Contact: Jess Kamm Broomell, 412-562-2444, jkamm@usw.org
United Steelworkers (USW) International President David McCall released the following statement today after President Biden’s meeting with top EU officials and the announcement of a path forward on the Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum:
“The USW recognizes today’s progress toward an interim arrangement on steel and aluminum as a much-needed opportunity to confront unfair trade and global overcapacity and rein in producers far more carbon intensive than those in the United States and the European Union.
“The Biden administration negotiated with the EU for two years in an effort to reach an agreement that would forge long-term, durable solutions to non-market excess capacity and carbon intensive production.
“Time and again, the administration demonstrated a clear commitment to defending domestic steel and aluminum workers, rather than bowing to outdated thinking on international trade and the EU’s political pressure.
“Now we must stick to this path.
“Steel and aluminum are vital to our national defense and critical infrastructure. The United States acted under Section 232 of our trade laws in 2018 to maintain domestic capacity and keep us safe. These continue to be urgent concerns, and we appreciate that the Biden administration kept these priorities in the foreground in charting a course forward.
“Over the past two years, our union coordinated with employers and labor unions in the United States and Europe that share our values. As more countries seek to join the arrangement, we welcome those who are serious about putting a stop to predatory trade practices and confronting the challenges of global climate change. Now, they will need to earn the right to participate.
“Today’s summit also yielded progress toward a Critical Minerals Agreement between the United States and the EU. The USW engaged with the administration throughout the process, urging an approach that recognizes not only our shared interests and the reality of today’s supply chains, but also the need for rigorous labor standards and environmental sustainability.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the administration and our European allies as together we seek to advance our opportunities to limit global overcapacity in steel and aluminum, reduce the carbon intensity of our industries, meet our critical mineral needs and advance workers’ rights.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers in North America employed in many industries that include metals, mining, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining, the service, public and health care sectors and higher education.