The Warren Sun

Josh Schriver, a Michigan House Representative, has expressed concerns regarding the impact of foreign labor from countries such as China and India on Michigan workers. He claims that these foreign workers are taking qualified jobs away from local residents. Schriver made these remarks during an appearance on MIRS News.

"Would you say ‘there is an adversarial edge to foreign labor coming into America as a whole at the behest of American workers who are more than qualified for these jobs," said Schriver, State Representative from Michigan. "Would you concede that someone working who was born in ‘an adversarial nation like China, or a quote-unquote non-adversarial nation like India, either way, the victim is the Michigan worker."

According to Axios, Ford is continuing the construction of its electric vehicle (EV) battery plant in Marshall, Michigan. This project involves a partnership with China's Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), despite significant political controversy and concerns from lawmakers and labor groups. The project is currently 60% complete and relies on CATL's battery technology to help Ford localize advanced battery production in the United States. Ford asserts that this initiative will create 2,500 American jobs. However, critics worry that CATL's involvement could prioritize foreign expertise over local workers, potentially sidelining Michigan employees.

A June 2023 report by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) highlights that globalization and increased foreign investment in U.S. manufacturing have contributed to the loss of well-paying manufacturing jobs. This trend has disproportionately impacted workers of color and those without college degrees. Since the late 1990s, nearly 5 million U.S. manufacturing jobs have been lost due to trade deficits and offshoring of production, particularly affecting Michigan’s auto sector. The EPI warns that continued reliance on foreign labor and imported technology could undermine job security for local workers.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) reports that while Michigan’s manufacturing sector has experienced employment growth in recent years, challenges remain in ensuring local workers benefit from new technology investments. The MEDC’s 2023 workforce analysis emphasizes the need for workforce training and development so that Michigan residents are prepared for jobs created by foreign investment and advanced manufacturing projects. There are ongoing concerns among stakeholders that hiring foreign technical staff or management by global firms could limit opportunities for Michigan’s skilled workforce.

Representative Josh Schriver was elected to represent Michigan’s 66th House District in 2022 and serves on several oversight and technology committees focused on foreign influence and state government operations. Schriver represents areas of Macomb and Oakland counties and is known for his interest in protecting Michigan workers while scrutinizing the influence of foreign companies in local industries. His background includes teaching, applied behavior analysis, and active community involvement, making him a prominent voice in legislative debates about the impact of foreign investment on Michigan’s workforce.