2009 Pittsburgh Convention Stories: Job Creation

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.

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.

For young men and women growing up in southwestern Pennsylvania coal country, the job options boil down to working in the coal mines or working in the state prison. Third-generation coal miner Travis Hartley says "Anything less than union isn't good enough."

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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"North Shore Connector"

Pittsburgh has many bridges crossing over its three rivers, but the North Shore Connector -- a subway extension planned for completion in 2011 -- is the first to cross under, connecting downtown with the ballparks. Take a video walking tour of the work under construction. Video by Randy Lyman.

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.

Participants in the ILCA Convention visited ATU Local 85 to learn about transportation issues in Pittsburgh. Local 85’s 2,600 members in bus, rail and on the inclines deliver more than 100,000 people to their jobs everyday. Public transportation plus union pride make a winning combination for Pittsburgh. Click here for photo album of visit with ATU 85 members Click here for photo album of visit to a bus maintenance facility Click here for photo album of visit to Ross Division bus depot

North Shore Connector Project

Bore to the Shore.

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2009 Pittsburgh Convention Stories: Job Creation