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The members of USW Local 752L in Texarkana, TX are not strangers to the devastating effects of trade in their workplace. So it came as no surprise at the annual fish fry that the main topic of discussion was trade and election issues.
A plant closing in a tire plant southeast of Texarkana in Tyler, TX was the latest victim of failed trade policies of the Bush Administration. This news and the stories of new tire facilities opening in China have left the workers of Cooper Tire worried and feeling uneasy about their future.
While the event carried fun activities for children, the estimated 5,000 steelworkers, spouses and retirees were greeted by guest speakers showing their support. In attendance was Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel, Texas Representative Stephen Frost, Arkansas senator Barbara Horn and Glenn Melancon who is running for the seat in Texas 4th Congressional District.
The topics addressed by the guest speakers included trade, healthcare and employment. Rapid Response Coordinator for Local 752L, David Beard, pointed out that one of the most critical pieces of legislation that needs to be passed is the Employee Free Choice Act. He encouraged all members to circulate petitions and information provided by the local union executive board.
Below are a few pictures of the event.
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RAPID RESPONSE IN OUR DISTRICT
