Pittsburgh, PA–(ENEWSPF)–January 28, 2010. United Steelworkers International President Leo W. Gerard today lauded President Obama’s State of the Union address for its focus on creating and protecting jobs.
“We agree that getting people back to work should be our nation’s top priority. With unemployment in double digits, there is no time to waste,” Gerard said. “But not just any job will do. We need quality jobs that give our families a real shot at a better life, that support our communities and that serve as the solid foundation for a healthy economy.”
Gerard called for a long-term strategy to create jobs and revitalize domestic manufacturing.
“It’s urgent that we keep Main Street in mind as we move forward. Our members are losing patience with talk; they desperately want action now,” he said.
The USW president also called for green jobs that are good jobs, fair and real health care reform that does not tax benefits and caution when dealing with trade.
“We urge the president and Congress to not let bad trade deals undermine the creation of good jobs. We’ve heard the vow before that trade deals would be good for us. Unfortunately, we’ve felt the pain of those broken promises first-hand. When these agreements are not enforced, it not only costs us millions of good jobs, it’s counterproductive to our commitment to a cleaner environment and human rights worldwide. And it’s deadly for trade unionists in places like Colombia and South Korea.”
Source: usw.org
