Tagged News

• Governor assigns new boss to oversee Louisiana's unemployment system

  August 18, 2023 1:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards has assigned a new leader over the Louisiana Workforce Commission, one month after the previous secretary announced they were leaving the job . Read the statement for the governor's office below. According to data released today by the Louisiana Workforce Commission... more »

• Proposed $7.5 billion plant could bring hundreds of new jobs to Ascension Parish

  October 31, 2022 4:51 PM

  ASCENSION PARISH - A proposal to build a $7.5 billion energy facility in Donaldsonville could bring hundreds of new jobs to the region, according to the companies behind the effort. Clean Hydrogen Works comprises Ascension Clean Energy, Denbury Carbon Solutions and Hafnia, the corporate components of the project, which... more »

• New internship program offers experience, income for high school seniors Play Video

  July 18, 2022 10:26 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Although school is still weeks away, the East Baton Rouge Parish School System is active as ever, hosting a new internship program that gives high school seniors the opportunity to get valuable experience and make up to $15 an hour. The internship includes five Pathways to... more »

• Plastics manufacturer developing $750M facility in Ascension Parish Play Video

  February 16, 2022 1:43 PM

  GEISMAR - Plant-based plastics maker Origin Materials announced plans to invest at least $750 million into a new manufacturing facility in Ascension Parish. The company said it expects the development, slated for the 150-acre Parks Geismar site, to result in more than 1,000 new direct and indirect jobs. The... more »

• Winn-Dixie closing location near LSU in February

  January 12, 2022 2:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Winn-Dixie's supermarket located just outside LSU's campus will shut down in a few weeks. Employees told WBRZ the store located at the intersection of Burbank Drive and Lee Drive will close Feb. 6. Some workers are expected to transfer to one of the other five Winn-Dixie... more »

• Population boom in Ascension Parish Play Video

  August 15, 2021 10:12 PM

  DUTCHTOWN - Brian Schuetee moved his family from Baton Rouge to the Dutchtown area of Ascension Parish about ten years ago because of the lower property taxes and schools. "The school system here far exceeds what they offer in public schools in Baton Rouge, so we don't have to... more »

• Hollywood South back in action, needs skilled local film crew Play Video

  July 22, 2021 6:49 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Now that the lights are back on in Hollywood South studios, the need for crew to work on set has grown. “I love the fact that it's really busy right now. I get called a lot. I kind of do commercials, music videos and docuseries, and... more »

• Woman arrested in million-dollar unemployment fraud scheme based out of capital area

  July 9, 2021 3:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE - State investigators say a woman tied to a network targeting pandemic-boosted unemployment benefits defrauded multiple states out of hundreds of thousands of dollars from her Baton Rouge apartment. Darrolyn Bell, 29, was arrested Thursday and accused of illegitimately claiming unemployment benefits during the early days of... more »

• Initial unemployment claims take double-digit drop as restaurants see some bright spots in hiring Play Video

  June 25, 2021 10:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Restaurateur Stephen Hightower says he's seen a significant improvement recently in what had been a Herculean effort to find workers. "We've been able to bring in some great talent over the past couple [of] weeks," Hightower said. "It's a sign of hope." That hope may... more »

• Hiring incentives paying off from some businesses Play Video

  June 11, 2021 10:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Compared to a few months ago, Brad Zito of Drusilla Seafood Restaurant is feeling much more optimistic about hiring, even though the restaurant is not yet fully staffed. "Every single day, we have to discuss, 'do we have enough staff for the amount of business we... more »

• EBR says it's short-staffed, maintenance department full of vacancies Play Video

  May 28, 2021 5:59 PM

  BATON ROUGE - There's some new insight into why East Baton Rouge couldn't get a jump on the heavy rain and flooding last week. The city has been saying it doesn't have enough workers to clear drainage ditches and canals. The city-parish says the vacancies have existed for years,... more »

• Local public school system to hire more school nurses

  May 21, 2021 11:05 AM

  LIVINGSTON PARISH - School nurses are needed in Livingston Parish for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year, education officials say. As of Thursday, the Livingston Parish School Board has approved a proposal from the superintendent to hire 17 new licensed practical nurses. The move will increase the district’s total... more »

