has successfully launched its new unemployment . . .
Montana Department of Labor & Industry Adds First-Ever Tribal Liaison to Leadership Team
October 26, 2023
Blackfeet Nation member Don Wetzel Jr., with 20+ years of experience working with native communities, to lead Department’s tribal outreach Don Wetzel, Jr. DLI Tribal Laison   HELENA -The . . .
Montana Reaches 22nd Consecutive Month of Unemployment Below 3%
September 19, 2023
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate in August was below 3% for the 22nd consecutive month, bucking national trends as the country’s . . .
Great Falls College Graduates 8 Students from first Cohort of Accelerated Structural Welding Course
September 08, 2023
Montana DLI, Great Falls College, Private Industry Partner to Hold Accelerated Structural Welding Course Welding Student Kala Pedersen GREAT FALLS- Eight students graduated the first-of-its-kind six-week . . .
Labor Day Report: Montana's Economy Strong & Poised for Growth
September 07, 2023
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner Sarah Swanson today presented the 2023 Labor Day Report to Montanans. “Montana enjoyed a historic year of record job growth, low . . .
Montana’s Unemployment Rate Below 3% For 21st Consecutive Month
August 21, 2023
More Montanans Working Today Than Ever Before HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate in July is below 3% for the 21st consecutive month. The only . . .
Governor Gianforte Appoints Commissioner of Labor and Industry
August 10, 2023
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced his appointment of Sarah Swanson to lead the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). “As a proven leader in both the private and . . .
Hamilton area Business Selected for the 2023 MSEC Employers of Choice Award
July 24, 2023
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today one Montana business in Ravalli County and two in Flathead County and are among the winners of the 2023 Montana State Employers’ . . .
Browning Welcomes 22 New Certified Nursing Assistants
June 28, 2023
Montana Department of Labor & Industry spearheads partnership to train health care workers BROWNING, Mont. – A public-private partnership led by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry . . .
Montana Unemployment Remains at All-Time Low
June 16, 2023
Wages grow at 5th fastest rate in the nation in 2022 HELENA, Mont.– Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate remained at an all-time low of 2.3% in May, bucking . . .
Two Flathead-area Businesses Selected for the 2023 MSEC Employers of Choice Award
June 01, 2023
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today two Montana businesses in Flathead County and one in Ravalli County are among the winners of the 2023 Montana State . . .
Hamilton area Business Selected for the 2023 MSEC Employers of Choice Award
May 24, 2023
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today one Montana business in Ravalli County and two in Flathead County and are among the winners of the 2023 Montana State . . .
Montana Unemployment Maintains Historic Low
May 19, 2023
State’s labor force, total employment hit all-time high HELENA, Mont. – Montana’s unemployment rate remained at a historic, all-time low of 2.3% for the second consecutive month, . . .
Google cybersecurity training available for free
May 17, 2023
  Montana Department of Labor & Industry provides free access to Google tech career certificates, including cybersecurity. Google offers scholarships for nine certificate training programs in . . .
Spots Still Available for CNA Training in Browning
May 16, 2023
Area healthcare workforce partnership launches course at the Blackfeet Community College BROWNING- Spots are still available for a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training course in Browning later this month, which . . .
Montana Unemployment Falls to New Record Low in March
April 21, 2023
State’s labor force, total employment continue strong growth HELENA, Mont. – Montana’s unemployment rate reached yet another all-time low in March, ticking down to 2.3% from 2.4% in . . .
New Record Low: Montana’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 2.4%
March 24, 2023
Despite population growth, fewer Montanans unemployed than at any point since 1976   HELENA, Mont. – Montana’s unemployment rate set a new all-time low in February, declining 0.1% to . . .
Three Missoula Area Businesses Selected for the 2023 JSEC Employers of Choice Award
March 06, 2023
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today three Missoula/Ravalli County businesses will receive the “Employers of Choice” award from the Missoula Job . . .
Jobs Report: Montana’s Workforce Sets More Records in December
January 24, 2023
HELENA, Mont. – Following a year of records for low unemployment, labor force growth, and total employment, Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 2.8% in . . .
