The United Steelworkers applauds the U.S. International Trade Commission’s vote to continue its antidumping and countervailing duty investigations against imported Chinese truck and bus tires.
The union filed a petition against the Chinese-made tires on Jan 29.
“China has engaged in repeated unfair trade practices in the tire sector, and we have fought back every time,” said Stan Johnson, USW international secretary-treasurer. “This case, which is yet another segment of the tire industry targeted by China, will benefit all workers making truck and bus tires in the United States, whether or not they are members of the USW. These are good-paying, family sustaining jobs that are vital to communities around the country.”
“Voters across the country are making it clear that they are sick and tired of existing trade policies that ship jobs offshore because of unfair trade,” said Leo W. Gerard, USW international president. “It’s time for a change. Winning this case will help restore fair competition for these products, but much more is needed as steel, aluminum, paper and many other sectors are being similarly attacked.”
The USW represents 6,000 workers at five plants in the U.S. that produce truck and bus tires. The tire production facilities are operated by Bridgestone-Firestone in LaVergne and Warren County, Tenn.; Sumitomo in Buffalo, New York; and Goodyear Tire in Danville, Va., and Topeka, Kan.