Textile industry bands together

The High Point Enterprise ^ | June 12, 2003 | Michele Abbott

[Willie Green]

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use.

For the first time in more than 15 years, textile industry representatives are joining forces with an eye toward pressuring federal representatives to enforce trade restrictions on Chinese imports.

Members of six national industry organizations have signed onto the collective effort in response to the loss of more than 250,000 jobs in the textile and apparel industry over the past two years. On board are the American Textile Manufacturing Institute, the National Textile Association, the American Yarn Spinners Association, the National Cotton Council, the American Fiber Manufacturers Association and the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition.

The group met Tuesday for a seven-hour goal-setting session, and followed up Wednesday with an hour-long teleconference with reporters. Their specific target is follow-through on government promises made to protect American companies from a rapid increase in low-cost Chinese textile imports. To that end, participants are vowing a political and public relations battle with elected officials they believe have dropped the ball when it comes to defending American manufacturing interests.

Moreover, with the national unemployment rate at 6 percent and the loss of nearly 2.5 million manufacturing jobs since 2001, they believe they are not alone. Jim Chesnutt, AYSA president and head of National Spinning Co. in Washington, said Wednesday that widespread political fallout is a likely scenario if trade policies don't change.

"So many people are angry, across the Southeast and nationally there are several congressional seats and a senator or two who might lose their seats," Chesnutt said.

"We're interested in protecting jobs," said Allen Gant, ATMI's second vice chairman and chief executive officer for Glen Raven Mills. "We would hope those who are also interested will join us. Those who aren't interested in protecting jobs need to watch out."

Participants in the effort said they will bring their collective clout to bear on the Central America Free Trade Agreement now being negotiated. The issue is tariff preference levels, or TPLs, which allow exceptions to import limits set on China via its participation in the World Trade Organization.

The latest example occurred last month when President George W. Bush signed a free trade agreement with Singapore. The deal includes eight years of duty-free shipments of textile products made with neither U.S. nor Singapore-manufactured materials.

Textile representatives also want Washington to address China's monetary policy which allows devaluation of its currency in a manner that creates a 40 percent price advantage over goods manufactured in the United States.

Jerry Rowland, chief executive officer of National Textiles also said that, because of government backing, Chinese companies are able to produce goods at a loss but still stay in business.

"Compare that with companies in North Carolina, honored old companies that have had to shut down," Rowland said, adding his business has invested more than $150 million over the past five years on technology to reduce production costs. He believes, without a change in trade policies, that investment will come to no avail.

"We've cut our costs, but we cannot compete with communist government-run, subsidized businesses whose purpose is to economically take over the world," he said.

Another reason American textile leaders want government to act now is that, in January 2005, any restrictions that are in place as part of the WTO will expire. Chinese officials promise voluntary controls but the idea is being met with much skepticism.

Augustine Tantillo, AMTAC's Washington coordinator, noted that when restrictions were lifted on 29 textile categories, Chinese exports rose by 600 percent on every description. Adding to the mix, U.S. officials then took more than a year to establish safeguard procedures intended to allow a protest venue for American manufacturers to show cause why those restrictions should be reimposed.

Along with intentions to mount an intense lobbying effort - a budget and the finer points of which could be determined when the group meets again next week - officials intend to file petitions to put quotas back in place on five categories.

"We're examining all 29, but there are strong cases to make already on knit fabrics, robes, brassieres and cotton gloves," Tantillo said. "We will take our time and make sure everything is exactly as it should be in those petitions. We don't want any excuses or complications."

Industry representatives may take pains to have all their paperwork in the right order, but they see the political climate as the real crux of the situation.

NTA President Karl Spilhaus said it's a matter of Washington standing by commitments made to the industry over the past two years, including a pledge from President Bush in 2001 to "ensure the interests of our textile industry and workers are at the heart of trade negotiations."

The promise was made as the White House was pushing legislators to pass Fast Track trade provisions giving the administration full authority to sign off on agreements without Congressional input.

