Tire Letter Update; New Senators Signed On - Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Steelworkers in the Tire Sector and Allies: It’s Time for Round Two

In 2009, our union was successful in winning a historic trade case against China when they were coming after U.S.-produced passenger vehicle and light duty truck tires AND the jobs of those who make them. Led by our members in the tire sector, Steelworkers wrote letters, made calls, testified and more to make that happen. The Administration imposed duties on the Chinese tires, which helped save many of our jobs. In 2012, the duties ended. Since then imports from China have once again soared, flooding our domestic market. And, tire locals have started to feel the pain again.

Our union has launched another trade case to defend our domestic industry and jobs. American rubber workers can out-compete anyone on a level playing field. But, in the face of China’s continual targeting of our manufacturing base, we need our elected leaders to take action to enforce our trade laws.

It’s time to get active again and turn up the pressure.

Next Steps
Right now, Senator Kay Hagan (NC) is circulating a letter to Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker urging action. We need as many Senators as possible to co-sign this letter. Read the letter HERE. Senators already agreeing to sign include: Hagan (circulating letter), Brown (OH), Stabenow (MI), Gillibrand (NY), Casey (PA), Harkin (IA), Pryor (AR), Levin (MI) and Warner (VA). New: Sanders (VT), Durbin (IL), Schumer (NY) and Klobuchar (MN)

Please Call Your Senator(s) Today; Get Them to Sign the Letter!
Many of our Senators have already been contacted. Until they agree to sign on the letter, they need to keep hearing from as many Steelworkers as possible.

• Dial direct or use our toll-free number for the Capitol switchboard, 866-297-3817.
• Tell your Senator’s staff who you are and where you are from. If you produce tires, share what you do and explain how China’s actions could harm you and your family.
• Ask your Senator to sign the letter on passenger vehicle and light duty truck tires that Senator Hagan is circulating. If your Senator agrees, staff can contact Tyler Aiken (tyler_aiken@hagan.senate.gov) or Joshua Teitelbaum (joshua_teitelbaum@help.senate.gov) in Senator Hagan’s office.

Please Quickly Share Your Feedback
Contact your District Rapid Response Coordinator to pass along information on calls that were made and any feedback. This is critical information for us to have as we coordinate our efforts with our legislative staff in Washington, D.C.

Thank you for your work on this in the past. We fought and won then. Let’s do it again!