DLI Data: As Pandemic Receded and Workers Return to Jobsites, Workplace Injuries Rise
December 19, 2022
HELENA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today the number of workplace deaths in Montana returned to the pre-pandemic mean. Montana experienced 40 fatal work-related injuries in 2021, . . .
Governor Gianforte Announces Another Record-Setting Jobs Report
December 16, 2022
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the number of Montanans working in November hit a new all-time high, according to data from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and the . . .
Despite National Headwinds, Montana’s Private Sector Creates Jobs in October
November 21, 2022
HELENA, Mont. – Montana’s private sector payrolls rose by 1,800 jobs in October, led by job gains in the manufacturing, professional and business services, and accommodation and food services . . .
Montana Department of Labor & Industry Announces Results of 2021 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
November 14, 2022
HELENA – The Montana Department of Labor & Industry today released the annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. The survey found private industry workplaces in Montana reported a rate of . . .
DLI Newsletter | October 2022
November 01, 2022
Message from the Commissioner: Dear Reader, Happy Halloween! I hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween. Please see below for the latest news on how DLI is working to better serve . . .
Governor Gianforte Highlights Polson Success Story as Part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month
October 25, 2022
HELENA, Mont. – In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Governor Greg Gianforte today joined the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Department of . . .
Jobs for Montana’s Graduates to Host Annual LEAD Montana Conference in Helena
October 24, 2022
HELENA-The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today it will host the Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG) annual LEAD Montana Conference in Helena on Tuesday. The conference recognizes . . .
Montana’s Record Employment, Labor Force Growth Continues in September
October 21, 2022
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the number of Montanans working and the size of the state’s workforce in September reached new all-time highs, according to data from the . . .
  Montana Post-Secondary Workforce Report Highlights Opportunities for Montana Workers
October 21, 2022
HELENA –The Montana Department of Labor & Industry this week released the 2022 Post-Secondary Workforce Report, which evaluates how the state’s workforce training systems provide a . . .
Jobs for Montana Graduates Receives 17th Consecutive National Performance Award
October 07, 2022
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG), an affiliate of the nationwide Jobs for America’s Graduates program, has received the . . .
DLI Newsletter | September 2022
September 30, 2022
Message from the Commissioner: Dear Reader, Montana's economy remains strong as we reach the closing months of 2022. The Department of Labor & Industry has been working diligently to provide high-quality . . .
Historic Montana Job Growth Continues in August
September 16, 2022
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced both the number of Montanans working and the size of Montana’s labor force grew to new all-time highs in August, according to data . . .
Assistance for Business Clinic to be Held in Billings & Butte September 21st & 22nd
September 07, 2022
Seminars provide information about business resources MONTANA- Businesses looking for guidance about resources to improve their operations can attend one of the upcoming Assistance for Business Clinics (ABC) . . .
“A Booming Economy”: Annual Labor Day Report Highlights Montana’s Historic Economic Strength
September 07, 2022
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry released its annual Labor Day economic report today, which highlights the historic gains made by Montana’s economy over the last year.  The . . .
Montanans Impacted by Flooding in Yellowstone County Have One Week Left to Apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
August 19, 2022
Helena, MT - The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today that workers in Yellowstone County impacted by June flooding have until August 26, 2022 to apply for . . .
Montana Job Growth Continues Setting Records
August 19, 2022
Labor force participation rate increases as more Montanans enter workforce BOZEMAN, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s economy continued its strong growth in July, . . .
Montana State Workforce Innovation Board Announces Committee Appointments
July 28, 2022
HELENA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB) announced the list of SWIB Committee Appointments by Board Chair Paul Hopfauf. “The Governor and . . .
Montanans Impacted by Flooding in Yellowstone County May Be Eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance
July 27, 2022
Helena, MT - The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today that workers in Yellowstone County impacted by June flooding may be eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA). Disaster . . .
DLI Newsletter | July 2022
July 27, 2022
Message from the Commissioner: Dear Reader, Thank you for your continued engagement and feedback on this newsletter. Montana’s Department of Labor & Industry provides a broad array of services to . . .
DLI Newsletter | August 2022
July 27, 2022
Message from the Commissioner: Dear Reader, I hope this edition of the DLI Dispatch finds you well and that you are enjoying the closing days of summer here in Montana. Please see below for some of the latest . . .
