Despite low unemployment, 7 Wisconsin companies laid off nearly 1,900 workers in January

While December ended the year with low unemployment and more than 3 million people working, 2024 has been difficult for some Wisconsin workers, particularly those in health care.  

In January, hospital closings in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire left 1,068 people without jobs. Those hospitals, run by Hospital Sisters Health System also impacted associated clinics run by Prevea Health, which laid off 323 employees.  

In total, 1,897 Wisconsin workers were informed in January that they are losing their jobs.  

More:These 6 companies laid people off in November in Wisconsin

In December, 32 of the state’s 35 largest cities had unemployment at the same or lower from November. Over the year, all 35 cities saw unemployment rates increase, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  

In the Milwaukee area, the most recent data from November showed businesses added 3,400 jobs during the last 12 months to roughly 860,600 jobs, according to the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce.  

The unemployment rate in the Milwaukee area also rose to 3.1% year over year in November, according to the MMAC. But it is still below the national average of 3.5% unemployment.  

Here are the seven companies that laid off workers in January: 

Charter Communications

Charter Communications, the Spectrum cable TV company, notified 173 workers in Milwaukee that they will be losing their jobs starting March 28. 

Hospital Sisters Health System

Hospital Sisters Health System, which operates St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chippewa Falls and Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, notified 1,068 workers they will be losing their jobs starting on March 22. The impacted facilities are located in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Ladysmith, Rice Lake, Altoona, Mondovi, and Menomonee.

Preva Clinic

Preva Clinic, which has staff associated with the hospitals in Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire, also notified 323 workers they will be losing their jobs on March 22.  The impacted facilities are located in Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, Altoona, Augusta, Phillips, Cornell, Menomonie, Lady Smith, Rice Lake and Mondovi.

Credit Union National Association

Credit Union National Association in Madison notified 38 workers they will be losing their jobs starting March 15.  

"This is a difficult decision, and we appreciate any assistance you may provide to our employees in this difficultperiod with their job search and transition," Susan Parisi, chief corporate counsel for the credit union said in a letter.

Lost Boys Interactive

Lost Boys Interactive, a video game developer based in Madison, notified 125 workers they will be losing their jobs starting March 15. 

Stratatech Corp.

Stratatech Corp., a research company based in Madison was acquired by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, and 35 workers were notified they were being laid off on January 9 when they learned cuts were coming.

Energizer

Energizer Holdings, the battery manufacturer, notified 135 workers in Portage they will be laid off starting March 5.