• LSU helps new graduates navigate ever-shifting job market Play Video

  May 7, 2021 9:36 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Two years ago, the average college student didn't associate campus life with masks, social distancing, and lengthy periods of isolation. But in the era of COVID-19, university students who were already inundated with heavy loads of course work faced the added struggle of remaining focused on... more »

• Businesses desperate to hire more workers as summer nears Play Video

  April 30, 2021 7:10 PM

  BATON ROUGE - There may be more "help wanted" signs in front of businesses than people wanting to work. From water parks to restaurants, the hiring signs are out but help's hard to find. There's so much help needed that some companies are now boosting pay. Some workers believe... more »

• Local candy company ready for a sweeter 2021 Play Video

  April 5, 2021 6:48 PM

  PONCHATOULA - Elmer Chocolate is ready to hire as life moves more toward normalcy. The Ponchatoula-based chocolate company known for its famous Easter candy like the Gold Brick Egg saw business slowdown during the height of COVID restrictions last year. But, Easter 2021 brought renewed sales to the 166-year-old... more »

• FEMA seeking applicants to join Disaster Recovery Team

  March 22, 2021 10:40 AM

  BATON ROUGE - FEMA announced Monday (March 22) that it is hiring Louisiana residents who live in areas affected by recent disasters to join its recovery team as temporary employees. Hiring temporary staff locally allows FEMA to diversify the workforce while affording opportunities for Louisianans. Potential applicants can view... more »

• Metro council backs Exxon's tax break, pushing company closer to massive refinery upgrades in Baton Rouge

  February 24, 2021 6:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved a tax exemption for ExxonMobil, paving the way for a potential overhaul of its Baton Rouge refinery. The metro council vote, which happened at Wednesday's meeting, was the last hurdle for Exxon to get its ITEP status. The item... more »

• Rising need for restaurant workers signals potential shift in pandemic

  January 26, 2021 5:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Nearly a year into the coronavirus pandemic, more and more signs that read "now hiring" are starting to pop up around Baton Rouge - particularly at restaurants. It's a sign that things could be turning around for unemployment. The Louisiana Workforce Commission reported a 1.3-percent decrease... more »

• Plastic manufacturer Shintech announces $1.3 billion expansion, new jobs for local facilities

  January 26, 2021 1:58 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - The state government announced Tuesday that Shintech is putting more than a billion dollars into expanding its plants in southeast Louisiana. The governor's office said the $1.3 billion expansion will affect facilities in West Baton Rouge and Iberville Parishes. Most of the investment will go toward... more »

• Coca-cola to cut thousands of jobs, offer buyouts to workers

  August 28, 2020 12:16 PM

  One of the most popular beverage companies in the world has decided to cut thousands of jobs and reduce its number of business units as a result of declining sales, CNN reports. Coca-Cola announced Friday that some of its staff will face voluntary and involuntary reductions . The... more »

• Elementary school in Livingston in need of substitute teachers

  August 17, 2020 11:54 AM

  LIVINGSTON PARISH- Over the weekend, an elementary school took to Facebook to announce its need for substitute teachers. Live Oak Elementary in Denham Springs posted that anyone who is approved through the school board via LPSB.org ( under Human Resources tab click employment and how to become a sub),... more »

• Louisiana unemployment rate increases to 14.5%

  May 22, 2020 1:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Gov. John Bel Edwards issued out a statement on Friday about Louisiana's increase in the unemployment rate for April 2020. Louisiana's unemployment rate for April is 14.5% with the national rate being 14.7%. Since the novel coronavirus pandemic the state's unemployment rate has increased 7.8 percentage... more »

• La. governor extends stay-at-home order through May 15 Play Video

  April 19, 2020 6:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The governor has extended many aspects of the stay at home order until May 15, adding fifteen days to some restrictions set to expire Friday. The governor said there were still areas of Louisiana where hospitalizations and coronavirus rates had not dropped to comfortable levels eyed... more »

• Here is the White House plan to reopen American economy

  April 16, 2020 5:42 PM

  President Donald Trump laid out his administration's plan to reopen the United States economy in a video conference with the nation's governors Thursday. Click HERE for the latest virus cases in Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards participated in the call. Friday, a day after the call, the governor... more »

• Additional assistance for workers affected by COVID-19 arriving soon from feds Play Video

