Deluzio, Union U.S. Steelworker Respond to Congressional Address by Japanese Prime Minister

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Chris Deluzio (PA-17) and his constituent Robert Jones—a member of the United Steelworkers (USW) and an Operating Technician 1 at the U.S. Steel Irvin Works, attended a Joint Meeting of Congress to hear from Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This address comes a few months after U.S. Steel announced a proposed sale to Japan’s Nippon Steel, and amidst a national debate on the future of the iconic American company and its workers. 

Congressman Deluzio has expressed major concerns with the proposed sale’s impacts on workers, labor agreements, national security, and the local economy. He invited Penn Hills constituent and USW member Robert Jones to attend the Prime Minister’s address, so that folks across the country never forget the Western Pennsylvania workers whose livelihoods are at stake. Photos of Mr. Jones’ visit are available here. 

“Today we heard Prime Minister Kishida acknowledge the power and importance of the relationship between the United States and Japan, and he spoke with a lot of love for the American story,” said Rep. Deluzio. “However, the Prime Minister did not speak directly about the elephant in the room: the proposed sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel. I want him to know that U.S. Steel’s history is a part of Western Pennsylvania history. Generations of people, including Rob’s family, built a solid life working hard for this iconic American steel company. Our region knows what it’s like to see our good union jobs shipped far away, and we cannot let that happen again. We need a solution that protects and strengthens American steelmaking and respects jobs like Rob’s. I am so glad Rob came to Washington today so that the nation can see that it’s folks like Rob whose livelihoods hang in the balance.” 

"I am glad I could join Congressman Deluzio in Washington today to hear directly from the Japanese Prime Minister,” said Rob Jones, U.S. Steel Operating Technician 1 and USW member. “The proposed sale to Nippon Steel could have a massive impact on our jobs, our economy, and our national security—and it feels like the workers are being pushed aside. I am proud to represent my fellow steelworker brothers and sisters in Washington today and to bring the voices of workers into the conversation.” 

Previously, Congressman Deluzio led his colleagues from the Congressional Labor Caucus on a letter raising concerns on the labor issues at play in this proposed sale. He also joined with his Senators and Representative Lee on a letter demanding answers on Nippon’s commitments to the Steelworkers Union and its workers. He sent another letter with both Pennsylvania Senators calling for Treasury Secretary Yellen, through her department’s review process, to block the sale due to national security considerations.   

###