(TheIndependentStar.com) – Defying traditional political alliances, Pennsylvania steelworkers have thrown their support behind GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Although the backing comes as a surprise, given the union’s historically Democrat leanings, the steelworkers credit Trump’s tariffs on Chinese steel for saving their jobs and revitalizing the industry in their region.
Union representative Glenn Thomas explained the shift in allegiance, saying, “Historically, we’ve all been Democrats.”
He added:
“A couple of us up here are third-generation steelworkers, and we had a trade case years ago that our ex-international president, Tom Conway, was fighting against the Chinese for illegal dumping, and when President Trump stepped in, and he imposed those tariffs on the Chinese, I firmly believe that he saved the steel industry, not only in our country, but the Mon Valley, where many of us have lived for close to 30 years.”
The endorsement was marked by a symbolic gesture at a rally in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, where the group “Steelworkers for Trump” presented Trump with a commemorative hard hat.
Union member Richard Tikey described the event as “a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I was glad I got to get my members up there, and they got to see him, It was like all about my members to me and meet Mr. Trump. Mr. Trump kind of saved all of our jobs with his tariffs.”
Still, Japan-based Nippon Steel’s potential acquisition of U.S. Steel has raised concerns among workers.
Some fear job losses and changes to labor agreements, while others see potential benefits in Nippon’s investment plans.
The steelworkers emphasized the importance of maintaining tariffs to protect the industry. Some are particularly concerned about Kamala Harris’ stance on removing tariffs, which they believe could harm the steel industry and undo the progress made under Trump’s policies.
Third-generation steelworker Andy Macey shared his concerns and Trump’s commitment: “No. 1 is to protect the jobs in our valley, I’ve been through those layoffs. It’s not fun. I’ve seen three mills shut down in the valley in the 80s. We have three mills left in the valley.”
He continued, “I don’t want to see those shut down, and he made a firm commitment when I asked him with a handshake, ‘Mr. President, after the election, will you do what you can to keep our Mon Valley viable in the steel industry?’
“He gripped my hand, and confirmed to me through that handshake that he says, ‘I will do that,'” Macey concluded.
Looking ahead, Trump has announced plans to introduce a “Built in America” policy to boost manufacturing jobs if re-elected.
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