Contra Costa Times reported that the need for a level playing field for American workers and manufacturers prompted an East Bay Congressman's visit to USS POSCO plant in Pittsburgh.
Rep George Miller, D-Martinezis among those pushing for a House of Representatives' vote on a bill that would pressure China to fairly administer its currency rate.
Mr Miller said that the current practice of the Chinese government is to hold down the value of its currency, allowing it to undercut similar products sold in the United States. USS POSCO's product innovation and employee training rate favorably among steelmakers around the world, but the currency disparity put it at a selling disadvantage.
He added that "It's like a crooked casino game. The game is rigged, and the time has come to unrig it."
Mr Miller said he hopes that the House hears a bill on China currency, which received bipartisan support in the US Senate. The Republican leadership in the House has been reluctant to hear the bill.
Steelworkers' Union representatives wrote a letter to Mr Miller earlier this year detailing the concerns about steel imports. They estimated that Chinese imports of unfairly traded steel captured 28% of the West Coast market, roughly equal to USS POSCO's normal share of that sector.
Officials said that the bill would allow for import duties to offset any undervalued currency that causes material injury to a US industry. The bill could create about 1 million to 1.5 million jobs. The jobs could help keep the 100 year old steel mill functioning. At peak employment levels about a decade ago, USS POSCO had about 1,100 workers. Now it has about 700 employees, with 20 on temporary layoff.
Mr Sal Sbranti, the plant's vice president of operations, said that "The current situation is putting people out of work; American people are being sent home."
USS POSCO president Mr Robert Smith and several steelworker union representatives voiced their support for Mr Miller at the rally. He said that "There is steel in this community's blood. It's our intent to keep it there. We have to say enough is enough. We're not going to concede to the Chinese or any other rogue competition."
(Source from www.contracostatimes.com)