With that thought in mind, tempers are still flaring over a Vietnamese trade pact signed in April. The deal was made using numbers that were and continue to be under investigation since the discovery of customs documents indicating items labeled as being manufactured in Vietnam actually came from China.

"We are united in insisting that the administration live up to its promises," Spilhaus said.

In that regard, the new coalition has at least one North Carolina representative on its side. Congressman Howard Coble, R-District 6, said while he is "very high on President Bush" he feels the administration has "not been forthcoming" when it comes to guarding domestic textile interests.

"The textile industry has been a convenient trading chip and it's an attitude that transcends partisan politics," he said. "This problem has been casually dismissed by Democrats and Republicans alike."

Coble also believes the new cooperative approach can be very effective.

"The textile and apparel industry employs 1 million people. If something doesn't happen for them, they're going to feel disenfranchised," Coble said. "Today's action is a good first step."

Officials at the U.S. Department of Commerce did not return calls for comment.

Michele Abbott can be contacted at 888-3509 or mabbott@hpe.com

[crazykatz]

Today my husband said that another friend of his has been replaced by an H1B visa holder from India. His friend trained the Indian guy who can barely speak English, is a losey programmer and has B.O. like a skunk!!

[Poohbah]

Today my husband said that another friend of his has been replaced by an H1B visa holder from India. His friend trained the Indian guy who can barely speak English, is a losey programmer and has B.O. like a skunk!!

It would say a LOT about the quality of the guy's work if the H1B is truly that bad, and still got hired on, no matter how big the salary differential.

[crazykatz]

As usual YOU side with an unworthy, under-educated foreigner over a honored AMERICAN VIET NAM VET!

Your opinions also stink!!

My husband's friend is over 45 and has two degrees. One from Georgia Tech, with honors and a Master's from Duke University. He was promoted numerous times and has always had the best jobs. His ability is NOT suspect... ONLY the fact that he is over 40 and made a very good salary and would be able to retire in 6 years.

His former company has also outsourced numerous lower paying jobs to other stinking rat holes all over the globe. India and that muslim sink-hole of Indonesia.

Our friend's wife is a practicing attorney for non-profit organizations and there just may be an age discrimination suit filed.

I would love to see that happen!! I would just love it!!

Well, they have lots of money anyway. Big house, all paid for and nice cars. He inherited a nice trust fund from his dad and she comes from an old Southern family with lots of land and money. So, funding a lawsuit should be no problem at all.

Next week he and my husband and other friends will be off at another fine golf course. I am sure the subject will be discussed.

Now, why don't you go get some of your poor foreign indentured servant H1B visa buddies and get some more curry or cat meat or whatever it is you all consume.

[crazykatz]

Yes, a nightmare....

[Poohbah]

As usual YOU side with an unworthy, under-educated foreigner over a honored AMERICAN VIET NAM VET!

I thank him for his service.

Your opinions also stink!!

I just observed

My husband's friend is over 45 and has two degrees. One from Georgia Tech, with honors and a Master's from Duke University.

Hmm.

And a guy who can't communicate, can't code, and has raging BO got his job.

From your account, it would make far more sense for the company to simply eliminate his position and not hire a replacement. Either (a) the guy isn't as good as advertised, or (b) the guy's position is completely unnecessary.

In one case, the company's actions are understandable; in the other, they aren't.

He was promoted numerous times and has always had the best jobs. His ability is NOT suspect... ONLY the fact that he is over 40 and made a very good salary and would be able to retire in 6 years.

And someone who is apparently completely worthless at anything gets his job, after he has done all this amazingly stellar stuff?

Our friend's wife is a practicing attorney for non-profit organizations and there just may be an age discrimination suit filed.

Ah. Even more reason to move off-shore--fewer worthless lawsuits.

I would love to see that happen!! I would just love it!!

Spoken like a true member of the looter class. You do not have a RIGHT to any particular job.

