The United Steelworkers union has expressed shock and frustration after President-elect Trump announced plans to block a sale of US Steel in Pittsburgh’s Mon Valley to Japanese Nippon Steel. The deal, worth $1 billion, was expected to save many jobs at the iconic steel capital.
Local union leaders had initially supported the deal, but were later reassured by Nippon representatives that they would invest heavily in the area. However, Trump’s decision has left them feeling betrayed.
“I’m very frustrated with the news,” said Jason Zugai, Vice President of Local 2227. “I didn’t expect it and felt like a gut punch.”
Despite being a Trump supporter who helped organize steel worker trips to rallies, Zugai now believes many workers will oppose the deal. In fact, 95% of his represented employees at Irvin Steel Works back the sale.
The union is now threatening a boycott if Trump’s plan stands, citing concerns that he has no plan to replace jobs lost in the sale.
Source: https://boingboing.net/2024/12/05/union-steelworkers-surprised-the-leopard-is-eating-their-face.html