My name is Anthony Stone, and I’m from Collinsville, Ill. I’m a Steelworker and a dad – my fiance and I have one beautiful child. When I was hired on at the U.S. Steel mill in Granite City six months ago, we thought all our dreams would come true: a decent house, food on the table, and maybe adding another baby to our family.
But then the devastating news came: I got laid off. I’ll lose my job later this month along with more than 2,000 others at Granite City Works, a staple of the community that has allowed generations to build good lives. Steel imports from China are largely to blame.
Congress needs to say no to upcoming Fast Track legislation that enables lawmakers to push through trade deals in secret. People who support this say, don’t worry, trust us, this will all be good for workers.
Trust me, no trade deal has ever been good for our families or us. It’s because of unfair trade, cheating by countries like China and corporate politicians unwilling to stand up for us, that jobs like mine are being shipped overseas. It’s why families like mine are scared about our future, wondering how we’ll pay our bills or take care of our kids. It’s why our plans to have another child are on hold.
We’ve heard all these political promises before and look what’s happened to our jobs – they’re gone. Don’t fall for it again, help us by calling your Representative at 1-844-505-4449 and tell them to vote NO on Fast Track legislation!
Thank you for all of your support and solidarity,
Anthony Stone
Member, USW Local 1899
CLICK HERE to read more testamonies from Steelworkers
Photo and story courtesy USPA Executive Board Member Doug May, United Steelworkers Local 1899.