WASHINGTON — The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) is urging Congressional leadership to enact policies that provide economic relief to tire manufacturers and their workers as well as the overall economy.
In a letter sent to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the USTMA pressed Congressional leaders to:
• enact legislation to provide immediate relief to employees dealing with disruptions caused by the disease and provide tax credits for employers who offer workers these benefits, including employers above the 500-employee threshold;
• suspend the collection temporarily of employer-paid payroll taxes and cancel these taxes for at least the months of March, April and May; and
• ensure cross-border trade — particularly within North America — is not affected adversely by policies aimed at restricting movement to contain the spread of the disease.
"Ensuring the health and well-being of the nearly 100,000 dedicated individuals working to manufacture tires in the U.S. is of paramount concern to our member companies," USTMA President and CEO Anne Forristall Luke said.
"USTMA's members stand ready to work with Congress, the administration and state and local governments to address the many tough issues facing our country during these challenging times," Ms. Luke said, noting that U.S. tire manufacturers "play an essential role in ensuring safe and reliable transportation, particularly in emergencies."
As of late March 23, five tire makers with U.S. capacities have announced production stops or rollbacks — Bridgestone Americas; Cooper Tire & Rubber Co.; Goodyear; Michelin North America; and Pirelli Tire North America — impacting more than 50,000 workers.