MONTREAL – United Steelworkers (USW) International President Roxanne Brown today called on U.S. and Canadian trade representatives to return to the table to hammer out an agreement that prioritizes working families.
At a press event attended by USW leaders from both Canada and the United States, she said that in this trade dispute, as in far too many conflicts, it is workers who ultimately pay the price.
“This conflict is hurting jobs. It’s hurting facilities. It’s hurting communities. And it’s creating uncertainty for workers and families in both countries,” Brown said. “That’s why our message today is simple: We need both governments to get back to the table and find a constructive path forward.”
Brown said that while the United States and Canada share a deeply integrated economy, just as importantly, they share values.
“For generations, our nations have stood shoulder to shoulder in defence of our shared interests. We defend North America together,” Brown said. “We are stronger when we work together.”
This is especially important as workers in both countries face the threat of unfair trade on a global scale, including distorted markets, massive industrial subsidies and state-directed overcapacity.
“When countries flood international markets with artificially cheap steel, aluminum and manufactured goods, workers in both Canada and the United States suffer the consequences. Plants close. Investments are delayed, and jobs disappear,” said Brown. “That’s where our joint focus should be. Our trade tools should be aimed at bad actors in the global marketplace, not at our closest ally and most important economic partner.”
Brown said that with stakes this high, there was no time to waste.
“The relationship between our two countries is too important to be defined by division,” she said.
“Put workers first.”
The USW represents 850,000 workers across Canada and the United States employed in metals, mining, pulp and paper, rubber, chemicals, glass, auto supply and the energy-producing industries, along with a growing number of workers in health care, public sector, higher education, tech and service occupations.
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