Well, they have lots of money anyway. Big house, all paid for and nice cars.

That's nice.

He inherited a nice trust fund from his dad and she comes from an old Southern family with lots of land and money. So, funding a lawsuit should be no problem at all.

This tale gets more and more unbelievable...

Next week he and my husband and other friends will be off at another fine golf course. I am sure the subject will be discussed.

Hope everyone has fun.

Now, why don't you go get some of your poor foreign indentured servant H1B visa buddies and get some more curry or cat meat or whatever it is you all consume.

Man, I hit a nerve (c:=

[crazykatz]

PING

[crazykatz]

Believe it or not... I don't care what YOU THINK OR DO!! You are an apologist for foreign JOB THIEVES!!!

All the positions in the entire department are gone to INDIA or INDIANS. There is NOT one American left at all.

All American management is GONE to another state or their jobs eliminated. Our friend said that he trained a so-called "manager" for his department and Indian's English skills were nominal at best. But, hey.... he only has to communicate with other job thieves from India anyway.

As my husband said.... "MAN, you don't have to work for or with jerks or Indians. They are probably one in the same anyway, in this case."

I am so glad that our friend and his family don't have to suffer much because of this. It is a real GREAT thing to have savings, property and some family money to back you up.

Jealous aren't you !!! I could tell.... you must be one of those folks who came from nada and is real put-out when others inherit money. I think it is called, "class envy". YOU GOT IT BAD!!

I love the age discrimination laws and the protection for the handicapped that our U.S. government has provided for us.

Who knows, you too may need to use a ramp to get into that curry-joint restaurant someday. Thanks to that Republican, BOB DOLE.... and the US Congress.... it will be there for you.

[RadioFR]

Unspun with AnnaZ
June 12th, 2003 -- 7pmP/10pmE

with Special Guest Hostess
Diotima

Hilliaryious!
(and continued Schadenfest*)

We'll be catching up with the DC Chapter of Free Republic and Hilliary!'s "book" tour.

* The Unspun Schadenfest continues due to this!

Plus as always

Boneheaded Lie-beral Quotes and this week's CRB

Click HERE to LISTEN LIVE while you FReep!

Click HERE for the RadioFR Chat Room!

Miss a show? Click HERE for the RadioFR Archives!

[Poohbah]

Believe it or not... I don't care what YOU THINK OR DO!! You are an apologist for foreign JOB THIEVES!!!

Who "owns" the jobs in question, the employer or the employees?

All the positions in the entire department are gone to INDIA or INDIANS. There is NOT one American left at all.

So what? If they're as inept as you claim them to be, then the company's going to go bankrupt in no time at all, and those folks will end up going back to India.

All American management is GONE to another state or their jobs eliminated.

You seem incensed that jobs went to another state.

I am so glad that our friend and his family don't have to suffer much because of this. It is a real GREAT thing to have savings, property and some family money to back you up.

Hmm. You like age discrimnation laws. You like trial lawyers. You think that jobs are the property of the employee.

You must be a Democrat, or a Socialist.

Jealous aren't you !!!

Nope. Just skeptical.

I could tell....

Do you think you're psychic? Do you hear little voices inside your head?

you must be one of those folks who came from nada and is real put-out when others inherit money.

BZZT! Wrong answer!

I think it is called, "class envy". YOU GOT IT BAD!!

Wrong answer again! <Yankovic Mode> That's right, Al--You lost. And let me tell you what you didn't win: a twenty colume set of the Encyclopedia International, a case of Turtle Wax, and a yeard's supply of Rice-A-Roni, the San Francisco Treat. But that's not all. You also made yourself look like a jerk in front of millions of people. You brought shame and disgrace to your family name for generations to come. You don't get to come back tomorrow. You don't even get a lousy copy of our home game. You're a complete loser! </Yankovic Mode>

I love the age discrimination laws and the protection for the handicapped that our U.S. government has provided for us.

