Sen. Murkowski encourages Alaska’s oil, gas producers to hire in-state workers

In a move to increase the number of Alaskans who work for oil and gas producers, U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) requested hiring data from the state’s five largest producers on Friday.

The Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development recently reported that the total number of workers in Alaska’s gas and oil industry has fallen by 3,070 in 2016, and resident workers account for approximately 70 percent of those lost jobs. Overall, the percentage of non-resident workers increased from 28.1 percent in 2009 to 37.1 percent in 2016.

“I have taken full advantage of the opportunity to visit the many career and technical colleges for workforce training programs across the state. I see firsthand the many talented and skilled Alaskans we train each year,” Murkowski, chairwoman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, said. “What more can we do to build a well-qualified Alaska workforce for the oil and gas industry?”

Murkowski asked the state’s top five oil and gas producers to provide up-to-date data on employment of Alaska residents, including contractors and subcontractors. Murkowski also sought information on in-state workforce development training administered by the companies.

“I understand the difficult times that the industry has faced given relatively low oil prices and other economic challenges,” Murkowski said. “I appreciate the efforts that your companies are making to maintain and grow investment in Alaska, and recognize the need for the industry to operate as efficiently as possible. As part of that, and particularly as we move closer to new opportunities on federal lands and waters, I continue to believe that hiring Alaskans and encouraging contractors and subcontractors to hire Alaskans is in all of our best interests.”