By Alan Neuhauser
Special to DNAinfo
More than 550 people have camped out on a Queens sidewalk for the chance to apply for 50 apprentice positions with a metallic ironworkers union. Only 500 applications will be distributed Monday from the chapter’s office in Woodside, union officials said, prompting job-seekers – with tents, blankets, and chairs – to form a line more closely resembling an iPhone launch than a job opening.
“There’s an absolute terrible economy now, and as most people know, union jobs are very attractive,” said Bill Hohlfield, labor-management cooperative trust coordinator for the Metallic Lathers and Reinforcing Ironworkers Union, Local 46, which is offering the apprentice positions. “People need healthcare, people need retirement and pensions, and you have the ability to build all those things for yourself if you’re a union member.”
Applicants began lining-up on Tuesday, Hohlfield said, eventually filling the sidewalk of 61st Street, wrapping Article source: http://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20120428/woodside/hundreds-camp-out-for-50-jobs
