Alabama workforce

One credit union based in Mississippi, and one based in Louisiana, have announced plans for a merger. Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union would be merged into Keesler Federal Credit Union. The organization would have assets of just under $5 billion, with more than 900 employees in 55 locations, including in Alabama.

The City of Birmingham, along with the Birmingham Region Health Partnership, is launching the Good Jobs Birmingham Healthcare recruitment campaign for jobseekers. The community-focused jobs initiative designed to build a pipeline of skilled healthcare and digital health professionals.

U.S. ports from Maine to Texas shut down Tuesday when the union representing about 45,000 dockworkers went on strike for the first time since 1977. Those ports, like the one in Mobile, handle roughly half of the nations’ cargo from ships. A lengthy shutdown could raise prices on goods around the country and potentially cause shortages.

Gov. Kay Ivey on is announcing ILJIN, a leading automotive and industrial bearings and chassis manufacturer, is investing nearly $100 million in a new operation in Auburn. The company’s new facility will employ about 160 people in the area.

Widespread strikes at AT&T are being predicted to expand to both coasts. The Communications Workers of America announced Sept. 13 that its ongoing strike at AT&T Southeast, already the largest in the United States, may spread even further. Workers in Alabama first walked off the job in an alleged unfair labor practice strike nearly four weeks ago.

The City of Birmingham is being awarded a $20 million “Distressed Area Recompete Pilot Program" grant. It comes from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.

The application period for the final round of federal funds supporting Alabama child care providers is soon closing. The Alabama Department of Human Resources states Monday, August 12 is the final day to apply for Child Care Stability grants.

While gas, groceries and the cost of living are on the rise, many people in Alabama and beyond are struggling to make ends meet due to their wages staying the same. A new report by Oxfam, an organization working to fight inequality, finds that over 26% of the workforce in Alabama is earning low wages.

Governor Kay Ivey is announcing appointments to the newly established Alabama Workforce Board and its Executive Committee. Her administrations reports this marks a major milestone in the implementation of the Working for Alabama legislative package.

The city of Montgomery is raising awareness around the opening of a new consolidated homeless services center in the River Region. The Hub is serving as a one-stop-shop for organizations that provide essential resources for those who are displaced.