  April 7, 2020 10:16 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The month of March saw 155,000 unemployment claims filed in Louisiana. Many of those came as a result of business closures due to COVID-19. Moving into April, that number is only growing. "I will tell you, and it should surprise no one, the numbers have gone... more »

• Local 2020 Census jobs available Play Video

  February 27, 2020 5:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE - In April 2020, the government is counting every American for the U.S. Census. To help get the job done, the government is hiring people to help. To help get the word out and support south Louisiana communities, Congressman Cedric Richmond organized a job fair at the... more »

• Large Conn's warehouse planned for budding shipping development in West Baton Rouge

  April 29, 2019 4:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Conn’s will build a giant, 250,000-square-foot warehouse along I-10 in West Baton Rouge as part of the company’s expansion in Louisiana. The announcement of the distribution center came Monday afternoon. Company officials said the facility will serve multiple states in Conn’s HomePlus growing furniture, appliance... more »

• IBM executive says company will keep employment promise Play Video

  February 20, 2019 11:45 PM

  BATON ROUGE - IBM received a taxpayer-funded deal to come to Baton Rouge six years ago but so far has yet to meet its end of the bargain. An executive with the company says that's about to change. "We're on track with our hiring and we stand by our... more »

• Job fair announced for laid-off Georgia-Pacific employees

  January 24, 2019 4:32 PM

  ZACHARY – A job fair for laid-off Georgia-Pacific workers has been scheduled for Saturday, February 9. Companies interested in participating should register HERE . The job fair will be held at the Zachary High School gym. The event will feature employers who are hiring skilled workers as... more »

• Contractors already unemployed at Georgia-Pacific Play Video

  January 14, 2019 12:05 AM

  BATON ROUGE- When Georgia-Pacific announced layoffs last week, officials said employees would be released in March, but contractors say they have already been let go. A contract worker told WBRZ that he and his fellow employees were shocked when they were told to pack up and leave with no-warning.... more »

• Capital Region job prospects improve Play Video

  December 14, 2018 11:36 PM

  BATON ROUGE - An annual jobs report released by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce shows the Capital Region had 1% job growth in 2018, or about 5,000 new jobs. "In a nutshell we're looking good," said BRAC President and CEO Adam Knapp. He said the local economy... more »

• Woman recalls terrifying encounter with WBR work release inmate Play Video

  June 29, 2017 11:36 AM

  PLAQUEMINE- A West Baton Rouge Parish work release inmate is under arrest Thursday morning in Iberville Parish, after investigators say he broke into a house and beat up a woman. The incident occurred around 9 a.m., according to Plaquemine Police Chief Kenny Payne. Investigators said... more »

• LWC: Unemployment rate higher among black teens Play Video

  May 18, 2017 6:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE – This week, the school year will end for several students and summer vacation will begin, which also means that some teenagers will be looking for summer jobs. However, there is a clear distinction in unemployment rates among teens. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the... more »

• BRPD holds open house for new recruits Play Video

  March 25, 2017 11:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Police Academy opened it's doors Saturday to show what the department has to offer. It was well attended with people like Tykisha Knighten, who has a degree in criminal justice, but a personal experience inspired her to come here. "I had an... more »

• Report: President Trump's team highlighted La. projects on 'priority list'

  January 25, 2017 11:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE – Deepening the Mississippi River could have a big impact on business at the port here, and while it's not a done deal, it appears the Trump administration would like to pursue the possibilities. In a priority list of projects the Trump team put together after Donald... more »

• Governor, mayor laud @Highland project as high tech job creator

  October 19, 2016 1:18 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards joined other community leaders Wednesday to highlight a new technology park being constructed on Highland Road. Edwards along with East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden lauded the new @Highland technology park as a job creator for the Baton Rouge area. ... more »

• UPS to hire 95,000 jobs for holiday shopping season

  September 15, 2016 12:14 PM

  UPS plans to hire more than 90,000 workers for the holiday shopping season. The company announced that 95,000 workers will be hired for temporary jobs. Last year, the company hired 93,000 workers for the holiday season. A company spokesman said that the company is seeking package handlers along with drivers... more »

