tariffs Archives - SMART Union

The International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) issued the following statement from General President Michael Coleman in response to announced tariffs impacting members across North America:

“For generations, the United States and Canada have benefited directly from the hard work of SMART members across North America. Union sheet metal workers and roofers in both nations have built strong, cooperative economies that support communities on either side of the border — working hand-in-hand to assure the mutual progress of American and Canadian families.

“For that reason, SMART strongly opposes the imposition of blanket tariffs that threaten jobs, raise costs and disrupt the long-standing economic partnership between the United States and Canada. These tariffs will harm SMART members, jeopardize industries that depend on our integrated supply chains and damage cross-border trade.

“We need trade policies that strengthen North American industries, protect union jobs and reinforce the shared success of the United States and Canada. What we are getting instead are policies that weaken the U.S.-Canada relationship, threatening the industries that put union members to work.

“Union workers across North America want the same things: good, family-sustaining jobs, stellar pay, a retirement with dignity. We will continue to work directly with our two governments to advocate for solutions that recognize the value of a strong, fair and balanced trading relationship between our two countries.

“Most importantly, we will not be divided. We are union brothers and sisters, regardless of what state, province or nation we call home. SMART members across North America will always stand together in solidarity, and we call on our federal governments to negotiate fair trade policies that put workers first.”

WASHINGTON — Mexican buses and trucks operated by Mexican drivers would be permitted to cross into and travel through the United States under an agreement reached March 3 between President Obama and Mexican President Felipe Calderon.

Congress, however, must approve the agreement, with details to be worked out between Mexico and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration should Congress approve the measure.

The Mexican vehicles would be required to meet U.S. safety and environmental regulations, and Mexican drivers would be required to demonstrate an ability to read English.

In exchange, President Calderon said Mexico would lift punitive tariffs against dozens of U.S. manufactured products, making it easier for U.S.-made goods to be sold in Mexico. Those tariffs are adding some $2 billion annually to the cost of U.S. goods imported into Mexico, according to U.S. officials.