The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, holding its convention in Cleveland, sees alternative energy as the union's best chance for job growth after focusing its membership for years on the manufacturing and construction industries.

The union had almost 1 million members at its peak in the 1970s but has lost 300,000 since then despite increasing jobs in booming residential markets of some states, such as Florida. The union also has recruited satellite dish installers. The union sees construction and upkeep of wind turbines, solar panels and hydrogen fuel cells as drivers for new jobs, even though the alternative energy industry now provides a small portion of unionized electricians.

"I think ... the future lies in energy cells," IBEW President Ed Hill said.