USW Comments on Nomination of Michael Froman to be United States Trade Representative

CONTACT: Wayne Ranick, 412-562-2442, wranick@usw.org

(PITTSBURGH)  – Leo W. Gerard, International President of the United Steelworkers (USW) issued the following statement today after the announcement by President Obama of his intent to nominate Michael Froman as United States Trade Representative.

“Michael has served this President with distinction, helping to guide the Administration’s international economic policy through the difficult shoals created by an economic tempest of historic proportions. The legacy left by President Bush required an enormous effort to keep America afloat and to coordinate economic policies with other nations.  Michael has been at the center of those efforts.

“Michael has been an honest, determined advocate for the President’s policies. On trade enforcement matters, we have worked closely with him in helping to maintain and create jobs in a number of industries battered by unfair trade.   He’s been an effective ally in the fight for American jobs and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role. He’s been a key player on all these issues and cares deeply about this country.

“On trade policy, it’s clear that the Steelworkers have some serious reservations about the course that’s been pursued in the past. We have worked closely with Michael and other key leaders who are helping to develop President Obama’s policies and create an approach for the future. Michael has engaged us directly, made clear that our voices will be heard and indicated that he will work with us to identify how we can reform and update our nation’s trade policies. Much work remains and we don’t know what the end result will be, but we do know that Michael will be an engaged, responsive and honest broker of the President’s policies.”

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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