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APRI Rejects Outsourcing US Jobs for Defense Contracts to Unscrupulous Foreign Companies

(A. Philip Randolph Institute)

A. Philip Randolph Institute Urges Congress to Support US Workers

Group Rejects Outsourcing US Jobs for Defense Contracts to Unscrupulous Foreign Companies

Washington, DC – Today the A. Philip Randolph Institute issued the following statement in opposition to off-shoring vital US Air Force contracts to European Aeronautical Defense & Space (EADS) Company, which is the parent company of Airbus. The statement comes in the midst of news reports that EADS is being investigated for allegations of insider trading. The company also has a history of engaging in illegal business practices:

“The A. Philip Randolph Institute is calling on the US Air Force to halt their consideration of the EADS Company’s bid for the aerial refueling “tanker” contract, which would threaten over 44,000 jobs for US workers.”

“To add insult to injury, not only would awarding the contract to EADS cost U.S. workers their jobs, but it is unclear why our government would award contracts to an outlaw company that is being sued by the US Trade Representative for accepting $100 billion in illegal subsidies and is the target of insider trading investigations in three different nations. In addition to these allegations, the US Justice Department is investing EADS for possibly bribing a Saudi Prince in exchange for diverting military contracts to the company. EADS and it’s U.S. Airbus CEO, Allan McArtor can hold press conferences and paint as pretty a picture he likes; bottom line is that EADS/AIRBUS is undercutting our U.S. manufacturing base each and every day, breaking international trade laws that hurt American workers and our national prosperity.”

“The Institute urges members of Congress to protect African American and all U.S. workers that will lose out by awarding vital defense contracts to tainted corporations.”