2009 Pittsburgh Convention Stories: Green Jobs

The once mighty Pittsburgh steel towns in the Mon Valley are way past their glory days. But the traditional strength and determination of the hard working inhabitants shines through while a spark of hope is trying to ignite a bright future.

EBENSBURG, Pa. -- As the G-20 Summit prepares to open in Pittsburgh Sept. 24 to deal with global capitalism's severe economic crisis, labor journalists from the International Labor Communicators Association visited some 15 area work sites to investigate the economic conditions for working people here in western Pennsylvania.

Bringing Hope to the Hill District

In the midst of rising unemployment and other economic struggles, trade unionists are bringing hope to a community hanging on in the Hill District in Pittsburgh.

In Pittsburgh, the Steel Workers’ DeWitt Walton isn’t shy about pushing individuals, people in power and even fellow trade unionists outside their comfort zone.

Tunnel Vision

North Shore Tunnel Workers -- Underground Pride

Green Jobs in Rural Places (Video)

VIDEO: Amid the rolling hills, rural farms and church steeples of Western Pennsylvania, it may not appear they are on the cutting edge of technology, but growing from this spot is a new model for union green jobs and sustainable energy made possible by the United Steelworkers (USW), Gamesa and legislative action.

Carpenters Construct Massive Training Center

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The old U.S. Steel Homestead plant complex, site of the famous 1892 confrontation between workers and Pinkertons, is no more. What will replace it -- and with how many jobs? There may be an answer near Homestead, too. Those same questions are being asked nationwide.

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2009 Pittsburgh Convention Stories: Green Jobs