Association News

AISI SUPPORTS ACTION AGAINST JAPAN

The American Iron and Steel Institute said it strongly supports U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor concerning U.S.-Japan auto trade. Kantor recently announced that the U.S. is filing a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization concerning continued discrimination against U.S. autos and auto parts, and is publishing a proposed retaliation list. Part of the retaliation is a 100 percent tariff on Japanese luxury cars if Japan does not take any positive actions.

"This is clearly a difficult but necessary step in view of Japan’s failure thus far to address the most fundamental U.S. concerns in the bilateral U.S.-Japan automotive negotiations," said Andrew Sharkey, III, president and CEO of AISI. "At a time when U.S. auto, steel and other manufacturers have restored themselves to world-class competitive status, it is not acceptable in 1995 to allow government and industry policies in Japan to persist that have the effect of keeping the world’s second largest automotive market essentially closed to competitive North American products."

CRANE OPERATOR TESTS ARE COMING

The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators, a non-profit organization formed to develop and administer a nationwide certification program for crane operators, has announced the formation of a nationwide task force of individuals who will write the initial crane operator certification examinations.

The tests will assess the knowledge and skills required for safe operation of four separate crane types: Lattice Boom Crawler; Lattice Boom Truck; Telescopic Boom (up to 17.5 tons); and Telescopic Boom (more than 17.5 tons). Additional crane types will be addressed in the future. For more information, call J. P. Moery at (703) 560-2391.

ARA CREATES RECYCLING COUNCIL

The American Retreaders Association, Louisville, Ky., recently assembled a focus group, called the Tire & Rubber Recycling Advisory Council, consisting of tire recyclers, industry representatives and association members. The group has developed recommendations that will result in new programs for tire recyclers, and emphasize ARA’s commitment to provide services in education, training and communications to that segment. Additionally, the group has discussed technical, marketing, financial and other issues.

Dick Gust, president of Achievor Tire, Chicago, and an ARA board member, is the group’s chairman. TRRAC will continue to meet regularly.