Click here to download a PDF of this update to distribute at your facility.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, our brothers and sisters at U.S. Steel locations around the country are still being forced to pay the price for China’s illegal trade practices.
U.S. Steel announced that it would idle steelmaking and finishing operations at Granite City Works, putting about 2,000 members at risk of being laid off. As always, we will be doing everything in our power to minimize the impact this decision will have on our USW brothers and sisters.
Still, this shutdown, which we believe will be temporary, could have a ripple effect, harming not just our brothers and sisters in Granite City but at downstream operations that depend on their steel, and in their communities. This decision is the direct result of illegally dumped imports from China and elsewhere, as well as China’s regular unfair practices of currency manipulation and industry subsidization. Along with a drop in oil and gas drilling due to low prices, the result is global overcapacity and depressed steel prices. Our leaders in Washington need to act swiftly to prevent the gutting of our steel industry.
The USW is backing several trade cases that could impose tariffs and duties on Chinese imports and provide relief for members whose jobs are threatened. We are in constant contact at every level of government to bring the right fixes to our broken trade laws. We are further asking our nation’s politicians, “How can you support TPP when we already have such devastation here at home?” Our union has enlisted the help of global allies to pressure China to stop its illegal practices. U.S. Steel also has said it could seek a Section 201 investigation of Chinese imports if the federal government fails to act quickly enough to provide relief.
To find out more and to take action to support our efforts, visit www.usw.org/act/campaigns/fair-trade.
Members of Local 2660 at Keetac Iron Ore Operations in Keewatin, Minn., held a news conference this week to call for a special legislative session to extend unemployment benefits for laid-off workers. Many USW members who were laid off earlier this year are reaching the six-month limit on unemployment benefits.
Local 2660 President Cliff Tobey said lawmakers in Minnesota should set aside politics and consider the effects unemployment can have on families, children and communities. “These are real people with real families,” he said.
Please continue to work safely, stay strong and stay in touch with your CAT coordinators and local officers. We will alert you as soon as there is any news to report.
By clicking Sign Up you're confirming that you agree with our Terms and Conditions.
See how the USW is making a real difference in our communities and our workplaces.