Job Losses Mount in Wisconsin: 2,900 Workers Laid Off in 2024

Madison, Wis (Civic Media) – Amidst economic shifts and business closures, Wisconsin has seen a significant impact on its workforce this year, with 2,900 workers laid off so far in 2024. The numbers are according to the Department of Workforce Development. Federal and state laws mandate that businesses provide advance written notice to the State’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) in certain circumstances of changes. The laws aim to facilitate pre-layoff transition assistance for affected workers and businesses. Closures are posted in the Layoff Notice page of the D.W.D website.

The biggest chunk of job losses comes from the closure of a Chippewa Falls hospital system, however the losses are wide-spread. Last week, the shutdown of Oak Creek’s Sierra Electrotek Corporation operation was announced. They are a technology business specializing in circuit board manufacturing. The closure decision, initiated by Sierra Circuits, will result in the layoff of 37 workers. ODW Logistics‘ Waukesha facility closure is set to impact 107 employees due to the loss of a significant client. The closure process in Waukesha will begin on April 14 and is expected to be finalized by the end of July, affecting both salaried and hourly workers.

In the case of the hospital closure in Western Wisconsin, Governor Tony Evers has approved a bill securing $15 million in crisis response resources for impacted hospitals and clinics. The funding aims to address the challenges caused by hospital shutdowns. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin, with the latest data from December, has remained steady at 3.4% since September. Inflation rose 3.1% percent in January 2024, compared to last year.