Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is slightly better, even though the state lost jobs. Workforce Development officials issues preliminary data showing the state’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell to 6.8 percent, down one-tenth of a point from February. This, while the Badger State lost 4,300 private sector jobs in March. Nelse Grundvig, Labor Market Information Director at the Department of Workforce Development, says the construction industry lost the most jobs.
Despite job loss last month, officials at the agency say the state added 15,600 more private sector jobs this year. And, John Dipko with the agency says there’s good news in manufacturing. “The total number of manufacturing jobs over the month represented a gain of 2,000.”
DWD Secretary Reggie Newson says, “Approximately 18,500 more Wisconsin residents are employed compared to March 2011.” And he says a year ago, the unemployment rate was 7.6 percent, compared to today’s 6.9 percent.
Governor Scott Walker campaigned on creating 250,000 jobs in his first term. Phil Neuenfeldt, President of the Wisconsin State AFL-CIO slams the governor, saying the lack of job creation is a sign that “Walker’s leadership is taking us in the wrong direction.”
Dipko says there are job openings for those seeking employment. He encourages job seekers to visit Wisconsin’s job site, which he says has over 37,000 jobs.
The U.S. seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is higher than Wisconsin — at 8.2 percent.
