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Steelworkers to Bush: Stop Steel Dumping March 1, 2002
Thousands rallied in the White Houses back yard on Thursday to send a strong message to President Bush: stop allowing foreign steel dumping that has nearly obliterated the domestic industry. Steelworkers, many of whom had traveled for hours in buses from steel-producing states like Michigan, Ohio and West Virginia, brought their cause directly to the man who holds the fate of the industry in his hands. Next Wednesday, Bush will decide whether to impose up to a 40 percent tariff on "dumped" steel imports found by the International Trade Commission to be selling for less than a fair price, a practice that threatens to drive American steel companies out of business. Russia, Germany and China are among the countries said to be dumping into steel into the U.S. market. Labor and business stood side by side at the rally, where participants carried signs saying "Stop Economic Terrorism" and "A Line has Been Drawn in the Sand." A contingent of workers from the IBEW International Office joined the crowd in solidarity with steelworkers and members of other unions. In the last few years, 20,000 workers have lost jobs and more than 15 steel companies have folded. Retirement benefits for 500,000 industry retirees are threatened. "We dont want protection," said Thomas Usher, CEO, U.S. Steel Corp, the largest of the countrys surviving steelmakers. "What we want is justice. We want fairness and we want the law enforced." United Steelworkers of America President Leo Gerard and AFL-CIO President John Sweeney rallied the crowd, as did House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt (D-Missouri) and Minority Whip David Bonior (D-Michigan). West Virginia Senator Jay Rockefeller (Democrat) urged Bush to honor a promise he made to the states steelworkers during the presidential campaign in 2000. "Mr. President, hear our voices because now is the time to live up to your promises," Senator Rockefeller said. "We ask you to listen to your conscience and the promises that you made. Safeguard American markets against unfair practices like dumping." During his remarks, the crowd erupted into chants of "Forty! Forty! Forty!" Forty percent over four years is the upper limit of the American tariff recommended by the International Trade Commission to achieve a competitive playing field with imports. "Free trade is not free unless its fair for American workers!" said Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-Michigan). "We know this industry is worth fighting for."
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