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NEWS RELEASE July 29, 2005 For more information, contact Steve Houston at 314/721-2828. PRIDE of St. Louis, Inc. Launches Bosnian and Spanish Translations of Web Site Translated Site Serves Growing Number of Immigrant Construction Workers ST. LOUIS – Reflecting the changing face of the local construction workforce, PRIDE of St. Louis, Inc. has launched Bosnian and Spanish translations of its website, www.prideconstruction.org. The website offers a comprehensive look at the St. Louis construction industry, including PRIDE’s online Careers in Construction manual, detailing entry-level requirements, training programs and work performed by members of 20 AFL-CIO building trades. PRIDE is the nation’s first and oldest voluntary labor-management organization. “Our community is changing,” said Jim LaMantia, PRIDE executive director. “The immigrant workforce is becoming a significant labor resource for our future building needs. They have the skills to succeed in the construction industry, but the language barrier is sometimes an impediment. We hope our web site will bridge that barrier and introduce them to the excellent career opportunities available in the union construction industry.” According to Ann Rynearson senior vice president for culture and community at the International Institute St. Louis, there are an estimated 80,000 Bosnian and Hispanic immigrants in the St. Louis area. The Bosnian immigrant population has grown dramatically from less than 100 in 1990 to an estimated 30,000 locally today. The Hispanic population has more than doubled since 1990 to an estimated 50,000 in the St. Louis area today. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that from 1980 to 2000, the proportion of workers employed in the U.S. construction industry who identified themselves as Hispanic grew by 150%, to more than 1.4 million. There are currently 106 Spanish-speaking immigrants enrolled in the St. Louis Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program. There are no local or national figures available on Bosnian employment. However, the construction industry is believed to be among the largest employers of Bosnians in St. Louis area. There are nearly 40 Bosnian immigrants enrolled in the Carpenters Joint Apprenticeship Program. “The St. Louis union construction industry spends $26 million annually in training and includes nationally recognized apprenticeship training programs,” said LaMantia. “These programs include advanced construction skills to keep pace with technology and an intense emphasis on safety. They are the foundation for St. Louis’ reputation for having the best trained work force in the nation.” According to the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association (RCGA), construction dollar volume in the St. Louis area for 2004 was nearly $5 billion. The industry employs more than 61,000 people in metro St. Louis. Since 1972, PRIDE has worked to maintain harmony and build cooperation among the key players in the St. Louis building industry. The organization promotes construction productivity, cost-effective construction, safe and drug-free job sites and work force training and development.
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