The American Institute for International Steel (AIIS) said in a press release Wednesday that it viewed the attempts to shut down port operations by the "so-called Occupy Wall Street protesters at numerous ports as a direct attack on working men and women involved in port operations, logistics and American consumers, who benefit from import and export trade."
John Foster, Chairman of the AIIS, said "We view these actions as directly impacting on the ability of working class Americans to provide for their families; including stevedores, trucking, rail and ocean carriers as well as importing and exporting companies. Many of these companies are members of the AIIS family and we decry the disruption of port operations by these anti-capitalist hooligans."
"At a time when the US economy needs more wealth and job creation, disrupting port operations will do the opposite. These illegal activities need to be stopped immediately by all authorities responsible for the safe operation of the ports. AIIS has always promoted open markets and free and responsible trade and the US port system is the lynchpin of our connection to the world, from exports of American made products to imports that provide raw materials for American manufacturing and support good-paying American jobs. While AIIS firmly believes in free speech, these activities are clearly illegal," concluded Foster.
As SteelOrbis previously reported, the "Occupy" movement focused its attention on US West Coast ports Monday, impeding operations at some of the US' largest ports.