United Steelworkers protest lead-laced toys in West Chester

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.oxfordpress.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/01/16/hjn011608protestsweb.html

By Jessica Lander-Heffner

Staff Writer

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

WEST CHESTER TWP. — Thousands are gathering across Southwest Ohio and Kentucky in protest of the millions of lead-laced toys and other products infiltrating the country.

The United Steelworkers of Cincinnati and their families are holding demonstrations at Rep. John Boehner's office in West Chester Twp., as part of a National Day of Action on Toxic Trade, according to a press release from the USW.

"Each week brings a new recall or warning about a toy, tires, toothpaste or other dangerous imports," said Dave McLean, who said he will be leading the protests. "These cheap goods from countries like China have an expensive price that is threatening the health and safety of our children and families."

The demonstrators are lobbying for immediate action by Congress to impose sanctions against the dangerous imports, said USW officials.

The organization is calling for support for the U.S. Food and Product Responsibility Act, introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown to the Senate and to the house by Rep. Pete Visclosky, D-Ind.

The legislation is meant to safeguard Americans against toxic food and products by shifting responsibility onto the companies who produce the goods and the importers importing them, according to the release.

The USW represents 850,000 workers in the United States and Canada employed in the industries of metals, rubber, chemicals, paper, oil refining and the service sector.

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