United Steelworkers (USW) International President Leo W. Gerard issued a statement Tuesday supporting the recent initiation of a Section 232 investigation into imports of autos and auto parts to determine their impact on national security. Gerard called for a focused approach that addresses imports from countries undermining US national defense.
"The USW has thousands of members making products that contribute to the auto sector. From steel and aluminum, to glass and rubber, to plastics and petrochemicals, the USW is the primary union. Unquestionably, every vehicle made in America includes products made by our members. The automotive sector is a critical component of our defense industrial base," Gerard said.
"Today, many of the critical innovations that can contribute to our defense needs emanate from the automotive sector including basic industrial and manufacturing capabilities, new autonomous capabilities, sensor technology, advanced batteries and other technologies," Gerard continued. "The predatory and protectionist policies of major auto-producing countries like Japan, South Korea, Germany and Mexico have undermined the development of our industrial capabilities.
Gerard said a Section 232 investigation in the auto and auto parts sector should focus on imports from countries that have "advanced their interests at the expense of US industrial capacity, our work force and, in turn, our defense industrial base."
"China, Japan, South Korea and Germany have targeted our market for their exports and limited access to their own markets. Mexico has pursued industrial and labor policies that attack our auto and auto parts sector by suppressing wages and workers' rights," Gerard said.
However, Gerard said Canada should be exempt from the investigation. "The US and Canada have a unique relationship that is synergistic in terms of industrial might and support. Canada, by any measure, should be exempted from any 232 actions on autos and auto parts, just as we have argued must be the case for steel and aluminum."