| Former Pennsylvania
Governor Tom Ridge once remarked:
"A century ago, Pennsylvania's workers led
the Industrial Revolution with the strength of their backs.
Today, we are emerging as a leader in the New Economy with
the strength of our minds."
As Northeastern Pennsylvania looks towards the
promise of the 21st century, our workers are proving they
have the training and skills to compete and win in today's,
high-tech/high-stakes economic climate.
This effort to stay on the cutting edge, combined
with a remarkable track record of job performance, has proven
quite attractive to the impressive array of companies that
call the Penn's Northeast region their home.
Here are just a few of the advantages enjoyed
by our successful businesses and industries:
- A diverse labor force of over 500,000.
- An average of 10 applications for every
quality job opening.
- Average annual turnover rates of less
than 8%.
- Average absenteeism rates of less than
3%.
- A highly-rated and productive labor
force that was determined to be one of the most computer-literate
in the country.*
- Grants available for reimbursement of
trainee and trainer costs serve the region.
- Schools working together to customize
training programs for employers.
*Source: Survey conducted
by Wadley-Donovan Group, Ltd., Morristown, NJ.
Let's look at some of Northeastern Pennsylvania's
employment statistics...
Use the links listed here for detailed information
about the skilled, diverse workforce and vibrant economy that
characterizes the Penn's Northeast Region.
As the following chart illustrates, unionization
rates in Northeastern Pennsylvania have been steadily declining
over the last 20 years.
| Year |
Union members |
Covered by unions |
Percent members |
Percent covered |
| 1983** |
1,195.70 |
1,350.00 |
27.5 |
31.1 |
| 1999** |
895.9 |
959.7 |
17.4 |
18.6 |
| 2000* |
869.6 |
925.7 |
16.9 |
18 |
| *Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics; www.bls.gov
**Source:
Bureau of Nation Affairs, Inc., Washington, DC; www.bna.com |
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