SOAR and USW Members Discuss Trade Issues with Congressman Polis

On May 4, a delegation of Steelworkers sat down over lunch at Beau Jo’s Pizza in Boulder, Colorado with Congressman Jared Polis (CO-2) to discuss Fast Track, trade, and other labor-related issues. Representatives from SOAR, USW Locals 2102, 3267, and 8031 along with the Colorado AFL-CIO were present.

While we were unable to secure a firm no vote on HR.1890/S.995, we were confident that unless the final legislation contains provisions to address our many concerns, the Congressman would be less likely to support it.

Congressman Polis feels it is very important to “slow down the process” to ensure that all issues can be addressed in a more transparent manner than previous trade agreements. He assured us that he will work to amend the language of the resolution to include a guarantee that any trade agreement passed would be explicitly forbidden from adjusting punitive duties on foreign imports.

Even though we were unsuccessful in our ultimate goal, we consider this a win as a reduction of newly-won duties on tubular steel products would directly affect jobs in Colorado.