In the latest episode of The Manufacturing Report podcast, Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, introduces us to Megan Salrin, a young advocate for the United Steelworkers who has made a significant impact on the lives of workers across the United States. Growing up in a Union household in the small town of Rensselaer, Indiana, Megan witnessed firsthand the importance of Union jobs and manufacturing for the vitality of local communities.
Megan’s passion for fair trade and American manufacturing is evident in her work on trade cases, including one involving a mattress manufacturing facility in her hometown. She emphasizes the potential devastation that job losses can bring to small communities and the crucial role of keeping jobs at home.
“That’s 200 workers. But think about all of the families that are supported by that job and members of the community that would have had to move or found another job, maybe not in the same industry or maybe not for as much pay or benefits. And so it was really important to be able to keep those jobs at home.”
One of the policy priorities that Megan and the United Steelworkers are fighting for is the Leveling the Playing Field Act 2.0. This legislation aims to streamline the process of filing trade cases against countries dumping products in the US and combat circumvention and country hopping. By making it easier to enforce trade duties, the act would provide a significant boost to American manufacturing.
Megan’s commitment to American-made products is not just professional; it’s also personal. She shares some of her favorite Made in America items, including Rebel Nell jewelry from Detroit, products made by USW members, Vermont Teddy Bears, and an Alex and Ani bracelet that represents her journey to college. Her passion for supporting American businesses and workers has earned her the nickname “Made in America Queen” among her friends.
Last year, Megan had the opportunity to testify before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where she advocated for the Buy America and Buy American provisions and the importance of passing trade enforcement mechanisms. She also highlighted the benefits of the bipartisan infrastructure law for Union members, such as ensuring fair wages for construction workers and expanding Buy American policies.
I just testified about Phi America and the mentution, but there’s other ways that Congress can act, and that is like passing trade enforcement mechanisms, like the leveling of Plainfield Act 2.0.
Megan’s journey from an intern at the Alliance for American Manufacturing to the United Steelworkers’ rapid response national coordinator is a testament to her purpose-driven leadership and dedication to economic justice. Her story serves as an inspiration for anyone passionate about building a fairer, more resilient future for American workers.
To stay updated on trade conversations and the fight for American manufacturing, visit americanmanufacturing.org and connect with the Alliance for American Manufacturing on social media. If you have feedback, episode ideas, or want to share your own Made in America story, don’t hesitate to reach out to the team behind The Manufacturing Report podcast.
As Scott Paul reminds us at the end of each episode, together we can keep manufacturing Made in America. With young leaders like Megan Salrin at the forefront of this movement, the future of American manufacturing looks brighter than ever.
