Triple threat for USW: 'China, China, China' - Brief Article from Jan 17, 2000

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3MKT/is_10_108/ai_58742276

Triple threat for USW: 'China, China, China' - Brief Article
American Metal Market, Jan 17, 2000 by Nancy E. Kelly

WASHINGTON -- Asked the top three priorities of the United Steelworkers union for the upcoming congressional session, USW legislative director Bill Klinefelter quickly replied, "China, China, China"--referring to labor's planned efforts to defeat a Capitol Hill vote to extend permanent normal trade relations (NTR) status to China.

The unscheduled vote parallels a November bilateral trade pact between the United States and China to smooth China's entry into the World Trade Organization pending completion of similar negotiations with the European Union, Brazil and Canada. Chinese trade officials insisted on permanent NTR status as a necessary condition of the trade pact, which among other stipulations would reduce Chinese tariffs on U.S. exports.

AFL-CIO chief John Sweeney condemned the agreement, which did not address labor or human rights issues, as "a grave mistake."

"China will be the main focus of the steelworkers' legislative activity," Klinefelter said, predicting a fairly light legislative session given members' divided focus in an election year. Even then, Klinefelter said he did not expect a vote until at least June pending the completion of China's negotiations with other trading nations. Klinefelter said the union was prepared to fully utilize its "rapid response" program that generates tens of thousands of letters to lawmakers from union members, as well as the lobbying efforts of its interns who regularly circulate through Washington to learn the political ropes.

FULL article at link.