USW Clamours for Extension of Safeguard Measures to Save Canada’s Steel Industry
The extension of safeguard measures is a means of defending the Canadian steel industry from the glut of cheap imports from foreign countries.
SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The United Steelworkers union (USW) has issued a statement urging the federal government to continue with safeguard measures on several categories of steel products, which reported significant surge during the previous year. The statement comes in the wake of no clear signs of putting an end to the tariff system by the U.S. administration any time soon.
Ken Neumann, National Director of the USW noted that the continuation of safeguard measures is essential to protect Canadian steel industry from rising foreign steel imports. The 25% tariffs imposed by the Trump administration have further compounded the steel industry concerns. Moreover, the unfair tariffs have badly impacted jobs in Canadian steel sector.
The union members have decided to make critical appearance before the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) seeking extension of safeguard measures on seven categories of steel products beyond the original 200-day period which is due to end May 13, 2019. The USW members fromAlgoma Steel Inc., Stelco, Ivaco, Tenaris, ArcelorMittal, Nova Tube, Evraz and AltaSteel will attend the Ottawa CITT proceedings.
The extension of safeguard measures is a means of defending the Canadian steel industry from the glut of cheap imports from foreign countries. However, a permanent solution in the form of integrated North American market and abolition of tariffs could only save the domestic steel industry in Canada, said Neuman.