Toxic Toys No More. USW Launches ‘Protect Our Kids’ Campaign

[Omaha Steve]

http://blog.aflcio.org/2007/09/26/toxic-toys-no-more-usw-launches-protect-our-kids-campaign/

by Mike Hall, Sep 26, 2007

There were some scary headlines this year about tainted and toxic imported products. They made you wonder if your kids would get lead poisoning from their toys, if pet food would kill your dogs and cats or if your family was about to become a traffic statistic because of defective tires on your car.

Today, the United Steelworkers (USW) launched a major campaign to “Protect Our Kids—Stop Toxic Imports” in which the union will distribute thousands of Get the Lead Out Screening kits and spearhead a series of “Safe Home Sessions” so families can learn more about protecting themselves and their loved ones.



At the same time, these programs help working families fight the failed trade policies and inadequate regulatory protections that allow these dangerous products to threaten families and jobs.

Speaking at a Capitol Hill press conference today, USW President Leo W. Gerard said:

Toxic toys. Lead-laced baby bibs. Poisoned pet food. Red lead in Chinese-made steel. Every day the list of imported products that endanger our families and workers grows. It’s time for this to stop. Our political leaders must deal with the failed trade policies that are the root cause of this crisis.

He also points out that millions of U.S. manufacturing jobs have been lost to globalization, especially to China, where a lack of workers’ rights and safety and environmental standards is well documented. According to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), the growing U.S. trade deficit with China has cost 2.1 million U.S. jobs between 1997 and 2006.

FULL story at link.

[Sarah Ibarruri]

1. I asked my family and friends to share this website with others. Thanks! nt