Labor Applauds Trade Representative’s Actions to Revitalize U.S. Shipbuilding

Contact: R.J. Hufnagel, rhufnagel@usw.org, 412-562-2450

PITTSBURGH – The United Steelworkers (USW) released the following statement today from International President David McCall and International Association of Machinists (IAM Union) International President Brian Bryant in response to the announcement from the office of the United States Trade Representative’s (USTR) on final actions to address China’s targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors for dominance.

“Today’s announcement is an important step forward in revitalizing America’s shipbuilding sector. These actions are the direct result of the Section 301 trade case that the USW, the IAM and several other labor organizations filed in March 2024.

“America’s shipbuilding and maritime sectors are key to our economic and national security. For far too long, policymakers have ignored the dramatic decline in these sectors and the actions China has taken to dominate them. From the supply chains to the shipyards to the ports to the vessels themselves, America needs to restore these capabilities. The USTR’s relief measures will help put our nation on a better course.”

David McCall, USW International President:

“Our union is proud of the action our members have taken, and the work of our fellow unions, to spur action. Unlike many issues in Washington, restoring our nation’s maritime power has the support of labor and business, Democrats and Republicans in Congress, and the White House.”

“These actions are critical, but they are just the first steps. We look forward to further definition and implementation of the administration’s Maritime Action Plan and Congressional action on the SHIPS for America Act. There is a long journey ahead.

“The stakes are huge. The decline in our nation’s shipbuilding capacity – both military and commercial – is unacceptable. Revitalizing shipbuilding and the supply chain will yield hundreds of thousands of jobs and strengthen our national defense and our industrial base.”

Brian Bryant, IAM Union International President:

“IAM applauds USTR for the announcement of meaningful remedies to push back against China’s predatory practices and reinvigorate our domestic shipbuilding and maritime industries. The IAM is proud to be a leading voice in this vitally important fight to restore domestic shipbuilding and maritime capacity for the sake of our nation’s economic and national security and the creation of thousands of high-quality union jobs across the U.S.

“The engagement of the USTR has been critical in the development and design of the relief measures. As they take effect, adjustments may be necessary. But these measures will help deter the acquisition and utilization of Chinese vessels and shippers. Other measures to spur demand for U.S.-built and operated vessels must follow.”

The USW represents 850,000 men and women employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in public sector and service occupations.

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