Roxanne Brown, United Steelworkers International Vice President at Large, appeared on the AWF Union Podcast and spoke about the loss of 900 jobs at a West Virginia tin mill. She also explained some of the USW’s concerns regarding the acquisition of U.S. Steel by Japan-based Nippon Steel.
Brown discussed a recent International Trade Commission (ITC) decision to not impose tariffs on foreign tin imports. The verdict will likely lead to the closure of a tin mill in West Virginia and cost 900 USW members their jobs. The ruling will affect hundreds of families who rely on the mill to make a living. This effect will ripple across the community, as the businesses who supported the mill and its workers will suffer, she added.
Brown then addressed Nippon Steel’s purchase of U.S. Steel, which she called an issue of national security. Besides the national security issue, Brown is also concerned about the impact the acquisition may have on future ITC trade cases. She questioned if Nippon would have to go before the ITC in potential future cases since they will own U.S. Steel. Brown believes it may affect the steel industry in other ways and may lead to the ITC allowing more dumping of foreign products in America. Furthermore, there have been no discussions on how Nippon will meet the obligations of U.S. Steel regarding the benefits of union members.
Finally, Brown talked about a series of town hall meetings the USW will hold across the country this year. This will allow union leaders to meet with members and answer questions about the U.S. federal industrial policy and how it has and will benefit them.
Listen to the entire episode to hear more about these issues.