http://webster.articulatedman.com/link_mailers/3/link_mailings/new?link=http://www.usw.org/action_center/economy/blog&title=Economy | Action Center | United Steelworkers
Health care reform legislation is finally moving forward in Congress. Key decisions about the shape of the final bill are being made right now, and our legislators need to understand that reform must be meaningful and not add any burdens to the middle class in order to be successful.
Please weigh in with legislators on three key issues for health care reform. First, we need a strong public health insurance option. A public option inserts much-needed competition into the healthcare market to drive down costs and provide consumers with an alternative to the private-run plans currently available. Second, employers need to provide healthcare or pay into a system that will help ensure everyone is covered. And, third, we do not want our benefits to be taxed as part of any reform plan. We’re already paying too much for health care!
Here's what you can do:
1.) Dial Toll-Free, 866-203-4960.
2.) Ask for your Senators and Representative. Note: Make three calls total, one to each Senator and one to your Representative. You can call all three on the same day, or spread the calls out over a couple of days. The important thing is that each person gets the message!
3.) Tell him or her that you are a voter and they need to:
Support healthcare reform that:
Has a strong public option,
Ensures employers provide care or pay into a system to ensure everyone can get care, and
Does not tax benefits.
It's important that all members of Congress hear from us, but here are House members who especially need to hear from us ahead of the vote on the Affordable Health Care for America Act bill. Click here to find contact information, or use the number above.
Baird Marion Berry Costa Cardoza Edwards Ellsworth Giffords Hill Lynch Maffei Michaud Perriello Adler Altmire Bean Bocieri Boucher Carney Copper Lipinski Donnelly McMahon Oberstar Schrader Driehaus Sandler Holden Scott Murphy
List of Congress members, including Blue Dogs
October 15, 2009
It's important that all members of Congress hear from you. Please call and write and ask them to support health insurance reform that follows the USW principles. Here's a list that may help you:
Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (SD), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Administration Rep. Baron Hill (IN-09), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Policy Rep. Charlie Melancon (LA-03), Blue Dog Co-Chair for Communications Rep. Heath Shuler (NC-11), Blue Dog Whip
Blue Dog Members
Altmire, Jason (PA-04) Arcuri, Mike (NY-24) Baca, Joe (CA-43) Barrow, John (GA-12) Berry, Marion (AR-01) Bishop, Sanford (GA-02) Boren, Dan (OK-02) Boswell, Leonard (IA-03) Boyd, Allen (FL-02) Bright, Bobby (AL-02) Cardoza, Dennis (CA-18) Carney, Christopher (PA-10) Chandler, Ben (KY-06) Childers, Travis (MS-01) Cooper, Jim (TN-05) Costa, Jim (CA-20) Cuellar, Henry (TX-28) Dahlkemper, Kathy (PA-03) Davis, Lincoln (TN-04) Donnelly, Joe (IN-02) Ellsworth, Brad (IN-08) Giffords, Gabrielle (AZ-08) Gordon, Bart (TN-06) Griffith, Parker (AL-05) Harman, Jane (CA-36) Herseth Sandlin, Stephanie (SD) Hill, Baron (IN-09) Holden, Tim (PA-17) Kratovil, Jr., Frank (MD-01) McIntyre, Mike (NC-07) Marshall, Jim (GA-08) Matheson, Jim (UT-02) Melancon, Charlie (LA-03) Michaud, Mike (ME-02) Minnick, Walt (ID-01) Mitchell, Harry (AZ-05) Moore, Dennis (KS-03) Murphy, Patrick (PA-08) Nye, Glenn (VA-02) Peterson, Collin (MN-07) Pomeroy, Earl (ND) Ross, Mike (AR-04) Salazar, John (CO-03) Sanchez, Loretta (CA-47) Schiff, Adam (CA-29) Scott, David (GA-13) Shuler, Heath (NC-11) Space, Zack (OH-18) Tanner, John (TN-08) Taylor, Gene (MS-04) Thompson, Mike (CA-01) Wilson, Charles (OH-06)
USW president in NY Times: Standing up to China is standing up to bully
September 23, 2009
USW International President Leo W. Gerard gives it to them straight in today’s New York Times in an article about the USW’s fight against China’s predatory trade policies: “They cheat in every area,” Mr. Gerard said, pointing to repeated findings of illegal subsidies, as well as one American tire maker’s saying that Beijing had illegally required one of its factories in China to export all its output. “If the bully keeps beating you up, is it so bad to stand up to him?”
