Business Briefs: Alabama jobless rate rises in April

Alabama jobless rate rises in April

Alabama's unemployment rate has risen for the third month and is now higher than the national rate. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Friday that unemployment rose two-tenths of a percent to 6.9 percent in Alabama, the only state to have a seasonally adjusted increase in its jobless rate for April. A year ago, Alabama's jobless rate was 6.5 percent.

Alabama's unemployment had been running below the national rate, but it tied the national rate in March at 6.7 percent and then exceeded the national rate of 6.3 percent for April.

Pratt & Whitney eyes Georgia site

Engine maker Pratt & Whitney is leaving Southern California, which will eliminate 530 jobs as defense spending contracts decline and the company consolidates its operations. The defense contractor said its Military Engines organization is considering relocating operations to existing facilities in Georgia, Florida and Texas. The commercial side of the business, being relocated out of California, will move much of its operations to Poland.

"This decision, while a difficult one to make, is necessary to maintain our competitiveness in the market, further leverage Pratt & Whitney's network and best position the company for the future," Pratt & Whitney spokesman Ray Hernandez said.

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