USW Lauds Commerce Report; Looks for President to Take Bold Action in Response to 232 Reports

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 16, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard issued the following statement today in response to the release of the U.S. Department of Commerce's Section 232 reports detailing the impact of imported steel and aluminum on the national security of the United States:

"It is absolutely clear from today's release of the Section 232 Aluminum and Steel Reports that Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has a comprehensive understanding of the unrelenting attacks and challenges that these industries critical to our nation's security are facing from unfairly traded imports. We also commend the DOC's interpretation of the 232 statute's definition of national security to include critical infrastructure.

"While our members and workers across America will be encouraged by these recommendations, we know the fight is far from over. Having borne the brunt of lost jobs and declining production caused by unfair and illegal trade and global overcapacity largely fueled by China, our members sent more than 20,000 letters and petitions to the DOC and the White House demanding action.

"The DOC reports provide a comprehensive listing of the countries -- Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, India, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam -- that have relentlessly violated trade laws. Curtailing that cheating and restoring fair market prices will go a long way to reigniting domestic production and employment.

"These recommendations have the potential to focus on the bad actors in the world that historically and systemically cheat in international trade. We applaud that approach.

"These are complex reports and recommendations that we need to carefully review.  But in our view, and that of most Americans, the President must take quick and comprehensive action on unfair trade and critical infrastructure improvements. Steel and aluminum are vital to the nation's security and to our crumbling roads, bridges and other infrastructure. Immediate action providing effective relief is necessary."

The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service and public sectors. For more information: www.usw.org.

CONTACT:  Holly Hart: (202) 778-4384 
[email protected]

SOURCE United Steelworkers (USW)