US workers protest against India-made steel in Illinois

Hundreds of steelworkers in Illinois, the home state of President Barack Obama, have protested against the use of India-made steel in an oil pipeline project connecting the US region with Canada, demanding adoption of 'Buy American' policy by authorities.

While voices have been raised against the Chinese products in the US in the recent past, this is for the first time probably that a 'Made in India' brand has been targeted.

The rally, which took place in the Granite City of Illinois yesterday, was organised by the United Steel Workers (USW).

Held in the backdrop of a huge pile of steel pipes with 'Made in India' marks, it attracted some 1,000 protesters that too in near freezing temperatures.

These steel pipes have been imported from India to build a 2,000-mile oil pipeline from Canada to this part of the US.

Carrying banners and posters of 'Buy American' and 'Rebuild American Manufacturing', the slogan-shouting protesters demanded that these 'Made in India' steel pipes be replaced by those manufactured in the US.