• Additional affected parishes eligible for disaster unemployment assistance

  August 22, 2016 4:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE – Additional parishes are now eligible for disaster unemployment assistance for those who lost work as a result of the flooding that occurred last week. The following parishes are eligible: (Those noted with an asterisk are parishes that have been added) Avoyelles* Evangeline* Iberville* Jefferson Davis*... more »

• 49 jobs go with upcoming closure of Gramercy sugar plant

  August 1, 2016 4:23 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Close to 50 jobs will be affected as a sugar packing facility in Gramercy plans to cease operations late next month. A Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification from the Louisiana Workforce Commission was released on Monday. It says about 49 jobs will be eliminated permanently with... more »

• Pointe Coupee police jury shaves 16 jobs to close deficit

  June 29, 2016 12:53 PM

  NEW ROADS - Council members in Pointe Coupee Parish agreed last week to shave 16 positions to close this year’s budget hole. Justin Cox, Chairman of the Finance Committee, said that this year’s projected parish sales tax revenue will be $580,000 less than last year. To make up... more »

• Veterans take advantage of EmployBR job expo Play Video

  May 26, 2016 7:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - EmployBR is not an ordinary hiring expo. Employers had to have openings to participate, and during the first two hours, it was only open for veterans. "When they come home, they have sacrificed so much that they deserve to get to the front of the line,"... more »

• Paychex announces 100-job expansion in Baton Rouge

  May 26, 2016 3:53 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Payroll and HR services company Paychex has announced a 100-job expansion for its operations in Baton Rouge. Gov. John Bel Edwards and Paychex Senior Vice President of Service John Gibson made the announcement Thursday. Paychex is a provider of human capital management solutions for payroll, human... more »

• Noranda alumina plant keeps workers; holds off on possible layoffs until May

  March 15, 2016 4:42 PM

  GRAMERCY - The alumina plant here is hoping to stay open by relying on changes to its operation model but Noranda executives said if changes do not work the company could temporarily close the plant in May. Already, Noranda had announced plans to layoff workers this week but the... more »

• Stupp Corporation to layoff over 100 employees

  February 26, 2016 6:13 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Pipeline fabricator Stupp Corporation announced layoffs for its Baton Rouge location early Friday evening. Stupp says up to 114 employees will be affected by the layoffs planned for Feb. 22 to Mar. 14. Stupp says the layoffs will last for longer than 6 months. The... more »

• Denham Springs Police gaining reserve officers Play Video

  December 1, 2015 5:48 PM

  DENHAM SPRINGS - After reaching out about the need for more reserve officers, the Denham Springs Police Department has nearly tripled its number of reserves. The department has gone from five reserve officers to 12 in just three months. There's also 17 more applications on the table waiting for background... more »

• Baton Rouge businesses now hiring for holiday season Play Video

  November 20, 2015 6:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Businesses around town are now looking for seasonal workers. Signs advertising for open positions are popping up all around. "We just hired three individuals today," said Charles Rodrigue, store manager at Calvin's Market. Rodrigue told News 2 that business usually starts picking up for them around football... more »

• Veterans attend job fair on 9/11 Play Video

  September 11, 2015 6:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Veterans were in and out of the Mall of Louisiana all day Friday looking for work. Capital Area United Way and BASF partnered together to host a job fair for those who have served in the military. "The military is absolutely the best training in the world.... more »

• BRG cutting 50 to 60 jobs after ER closure earlier this year

  September 10, 2015 8:20 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge General announced it was eliminating 50 to 60 positions in the wake of the closure of the ER at the Mid City location earlier this year. The positions are in administrative support and are not necessarily "bedside" - ones that come into contact with... more »

• BRAC: Baton Rouge economy & jobs booming Play Video

  September 2, 2015 5:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Baton Rouge Area Chamber reports that the Baton Rouge region is experiencing an economic boom with more jobs than ever. The report states that the Baton Rouge region has created 6,600 new jobs in the past year totaling a record of more than 400,000 jobs in... more »

• Albemarle to move HQ out of Baton Rouge

  August 25, 2015 2:46 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Chemicals company Albemarle announced Tuesday they will move their headquarters and other parts of their business out of Baton Rouge next year. The company announced they will be relocating their HQ and Performance Chemicals business to Charlotte, N. C., and their Refining Solutions business to Clear... more »