Formerly known as the Department of Labor, the Alabama Department of Workforce is undergoing a restructuring and branding process aimed at improving the state’s low labor participation rate. Led by Workforce Secretary Greg Reed, appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey, the agency is working to implement several bills passed last year to address labor participation. The Alabama Workforce Transformation Act, in particular, requires a strategic workforce plan to be developed by 2027.
Chairing the ADW Executive Committee, Jeff Peoples of Alabama Power Company proposed expediting the development of the strategic workforce plan to increase the state’s labor participation rate, currently one of the lowest in the nation. Peoples suggested completing the plan framework by June of this year, a timeline that was agreed upon by committee members.
Efforts also include rebranding the agency and creating a centralized message to communicate its mission of increasing labor participation. The agency is finalizing a request for proposal for marketing companies to aid in the rebranding effort. Other changes include relocating the agency to the Gordon Persons Building and potentially seeking additional funding from the Legislature to accomplish its goals.
The push to improve labor participation has been ongoing, with the identification of barriers to employment such as lack of healthcare, transportation, and childcare. Legislation has been passed, including a child care tax credit, to address some of these barriers. The urgent need to increase labor participation is driving the agency’s efforts to expedite its restructuring and branding process.
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