America’s Steel Communities Make a Comeback
For the past 20 years, the American steel industry and its USW steel-sector members have suffered at the hands of surging imports of steel from China. Many American steel mills closed, tens of thousands of workers were laid off, and many communities were devastated by a lack of revenue.
But during the past year, there has been a resurgence in the steel industry with companies rehiring laid-off workers, bringing on new-hires and investing billions of dollars in their mills and factories.
The Alliance for American Manufacturing team recently traveled to four of America’s traditional steel producing areas – Northwest Indiana (Gary area); Fairfield, Alabama; Granite City, Illinois and Coatesville, Pennsylvania – to observe and discuss how conditions are today at these once renowned bastions of steelmaking.
The AAM team spoke with steelworkers, USW officials, company executives, members of the supply chains, community leaders and local business owners affected by the loss of business during the steel industry slowdowns.
It is a comprehensive look at the history and present-day conditions of how these workers and communities fought through the struggles of the 21st Century.
We encourage you to visit our website and read the full details of the visits as well as listen to the podcasts held in each city. For the complete rundown, please visit AAM online at -
Jeff Bonior is a staff writer for the Alliance for American Manufacturing
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