The story describes Gerard as "the president of the United Steelworkers, often viewed as the No. 1 scourge of free traders." The article goes on to say, "And the leaders of the G-20 should take note: Mr. Gerard and his fellow labor leaders are just getting started."
Jim Wansley, former president of USW Local 746L at the shutdown Goodyear tire plant in Tyler, Texas, makes it clear: “Although it’s too late to save our factory, the people here are extremely glad that something is being done to help save the jobs at other plants,” he said.
New Video: Ad promotes need for public option in health insurance reform
September 16, 2009
A new ad released by Health Care Now! explains the need for a strong public option in health insurance reform. Check it our below and check out our USW health care tool kit for resources and tips for getting involved.
Call Your Members of Congress to Support Health Insurance Reform
September 10, 2009
President Obama layed out his vision for health insurance reform last night, explaining to the American people that if you already have health benefits like most union members do, you won't have to change a thing under his plan. But if you're one of the nearly 50 million uninsured Americans or the millions more who can't afford coverage or have been denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition, the president's plan will help you get affordable coverage. Medicare won't be hurt but strenghtened. Those with insurance will be protected, businesses more competitive, and finally, we will be able to focus on wages, pensions and other issues at the bargaining table.
Click here for the USW health care tool kit for flyers, fact sheets, talking points and other useful info. You can watch his speech below. And click here to contact your member of Congress to urge them to support President Obama's plan.
USW leader at health reform rally: civil rights issue of our time
September 02, 2009
USW International Vice President Fred Redmond spoke at today's Organizing for America's health insurance reform bus tour stop rally in Pittsburgh. He had an important message: health care for all is the civil rights issue of our time. Click here for more from today. And click here to visit the USW's health care tool kit.
Gerard, Hindery, Riegle in L.A. Times: Why Not 'Buy American?'
September 01, 2009
USW International President Leo W. Gerard, Donald Riegle and Leo Hindery co-authored a piece that appeared in today's Los Angeles Times that talks about why "Buy American" makes sense. Riegle is the former Michigan senator and is a member of the Smart Globalization Initiative and chairman of government relations at a global advisory company. Hindery is chairman of the Smart Globalization Initiative at the New America Foundation and an investor in media companies.
You can read the entire article by clicking here. Here's an exerpt:
Federal government purchases make up about 20% of the U.S. economy, yet the United States is almost alone among the major developed nations and China in not having a significant “buy domestic” government procurement program.
No single economic stimulus initiative would do more in the short and long term to resuscitate U.S. employment, especially manufacturing employment, and materially reduce our economy-zapping massive trade deficit than a fair “buy American” program.
However, when even a fairly limited program was put forward in February as part of the economic stimulus plan, you would have thought that protectionist cowboys from the U.S. had attacked global motherhood and apple pie.
NEW VIDEO: How do we revitalize America's economy?
The book, which is available on Amazon and other booksellers, was produced by the Alliance for American Manufacturing. It reveals that in the aftermath of the bubble economy, America needs to shift resources from the debt-inflated finance and housing sectors to the productive economy.
The video features the editor and several contributors to the book. Check it out:
More than 500 'Buy America' resolutions passed nationwide
June 18, 2009
This week, the USW reached another milestone in its push to get "Buy American" resolutions passed around the nation. So far, more than 500 such measures have been approved. Click here for more.
U.S. rules in favor of USW in major trade case against China
June 18, 2009
The U.S. International Trade Commission today affirmed 4-2 the USW's major trade case against the makers of Chinese tires. Click here for more.
Video: Artists for Free Choice
June 04, 2009
Actors, musicians and other artists have come together for the right to bargain for a better life. Check out their video below and visit their Web site here.
