My Recruiting Blog

The seven counties of Minneapolis-St.Paul area have faced a couple of major unforeseeable situations on their progressive path, the collapse of the I35W Bridge and the wrath of Mother Nature, that caused major flooding in Some parts of the state. Yet, it is certain every resident of the state has felt the after shock associated with such disasters. Many residents working in the downtown and financial industry will continue to experience the burden for some time into the future due to traffic re-routing that has contributed to significant increases in travel time and normal wear and tear associated with traveling further distances.

The numbers of commuters realizing this type suffering are suggested to be in the range of 140,000. Nevertheless, whether or not these disasters will affect the state’s ability to compete on a global level is not yet certain. However, Minnesota’s participation in international trade and actual import and export activities has for some time been a bit askew. It is one of the few states which routinely imports a disproportionate number of products while exporting much fewer internationally. Perhaps this will help rather than hinder the future of this state’s economy and ability to fill jobs in Minneapolis, for example, since they are not very self-reliant.

Just prior to these identified disasters, the second quarter employment projections were looking really hopeful and prosperous for Minnesota. According to the Minnesota Job Vacancy Survey conducted by the state Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), there were 60,000 job vacancies. In addition, hourly wage earners had risen to $11 per hour, which is an increase of one dollar over the previous year. Also reported in the study was the estimated fact that for every one job there were 2.2 people unemployed during the same quarter.

Now that the state has witnessed two unforeseen tragedies in the form of disasters such as a major portion of the infrastructure collapsing and the extreme, flooding of seven counties the state’s Department of Labor has received emergency assistance from the United States federal government. Whether or not it is enough to sustain this state and its working population is simply a matter or wait and see.

In addition, the additional travel time imposed on both workers and recruiting companies is likely to take a physical toll somewhere down the line. How these and perhaps even other events will help or harm the working class in respect to international trade import and exports can be hinted at and studied but likely will require the lapse of time in order to recognize the real picture.

Labels: minnesota employment