Virginia, Minnesota was the final stop on the national Save Our Steel Jobs (#SOSJobs) campaign and over 2,000 Steelworkers, families and friends attended to let their fellow workers in Ohio, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Alabama, where previous rallies were held, that know they stand united.
South Korea and eight other countries have been dumping unfairly priced pipe and tube products into the U.S. market in violation of federal trade laws. These imports are threatening the Minnesota iron mining industry and more than 500,000 steel-related jobs across the country. The U.S. Department of Commerce is currently weighing the trade case and a decision is expected in mid-July.
MSNBC ‘s popular host of “The Ed Show” Ed Schultz helped to raise the signs that read “Save our Steel Jobs” and “Keep it Made In America” with statements about illegal steel and it’s worth.
“The U.S. economy prospers when domestic companies and steelworkers have a fair chance to compete in a rules-based market,” said John Rebrovich, assistant to the director of United Steelworkers District 11.
Larry Sutherland, general manager of Minnesota Ore Operations at U.S. Steel said, “We are humbled and inspired to have such widespread support from public officials, businesses, union members, and members of the general public.”
Gov. Mark Dayton pledged his support saying he would give that message directly to President Obama.
The event was co-sponsored by the Alliance for American Manufacturing, the United Steelworkers and the Iron Ore Alliance, which is a group formed between the United States Steel Corp. and the United Steelworkers.