Report: New Record Number of Montanans Working
July 22, 2022
Number of Montanans employed grows for 26th consecutive month HELENA, Mont. – The number of Montanans employed grew in June 2022 for the 26th consecutive month, reaching a new all-time high, according to . . .
Montana Adds 500+ Apprentices in First Half of 2022
July 19, 2022
Key skills training and workforce development pipeline growing rapidly following program reforms HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship . . .
Montana Department of Labor & Industry Announces “Grow with Google” Partnership
July 15, 2022
 500 scholarships to help Montanans earn a free Google Career Certificate HELENA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry today announced they are partnering with Google to connect 500 job seekers . . .
Disaster Unemployment Assistance Available to Montanans Impacted by Flooding
July 05, 2022
Helena, MT - The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today that workers in three counties (Carbon County, Stillwater County, and Park County) impacted by June flooding may be eligible for . . .
DLI Resources for Flooding Victims
June 21, 2022
The Department of Labor & Industry stands ready to assist individuals and businesses impacted by the flooding in southern Montana. The Montana Department of Commerce has a page of resources available to . . .
Montana’s Labor Force, Total Employment Set New Records in May
June 17, 2022
MONTANA – Both Montana’s labor force and total employment continued to set historic records in May, with the state’s labor force growing by an estimated 2,168 workers and total . . .
Assistance for Business Clinic to be Held in Miles City, Sidney, and Wolf Point
June 06, 2022
Seminars provide information about business resources HELENA- Businesses looking for guidance about resources to improve their operations can attend one of three upcoming Assistance for Business Clinics . . .
Assistance for Business Clinic to be Held in Lewistown at the Central Montana Head Start
June 06, 2022
Seminars provide information about business resources HELENA- Businesses looking for guidance about resources to improve their operations can attend the upcoming Assistance for Business Clinic (ABC) co-sponsored . . .
Three Montana Businesses Selected for the 2022 MSEC Employers of Choice Award
June 03, 2022
MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry announced today that two Montana businesses in Flathead County and one in Missoula County are the winners of the 2022 Montana State . . .
Assistance for Business Clinic to be Held in Great Falls at the University of Providence
June 03, 2022
Seminars provide information about business resources HELENA- Businesses looking for guidance about resources to improve their operations can attend the upcoming Assistance for Business Clinic (ABC) co-sponsored . . .
Montana’s Strong Jobs Recovery Breaking Records
May 20, 2022
Inflation continues to take toll on Montana families HELENA, Mont. – Key employment indicators remained strong in Montana in April, with the state’s unemployment rate remaining at a record low . . .
DLI Newsletter | May 2022
May 20, 2022
Message from the Commissioner: Dear Reader, This is the second installment of our new monthly DLI newsletter. I hope you find these informative and useful -- but we'd like to hear from you, as well!. Please send . . .
DOC/DLI event allows inmates to hone job-seeking skills, raises awareness among businesses of untapped labor pool
May 05, 2022
For many inmates at Montana State Prison, it has been years since they filled out a job application or sat down for an interview. Recently, 50 inmates at Montana State Prison had the opportunity to brush up on . . .
Montana’s Economy 7th Strongest in Nation With Robust Growth in 2021
April 25, 2022
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s economy grew an inflation-adjusted 6.7% in 2021, the seventh largest rate of growth in the country. It also marks the sharpest . . .
Employment Relations is Moving!
April 21, 2022
The Employment Relations Division of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry will be moving in May of 2022 to 301 South Park Avenue, Floor 5. Visit the ERD website for information about the status of the move.
New Record Low: Montana’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 2.3%
April 15, 2022
At Highest Level in 41 Years, Inflation Threatens Montana’s Strong Job Creation HELENA, Mont. – Montana’s unemployment rate fell to a new record low in March to 2.3%, the fourth . . .
DLI Newsletter | April 2022
April 07, 2022
Message from the Commissioner: The below is the first of what will be a regular newsletter updating Montana citizens, workers, employers and others of the latest news from the Montana Department of Labor & . . .
