For an audio news story on this topic produced by Workers Independent News, click here.

The Communications Workers of America and the United Auto Workers have sent letters urging the president to do the right thing in the 421 trade case involving imported Chinese tires.

Click here to read the CWA letter. And click here to read the UAW letter. Both letters are addressed to Deputy Assistant Trade Representative for China Affairs Eric G. Altbach.

The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled 4-2 that a surge of low-priced consumer tires from China is harming the domestic industry and recommended tariffs as relief. The import surge has caused major job losses and plant closures in the United States.

The UAW letter dated July 24, 2009, states,  "The UAW urges the President to recognize that this case is not only an appropriate use of our trade remedy laws, it is essential to creating a more just and sustainable trade policy. "

"As you know, UAW members have struggled recently with job losses resulting from the unprecedented contraction in the economy and the resulting decline of U.S. manufacturing capacity. Enforcing U.S. trade remedy laws is essential to stop the loss of even more domestic manufacturing capacity. We strongly urge President Obama to make good on his pledge, reiterated recently by Ambassador Kirk, to make enforcement a 'centerpiece' of U.S trade policy and not '“an afterthought,'" the letter said.

Click here to read the entire letter. And click here for more background, including this and other support letters, on the USW's major trade case.