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Editorial
Don't count on Keystone for big employment boost
Friday, September 30, 2011
You can argue that we need the oil the Keystone XL pipeline will provide. You can contend that the pipeline endangers the Ogallala Aquifer, Nebraska's most important resource.
But it's hard to make a legitimate case that TransCanada's project will provide meaningful, long-term employment for many Nebraskans.
Yes, it will boost the economy along the route. We've seen that with other pipelines, and, going back in history, construction of major projects like the Gerald Gentleman Station near Sutherland, Interstate 80 and the various dams and irrigation systems around the state.
But those counting on a big employment boost need to adopt a more realistic outlook.
According to a story by University of Nebraska students distributed by the Nebraska News Service, most of the work will be done by a highly-skilled, highly trained unionized workforce of about 1,500 to 2,000 people, most of them earning $25 to $50 per hour.
And, most of that work will last only six to 18 months.
Yes, TransCanada must hire 50 percent of the construction workforce locally, but may struggle to find that many qualified and available Nebraskans to hire.
Yes, local unskilled Nebraskans can still find good work as welder's helpers and general construction workers, but those who want the top jobs will have to join the union, undergo training and serve an apprenticeship.
And, because of the type of work involved, they will probably have to leave the state to find enough pipeline jobs to make a career.
Yes, even a few good jobs for a few months or a year and a half will be welcome, but the idea that the Keystone XL will provide a lot of jobs is a pipedream.