Former CEO of Cummins American, Bill Jones, joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the US Steel buyout by Nippon Steel and what risks it presents for the future of U.S. National Security and the members of the United Steelworkers.
As someone who previously worked as a leader in the manufacturing industry, Jones has built a strong relationship with labor leaders during his time in the steel industry. He weighed in on the buyout of US Steel by Nippon Steel through an Op-Ed article in the Coalition for a Prosperous America. Jones discussed why he believes the buyout would negatively impact union members and national security.
During his time in the steel industry, Jones worked closely with former United Steelworkers President Leo Gerard. Jones discussed the unified front he established with Gerard as they worked to prevent a complete loss of American Manufacturing Plants. In their time working together, Jones and Gerard worked to educate policymakers and business owners on the importance of steel production remaining in America.
Finally, Jones discussed how the buyout could risk America’s national security. According to Jones, there have been several instances where Nippon previously flooded the American market with Japanese-made steel. He discussed how a precedent was established in other manufacturing industries that saw all American production plants shut down and production moved overseas. To solve the problem, Jones said forming bipartisan committees with a unified front from the industry employers and union leaders are something that he’s seen to be successful in the past.
Hear more from Jones about the steel industry's future by listening to the show above.