USW Confident WTO Dispute Panel Will Uphold U.S. Tire Action

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Gary Hubbard (202) 778-4384; or (202) 256-8125

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 11, 2010) – Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) today responded to the World Trade Organization (WTO) decision to launch an investigation into President Obama’s decision to impose tariffs on surging Chinese tire imports by enforcing U.S. trade law to protect American jobs in the tire sector.

“The USW has complete faith that the decision of the President following the extensive investigation by the U.S. International Trade Commission will be found to be consistent with the U.S. rights under the WTO — specifically, the special safeguard that China agreed to as part of its accession process. 

“While trading nations have the right to challenge any action of their trading partners, it is unfortunate that China has challenged a matter that flows from a provision in the protocol of accession that was critical to the U.S.’s willingness to accept China’s membership despite the long road China had — and continues to have — to bring its system fully into compliance with WTO requirements and norms. 

“We expect the U.S. will defend its decision vigorously and that U.S. action will be affirmed as fully consistent with U.S. rights and obligations.”

The USW represents about 30,000 tire workers in the U.S., and is North America’s largest industrial union, representing 850,000 actively employed workers in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy producing industries.