Rapid Response
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The Status of Critical Job-Supporting Legislation Our union is continually advocating for policies to create or retain jobs, especially in these difficult economic times. Here are updates on two USW priorities: Supporting the American Jobs Act – The President launched a bold initiative to boost job creation in early September. The American Jobs Act would provide the action needed to begin to restore our economy by rebuilding manufacturing through infrastructure investment with strong Buy American provisions. Despite the potential to create 1.5 million jobs, the inclusion of many bipartisan proposals and the desire of the American people for Congressional action on jobs, the legislation was blocked in the Senate earlier this month. View the USW’s toolkit on the American Jobs Act at www.usw.org. Key Vote: The Senate vote on the American Jobs Act was 50-49, but 60 votes were needed to advance the bill. Two Democrats (Nelson, NE and Tester, MT) joined all Republicans in opposition while Coburn (R-OK) did not vote. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid also voted against in a tactical move that would allow him to call the bill back in the future under Senate rules. Current Status: The Senate is voting on individual pieces of the American Jobs Act now. A bill to prevent layoffs of hundreds of thousands of teachers and first responders was recently voted down. We anticipate a Senate vote on the infrastructure portions of the Act next. The House has refused to act. Saving Jobs by Curbing China’s Currency Manipulating – Earlier this month, the Senate advanced a key Steelworker priority, the Currency Exchange Rate Oversight Reform Act of 2011 (S. 1619), by a vote of 63-35. This bill would curb nations like China from manipulating their currency. When this happens, their products are given an edge over ours, resulting in millions of U.S. job losses. Key Vote: All Democrats and Independents supported the bill except for Cantwell (WA), Inouye (HI), McCaskill (MO), Murray (WA) and Lieberman (I-CT). All Republicans voted against the bill except for Brown (MA), Burr (NC), Chambliss (GA), Cochran (MS), Collins (ME), Crapo (ID), Graham (SC), Grassley (IA), Hoeven (ND), Isakson (GA), Johanns (NE), Portman (OH), Risch (ID), Sessions (AL), Shelby (AL) and Snowe (ME). Coburn (R-OK) and Shaheen (D-NH) did not vote. Current Status: The bill now needs action in the U.S. House. A majority of Representatives support the legislation, but the Republican leadership has not yet agreed to take up the bill. Check out USW members acting out the tug of war for the American Dream – including our jobs, public services and more – in this flash mob video clip: http://youtu.be/-iaqvPO1DTE
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Trade Update It’s no secret that the Obama Administration has made effective implementation and enforcement of trade laws and agreements a priority. Thousands of Steelworkers are directly benefitting from these decisions, either retaining jobs or even adding jobs at their facilities in some cases. Given these gains, it is disappointing to hear that deals are now completed for expanded trade with South Korea, Colombia and Panama, and that these deals could be submitted to Congress for votes in the near future. While the Administration believes they have made gains in these agreements, they still fall short of what’s needed. The two of greatest concern are highlighted here. U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement This would be the largest trade deal for our nation since NAFTA. Our chief concern is with the auto provisions in this deal. USW members make glass, tires, steel, plastics, petroleum products and countless other components that are part of the auto supply and parts sectors. This agreement fails them for a number of reasons including: U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement When President George W. Bush first reached agreement on a trade deal with Colombia in 2007, there were 39 union members assassinated there that year. Last year, the number was 52, including 28 teachers. Clearly the Colombian government’s promises to address these crimes have not materialized. The outrageous and ongoing murders of teachers and workers who speak out for their union rights – with only five percent of these cases prosecuted since the mid-1980s – leaves us standing in solidarity with our Colombian sisters and brothers in strong opposition to this agreement. Thank you to all locals who have urged your Members of Congress to vote no on these agreements to date. Please keep up the efforts and be ready for more action in the days to come.
The Power of Unions in
Building Up the Middle Class
It is no mistake that where unions are strongest, workers earn more, work in safer conditions, send their children to better schools and live in safer neighborhoods. Consider these facts the next time you hear about an attack on unions in your state or elsewhere.
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10 States Where Unions are Strongest |
10 States Where Unions are Weakest |
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Average Hourly Earnings (Manufacturing) |
$18.98 |
$16.35 |
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Household Income |
$56,409 |
$43,913 |
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Population without Health Insurance |
10.0% |
18.1% |
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Workplace Fatalities Rate per 100,000 Employees |
2.4 |
4.2 |
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Public Education Spending per Pupil |
$12,673 |
$8,860 |
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Eligible Voters who Voted for President |
62.8% |
60.0% |
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Crimes per 100,000 |
3,356 |
4,152 |
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Population in Poverty |
12.5% |
16.3% |
