by Mike Hall, Feb 19, 2008

In a series of demonstrations, USW members told lawmakers, including Sen. Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), “Stop Toxic Trade.”

Members of the United Steelworkers (USW), together with community and consumer activists in several cities, told their U.S. senators it’s time to ”Stop Sweetheart Trade Deals” that have led to a flood of toxic and dangerous imports.

The Valentine Day’s demonstrations were part of the USW’s “Protect Our Kids—Stop Toxic Imports” campaign. The actions follows the National Day of Action in January to stop the import of toxic toys and other products.

Last year, some 1.5 million Thomas the Tank Engine toys, along with more than 6 million other toys, were recalled because of high levels of lead. Other toxic imports that have come to light in recent months include lipstick, toothpaste, seafood, children’s lunch boxes and pet food.

The activists called on the district offices of 11 senators, urging support for the U.S. Food and Product Responsibility Act, introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Pete Visclosky (D-Ind.).

The bill would help to safeguard Americans against toxic food and consumer goods. The bill would prohibit a manufacturer from distributing certain products unless it holds a certification that it possess the means to cover the entire cost of a recall of the product. The bill also amends several laws to provide for voluntary and mandatory recalls of adulterated or misbranded articles and to provide notice to consumers and health officials.

Click here to see photos from demonstrations at the offices of Sens. Norm Coleman (R-Mass.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) and John Warner (R-Va.). Other actions took place in Cleveland, Detroit, Evansville, Ind., Pittsburgh and Houston.

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