MSN: 10 ways to Buy American
June 03, 2009
MSN recently had an article explaining how consumers can find American-made goods. The article also suggest that people frustrated with so many imports as North American manufacturing declines, do more than complain. The Web site tells people to contact lawmakers and demand change. You can do so by joining our movement.
Washington – Senator Evan Bayh testified in a major international trade case today, urging the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to help protect Fort Wayne-area workers whose jobs are threatened by a surge in Chinese tire imports.
At issue is whether the rise in Chinese tire imports constitutes unfair trade prohibited under Section 421 of U.S. international trade law and threatens to cause a market disruption for domestic tire producers. The ITC is considering a petition initiated by the United Steel Workers alleging that an increase in imported Chinese tires has caused a steep decline in U.S. production, sales, profitability and employment.
The dispute directly impacts approximately 1,300 workers currently employed at the Michelin North America Inc./BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing plant in Woodburn, Indiana.
In urging the commission to consider the impact Chinese tire imports are having on domestic tire workers and manufacturers, Bayh said, “The facts are on their side. The law is on their side. Equity is on their side.”
Imports of passenger tires from China increased 215 percent in volume and 295 percent in dollar value from 2004 through 2008. While foreign producers experience rising sales in the United States, domestic manufacturers are suffering sharp declines. Specifically, from 2004 to 2008:
Domestic tire production has plummeted 25 percent;
Four U.S. tire manufacturing plants have closed because of unfair competition;
Plant capacity utilization has declined 13 percent; and,
Approximately 4,400 jobs have been lost.
In his testimony before the ITC, Bayh said, “These are troubling trends. If we fail to respond, I fear we will see more tire plants closed, more jobs lost, and more erosion of American manufacturing. This is of great concern to me as it is to the 1,300 workers at the Michelin/Goodrich tire plant near Fort Wayne. These workers have watched the adverse import trend from China and begun to wonder if their jobs are secure. In the midst of this serious recession, they are anxious about their employment prospects should these Chinese imports lead to the shuttering of their workplace.”
Bayh said Hoosier workers are not seeking special treatment by their government, just fair treatment and a firm application of trade laws.
“I believe in trade and the law of comparative advantage, but trade must be conducted in a fair manner based on U.S. and global rules,” he said. “When products are illegally traded, it is against the rules. When this happens, we should use remedies we and our trading partners have agreed upon and restore equity and balance in our commercial relationships.”
According to the Commerce Department, nearly 20 percent of all manufacturing workers in Indiana depend on exports for their jobs. In 2006, more than 5,000 companies exported goods from Indiana locations. The vast majority of those companies were small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees.
Bayh added, “Indiana’s workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, and creative geniuses can compete in growing markets around the world. To open more of these markets, in the past, I have supported a significant number of trade agreements.”
The commission expects to vote on the market disruption caused by Chinese tire imports on June 18. If the vote is affirmative, a remedy will be voted on June 29. The ITC will send a report to President Obama by July 9, and the president’s decision on a remedy is due in mid-September.
'Keep It Made in America' tour kicks off Monday
May 10, 2009
The USW is part of a multi-state bus tour that kicks off Monday. The goal is simple: to help show how important the domestic auto industry is to all of America. The "Keep It Made in America" tour runs through 30-plus cities. Click here for more information.
Report: Buy American good for economic renewal
April 28, 2009
The Progressive States Network has released a new report that says Buy American and related policies are good for repairing the economy. The Dispatch also says that the root of the economic crisis is that American manufacturing is in free fall. Read the entire report here. Here's an excerpt:
When Congress enacted the federal recovery plan, many state and federal leaders demanded "Buy American" provisions to ensure that the recovery plan funds would be directed to job creation in communities devastated by layoffs, particularly in steel and other manufacturing sectors especially hard hit by the economic meltdown. While these provisions were fiercely resisted by multinational corporate interests (and watered down in the final federal bill), they are one key policy to help revive the U.S. manufacturing sector and reorient the economy away from the neo-liberal "free trade" policies that have undermined wage standards throughout the economy.