Who knows, you too may need to use a ramp to get into that curry-joint restaurant someday.

I don't eat curry.

Thanks to that Republican, BOB DOLE.... and the US Congress.... it will be there for you.

Just answer me this: Who is John Galt?

[crazykatz]

Any message from you reminds me of a cat litter box...POOOP BAHX!

You are so anti-American worker that I believe you to be an H1B worker yourself or one who profits from their INDENTURED SERVITUDE....an H1B visa pimp.

Now, go back to your little bahx and do your business with somebody else whom you think you can intimidate. I am NOT impressed by you or your losey attitude.

As a member of the D.A.R. and the descendant of 12 American Revolutionary War Soldiers and Officers and other Americans Soldiers, Sailors and Marines who paid the supreme cost to HELP this country in ALL its wars... I wish you nothing but the WORST possible things in your H1B visa POOOP BAHX!

Be gone.

[Poohbah]

You are so anti-American worker

Damn, you just keep getting it wrong, don't you?

Now, one more time...who owns the jobs that are being "stolen," the employers, or the employees?

that I believe you to be an H1B worker yourself

No, I'm not.

or one who profits from their INDENTURED SERVITUDE....an H1B visa pimp.

Wrong again.

If H1Bs are as inept as you claim them to be, and do so much more poorly then the problem will be self-limiting--companies that use large numbers of H1Bs will ship late, with massive numbers of bugs, and pretty much destroy their customer base, whereupon the companies in question will go out of business, and the H1Bs will be forced to go home.

The problem will then be solved, and Americans will have all manner of jobs, frequently fixing up the slagged remains of code left by the H1Bs.

If, on the other hand, you seriously believe that H1Bs will actually displace American programmers, then the logical conclusion is that their skills are good enough to generate a better ROI than hiring an American programmer.

Both of the above premises cannot be simultaneously true. There is a logical disconnect in your posts.

Now, go back to your little bahx and do your business with somebody else whom you think you can intimidate.

I don't think I can intimidate anyone on Free Republic, nor do I seek to intimidate anyone. I fail to understand why you would think that I am trying to do so.

I am NOT impressed by you or your losey attitude.

"Losey?" (c:=

Madam...if you're going to complain about the language skills of the Indians who come here, you might consider honing your own first.

[Onelifetogive]

I have enjoyed our discussion.

Tell me about yourself. Are you from Russia? Where do you live now? Do you keep in touch with people in Russia? How is "capitalism" and "freedom" going over there?

JJ

[RussianConservative]

Yes, I'm Russian. Originally from E. Ukraine. Capitalism is growing great...still some problems. Few communists here there and suspicious undereducated peoples in country side...over all though, things looking bright, for once.

[GOP_1900AD]

The NNEP (New New Economic Policy)..... "capitalism" applied to an ongoing crony Communist facade.....

[GOP_1900AD]

Wrong. No future for anti Nationalist Western liberal utopians of the Thomas L. Friedman ilk, no future for CEOs who are traitors and should be tried and executed, and, certainly, no future for the Axis nations who have been the lone benificiaries of the so called "post Cold War" world. The whole thing is an has been a charade, architected years ago by Krushchev and Mao, designed to get the West to disarm, fall asleep, and intermesh our economies with the East, particularly the anti Western, Communist portions of the East. Marx and later Lenin railed about seizing the means of production; well, how convenient that after the "thaw" of the 1990s, the means of production are now all in the PRC and increasingly, the PRC's Axis partners up in Russia. We saw this before, in the 1930s. Production became centered in Germany and Russia. Initially they were in a pact. Imagine how WW-II would have turned out if Hitler had not turned on Stalin. I am glad it did not happen that way. But now, Putin dances with Hu. Make a note of this.

[RussianConservative]

You delusional and paranoid.

[Onelifetogive]

Yes, I'm Russian. Originally from E. Ukraine. Capitalism is growing great...still some problems.

Do you live in the US now? Welcome!