Montana’s Unemployment Rate Hits Another Record Low
March 25, 2022
Montana’s unemployment rate is fifth lowest in the nation HELENA, Mont. – Montana’s unemployment rate hit another record low in February, dropping to 2.6% for the month, down from . . .
Montana’s Unemployment Rate Reaches Record Low
March 16, 2022
Montana’s unemployment rate is fifth lowest in the nation HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate dropped to an all-time low of 2.7% in . . .
Gov. Gianforte Announces Investment to Build Stronger, More Robust Health Care Workforce
February 22, 2022
Funding to provide scholarships for rapid training of nurses, clinical social workers at Carroll College HELENA, Mont. – Following his announcement of a $6 million investment in rapid workforce training . . .
Gov. Gianforte Proclaims February Career and Technical Education Month
February 15, 2022
HELENA, Mont. – Earlier this month, Gov. Gianforte proclaimed February 2022 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Montana to recognize the role of Career and Technical Education in empowering . . .
Gov. Gianforte Announces $6 Million Investment in Rapid Workforce Training
February 15, 2022
New program to train up to 5,000 new or upskilled employees to build Montana’s workforce over the next two years   HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced a $6 . . .
Report Highlights Success of Montana Return to Work Bonus Program
February 02, 2022
HELENA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) this week issued a report on the success of the Department’s Return to Work Bonus program, which provided more than 3,000 unemployment . . .
Gov. Gianforte Announces Investment to Build Stronger, More Robust Health Care Workforce
February 01, 2022
Funding to provide scholarships for rapid training of nurses, clinical social workers at Carroll College  HELENA, Mont. – Following his announcement of a $6 million investment in rapid workforce . . .
Montana Unemployment Hits New Record Low of 2.5%
January 25, 2022
Montana’s unemployment rate hit a new record low in December, dropping another 0.3 percentage points to end the year at 2.5%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The number of . . .
Montana Department of Labor & Industry Announces Decrease in 2020 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries
December 20, 2021
HELENA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today announced the number of workplace deaths in Montana decreased in 2020. Montana experienced 29 fatal work-related injuries in 2020, according to the . . .
Montana’s Unemployment Rate Hits Record Low With Strong Jobs Growth
December 17, 2021
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate decreased 0.3% in November to 2.8%, tying the lowest unemployment rate ever recorded in the state. Strong job . . .
Gov. Gianforte Proposes Rule Change to Increase Apprenticeship Opportunities
November 17, 2021
HELENA, Mont. – In honor of Apprenticeship Week, Governor Greg Gianforte today announced a proposed rule change to dramatically expand access to apprenticeships for Montana workers. A registered . . .
Montana Department of Labor & Industry Releases “Status of the Nursing Workforce in Montana” Report
November 12, 2021
Report summarizes results from the National Council State Board of Nursing 2020 Survey HELENA –The Montana Department of Labor & Industry today released the “2020 Status of the . . .
Montana Department of Labor & Industry Releases 2020 Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
November 05, 2021
HELENA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today released the annual Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses. The survey found private industry workplaces in Montana reported a rate of 3.4 . . .
Jobs for Montana's Graduates Hosts Annual LEAD Montana Conference
October 27, 2021
HELENA-The Montana Department of Labor & Industry on Tuesday recognized high school students for their pursuit of academic excellence and leadership development at the Jobs for Montana’s Graduates . . .
Montana Reaches Record High of Employed Workers, Unemployment Rate Falls to 14-Year Low
October 22, 2021
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the number of employed workers in Montana hit an all-time high in September and the unemployment rate fell to 3.3%, a low not seen since June . . .
Montana Employers Recognized with 2021 Governor’s Achievement Awards
October 01, 2021
Awards recognize ongoing commitment to workplace safety across Montana MONTANA- The Montana Department of Labor & Industry today recognized employers who go above and beyond in their efforts to make their . . .
Notice to Employers: Minimum Wage Increase
September 30, 2021
Notice to Montana Employers and Interested Parties Pursuant to §39-3-409, MCA, Montana’s Minimum Wage will increase to $9.20 effective January 1, 2022. Montana statute requires the minimum wage . . .
Montana’s Unemployment Rate Hits 14-Year Low