The reality is that the U.S. manufacturing sector is in free fall, threatening a core engine of our economy and threatening to lower wages further for workers in our nation. And this is just part of a more general crisis, at home and globally, of falling wages undermining global demand and further weakening the overall economy.
As this Dispatch will outline, Buy American policies are a first step in promoting an alternative to the trade and deregulation policies that fueled the current economic crisis. Ultimately, we need policies that strengthen local tools for economic growth at home, combined with fair trade policies to raise wage standards abroad as well. Also, as corporate interests increasingly use trade agreements to restrict state authority to protect worker, consumer and environmental interests, states are increasingly reviewing those trade agreements in order to restore states' ability to effectively respond to economic crises and protect the long-term interests of working families.
Instead of the casino economy of financial excess, rising economic inequality and stagnant wages, we need to restore an economy based on a vibrant manufacturing sector at home and a fair trade system globally that raises wage standards for all workers around the globe.
How to push a Buy American Resolution? Watch our new video here
April 24, 2009
Check out this new video to get tips for pushing the USW's "Buy American" resolution. Watch it, then download everything you need in our toolkit found at www.usw.org/buyamerican!
Senators, other lawmakers supportive of USW unfair trade case claim against Chinese tires
Imports of tires from China have dramatically increased since 2004. In a four year period of time, the volumeof consumer tire imports from China more than doubled and the value of imports nearly tripled. China is now the largest single exporter of consumer tires to the United States.
“There is no denying that global trade is critical to the success of American businesses and producers. However, trade has to be fair. In the past few years, time and time again, we have seen where our trade laws have been circumvented and abused by our trading partners, to the detriment of American workers.
“I am following with keen interest the recently filed ‘421’ case on consumer tires. Evidence shows that there has been a tremendous surge of consumer tire imports from China. I hope the ITC and the Administration will give this case careful and objective consideration. Jobs are at stake and we must use the tools at our disposal to ensure a level playing field for our workers.”
Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan sent this letter. Republican Sen. Arlen Spector of Pennsylvania also released a statement about the case. As did Sen. Sherrod Brown of Ohio:
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) issued the following statement in response to the United Steelworkers’ (USW) case filed today under Section 421 of U.S. trade laws to address to surging imports of consumer tires from China.
“China’s share of consumer tire imports has nearly tripled over the past five years. Thousands of workers have lost jobs, and we should expect more job loss unless we use the trade enforcement tools we have in our toolkit. Congress negotiated a safeguard measure with China for just this very reason. I trust President Obama will look at this petition objectively and decide the appropriate remedy on the merits.
Using tools like the China ‘421’ safeguard measure is not protectionism. Enforcement of trade remedy laws consistent with WTO rules is not protectionism. One of the steps in rebuilding a trade strategy is to rebalance our trading relationship with China.”
Spector appears on 'Union Edge' radio show to talk Free Choice
April 17, 2009
Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Spector, who recently changed his position to be against the Employee Free Choice Act, appeared on the Union Edge radio show with Jack Shea, head of the Allegheny County Labor Council. If you missed the interview, click here to listen online.
USW Western New York Legislative and Education Committee Attends Introduction of Buy American Provision
April 16, 2009
The USW Western New York Legislative and Education Committee held a press conference with 58th District State Senator William Stachowski on the Introduction of the Governor’s program Bill S4085.
Steelworker legislative and Rapid Response representatives from various local unions throughout Western New York were present to show their support for the Introduction of the Buy American Provision as the 3rd major part of the Governor’s program bill. The Buy American provision specifically section 5 and 6 is a major part of the bill.
In the photo above with State Senator William Stachowski is the District 4 Rapid Response Coordinator Frank Palombaro (right) and Make our Future Work Coordinator Frank Hotchkiss (left) and the local Rapid Response coordinators which are also the designated Legislative Representatives for their respective Local unions. The following Local Unions attended the Press Conference 8823, 135, 2603, 5429, 4601, 3609, 9367, 9434, 13833.
Hundreds March to Spector's Pittsburgh Office for Free Choice
April 14, 2009
Hundreds of USW members and others marched today to Sen. Arlen Spector's Pittsburgh office, urging the senator to once again support the Employee Free Choice Act.
