Montana Department of Labor & Industry

09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry!

Today, we recognize the hardworking Montanans whose skills, dedication, and innovation strengthen our communities and economy every day. Thank you to the workers, employers, educators, and partners building a brighter future for Montana.

Our main office and Job Service Offices across the state are closed today - we look forward to serving you again on Sept. 8th.

Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

09/07/2026

"Montana is on the move. We are tearing down barriers to work, modernizing workforce systems, and asking workers and industry to help lead reforms that deliver results – all while navigating federal changes, rapid advances in technology, and new opportunities to invest in workers, employers and communities."

Commissioner of Labor Sarah Swanson celebrates the Montana worker this Labor Day, highlighting rising wages in our state, a growing economy, and continued low unemployment.

Check out the full article in the link in the comments 👇

Labor Day is a time to recognize the work of Montanans who build our communities, care for families, serve their neighbors, operate small businesses, grow our food, and keep our

09/04/2026

Earlier this week, Gov. Greg Gianforte received the initial report of the Licensing Reform Task Force.

Over the past several months, this group brought together stakeholders from across the state to identify practical improvements to occupational licensing.

Their work resulted in 37 recommendations to reduce unnecessary barriers, improve career pathways, and expand access to qualified professional services - while maintaining the safety, consumer-protection, and accountability standards Montanans expect.

The shared goal is straightforward: protect Montanans while making it easier for qualified people to build careers, serve their communities, and meet workforce needs across the state.

Read the full report: https://bit.ly/4h7SmkW

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09/03/2026

Governor Gianforte joined Commissioner Sarah Swanson, Crow Tribe Chairman White Clay, Workforce Warriors, and tribal leaders in Crow Agency yesterday to launch the Workforce Warrior poster and video series.

Developed through DLI’s Office of the Tribal Liaison, the campaign highlights Native Montanans whose career journeys, perseverance, and leadership are making a difference in their families, tribal communities, and Montana’s economy. The materials are available at no cost for Montana schools and organizations to use in career exploration and awareness programs.

Thank you to the Office of the Tribal Liaison, the Workforce Warriors who shared their experiences, and our tribal partners for their leadership and collaboration!

Read the full press release here: https://bit.ly/4xb8dEe

CROW AGENCY, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte yesterday joined Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) Commissioner Sarah Swanson and tribal leaders to launch the Workforce Warrior poster and video series, a campaign that features Native Montanans and their career journeys and community cont...

09/02/2026

Governor Greg Gianforte joined members of Montana’s Licensing Reform Task Force as they delivered their initial report recommending practical, targeted improvements to the state’s occupational licensing system.

Commissioner Sarah Swanson, who chairs the task force, emphasized that the recommendations are designed to reduce unnecessary barriers while preserving the professional standards and consumer protections Montanans expect.

The report includes 37 recommendations to expand opportunity, support workforce mobility, streamline processes, strengthen career pathways - including registered apprenticeship - and ensure Montana’s licensing system remains responsive to workforce needs.

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today joined members of his Licensing Reform Task Force to receive its initial report of recommendations for policy and regulatory changes to Montana’s occupational licensing system.

08/12/2026

Don’t miss the annual Governor's Conference on Workers' Compensation brought to you by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of West Yellowstone, this event features a wide array of noteworthy speakers and important topics sure to pique your interest. The conference runs October 7–9, 2026 at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn.

Why You Should Attend
• Stay current on workers’ compensation policy and regulatory updates
• Discover safety best practices and hands-on strategies
• Network with top-tier professionals in compensation and risk management

Register now at Governor's Conference on Workers' Compensation
https://www.eventsquid.com/register/31202

We look forward to seeing you in Yellowstone!

08/05/2026

Register today for the Montana Arbitration & Labor Relations Conference!

Join professionals from across the state for timely, practical sessions on topics like past practice and precedent, workplace conflict and forgiveness, decision-making strategies, and ethics in labor law.

Attendees can earn CLE, HR, OPI, and POST credits while connecting with peers and experts in the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your knowledge and strengthen your professional network.

Click on the image below to register!

Get tickets online for 2026 Montana Arbitration and Labor Relations Conference here.

08/04/2026

Montana is shining on the national stage!

Four Jobs for Montana’s Graduates (JMG) specialists were honored with national Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) First Awards at the 2026 EDGE Conference in Long Beach, CA.

Congratulations to Kurrie Small, Phil McLendon, Shannon Miller, and Connie Wittak for their outstanding impact on students across the state.

We also celebrate JMG Director Heather Merritt, recipient of the JAG Innovator Award, for her visionary leadership.

These recognitions highlight the incredible work happening in Montana to prepare students for bright futures.

Are you interested in creating a JMG chapter at your local school? Contact us today! https://jmg.mt.gov/

07/31/2026

All sessions at the Building Codes Education Conference in Sidney, MT are FREE with registration.

From IRC Tiny Houses ADUs to UPC – Good, Bad and Ugly of Plumbing; you’ll get practical, code-focused training you can use immediately in the field.

Don’t wait, classes fill fast.

Register now https://www.eventsquid.com/event/32207

07/29/2026

The State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB) wrapped up a productive Summer Quarterly Meeting this week in Missoula. Over two days, Board Members advanced key priorities like the 406 JOBS Talent Marketplace, discussed challenges and solutions to childcare access, AI in the workforce, and explored strategies to support re-entry and disability employment.

Board Members also had the opportunity to tour Felco Industries and RDO Equipment Co., highlighting the importance of Montana’s manufacturing sectors, strong employer partnerships, and industry leadership to address Montana’s workforce needs.

A sincere thank you to our board members, presenters, panelists, and partners – including the Governor’s Office; our colleagues at Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services , Montana Department of Commerce, Montana Department of Corrections and the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education; and employers and workforce leaders across the state who committed a day-and-a-half to be present, in person, and focused on advancing 406 JOBS and the goal of a unified education-workforce pipeline.