Teamsters Union Jions Steel Industry Call for Trade Enforcement.
America’s steel manufacturers and workers have joined forces to fight back against dumped imports of steel pipe used in the extraction of America’s oil and natural gas reserves. Now, another major American union is adding its support.
Late last week, International Brotherhood of Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa and top railway leaders penned a letter to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, urging a thorough investigation in the anti-dumping probe of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) imports from South Korea. The Teamsters join the fight with thousands of workers who have participated in #SOSJobs rallies across the country in recent weeks to express concern over the dumping of OCTG product, which is being sold in the U.S. at below cost. A decision on a trade case regarding dumped OCTG product from nine countries is due in July.
In May, a bipartisan group of 57 Senators had written to Secretary Pritzker, calling for a full investigation of OCTG pipe imports, particularly from South Korea.
In the Teamsters’ letter to Pritzker, Hoffa explained:
“American steel producers employ 8,000 workers across the country making OCTG and each of those jobs supports seven more in the supply chain. The steel produced for the U.S. energy market accounts for ten percent of domestic production. It is imperative that American OCTG producers have a level playing field on which to compete.”
Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) President Scott Paul praised the Teamsters’ letter:
“There is overwhelming evidence that this steel pipe is being dumped in a manner intended to circumvent international trade law. What’s at stake is whether America’s steel producers and their workers will have a fair chance to compete in such a strong market.
“The Teamsters are absolutely right to join this fight. The pipe products needed to tap America’s energy reserves also support a critical segment of the nation’s steel industry while providing solid middle-class jobs throughout the country. The Department of Commerce needs to fully investigate South Korea’s dumping, particularly when thousands of steel jobs are on the line.”
AAM has been holding a nationwide series of ‘Save Our Steel Jobs’ rallies. Read more about the events and press coverage here.
Learn how dumped imports of Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG) are putting America’s steel industry at risk.
Watch a #SOSJobs rally in Pittsburgh.