I hope that within my lifetime that the former Soviet Union countries become friends of ours like Great Britian, Japan, Australia, etc. I look forward to more trade and support of freedom worldwide. People who have lived under tyranny and now have liberty are some of the best supporters of freedom.

[GOP_1900AD]

Funny, that's what the KGB always said to dissidents. Anyone who disagreed was "certifiable." Your response is telling. You are no Conservative.... your true colors have just been revealed.

[RussianConservative]

Funny, that is also what extremists scream at non believers...you not see my way you are the enemy.... So anyone not looking through your shattered glasses is not conservative...and you Conservative Tag Police? Why you not run FR and filter all members for proper mental picture? You are/sound as bad as any self delusional autocrats. Sick, disturbed and paranoid. I end my conversation with you mad man now.

[DarkWaters]

'Sick, disturbed and paranoid'

That is a title best left for communists. And if you don't believe that communism faked its death, then why is it spreading through Central and South America. It has a strangle hold on 2/3's of the African continent(which by the way is rich in natural resources that the Chinese and Russians control with aid and support of those regimes). Why do we deal with a communist China yet still shows no reform of its centrally planned government which also supports terrorists, the respective states that support terrorists, its vast modernization efforts of its military,
and finally its strategic alliance with Russia(7-16-01) which is all geared to destroy the U.S.? We have Canada's officials allowing Chinese criminal syndicates to infiltrate their own and our own companies to gather advance technology and industrial capacity(anyone who understands communism also is well aware that criminal groups from a communist country are also backed by the Intel of that country otherwise they would not exist) as well as officials here in the U.S. that have allowed the same thing. We have an alliance of socialism, communism, fascism, and Nazism that make up the EU with Germany, France and Russia at the helm. You may also remember that all three made attempts to discredit us, to aid Iraq to kill as many of our soldiers(technology and Russian military personnel), and seek to isolate us from the rest of the world for their own gain. This hardly strikes me as a favorable event for truth and freedom, rather one for tyrants of various kinds with a drive to destroy a common enemy: anyone who seeks a free and a world of truth.

The events of the collapse of communism in the late 80's to early 90's did little to stop the spread of Marxism. In fact it has accelerated in the last 12 years. One time allies are either firmly against us or our neutral(usually a sign to see who comes out stronger and then join signs with them). Things of this nature don’t just come to be because of chance. They do come to be because of poor decision making on the behaves of politicians and policy makers who wittingly or unwittingly spread communism or communists take advantage of such poor decisions or both. The culture of this world has long before the break up of communism been ingrained with hard core leftist thought. This has not changed in the present world, thus one should expect it to get worse given the corrosive nature of such leftist thought. Finally, they do come to be because communist always think of ways to lull the West to sleep in order destroy it. This requires strategic thinking, strategic planning, and a great deal of maskirovka(deception). Only Communist are capable of pulling such things off when the West is so heavily infected with leftist thought mainly of communists own making because Lenin insisted upon it as a crucial weapon. Infect the educational system then you infect the entire country(political, social, economic, military). Thus it becomes possible to destroy your enemy from with in.

So why should we trade with countries that don’t have our best interest at heart? For it will most assuredly kill us if we do and if we didn’t trade with them from the beginning then we wouldn’t have the problems that we do now or if we stopped them from falling into the hands of tyrrants. This is short sighted thinking in the most extreme. Now the solution is a bitter pill that most are not willing to do because their cushy life style will become not so cushy. Sacrifice is something lost today and you sir exemplify it like a stereotype. God help this country, because even the so called conservatives on this forum don’t have what it takes to do what is right and just. The task is just to hard, to unbelievable despite the daily post of a world gone mad and growing ties of Marxism, communism, and all other forms of tyranny working together and almost none of these posts get so much as a hand full of posts from a very dedicated few who see the growing trouble and the willingness to say something about it. Most ignore it and hope it goes away. Absolutely pathetic.