ST. PAUL, Minn. – The state’s unemployment rate was 2.9% for January, in line with the previous month. The state Employment and Economic Development Department reported that the rate continues better than the national 3.4%. Kevin McKinnon, the agency’s commissioner, said the latest figures show that Minnesota still has a tight labor market. For southeast Minnesota counties, listed by workforce size:
> Olmsted County (workforce 90.800): 2.5%.
> Winona County (28,200): 2.6%.
> Wabasha County (12,200): 3.9%.
> Fillmore County (11,000): 4.2%.
> Houston County (10,500): 3.7%.
Help wanted everywhere. Worker shortage spikes hourly pay. At fast food places like McDonald’s it’s $15 to start. It’s the same down the road at Pizza Hut. Burger King offers $17 for shift managers. Image: Steve Lunde