Lawmakers want Zebco to reconsider China move

(Tulsa-AP) -- Some state senators want Tulsa-based Zebco to reconsider moving fishing reel production jobs to China. <br><br>A Senate resolution asks that Zebco renew its commitment to Oklahoma workers

Wednesday, May 17th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Tulsa-AP) -- Some state senators want Tulsa-based Zebco to reconsider moving fishing reel production jobs to China.

A Senate resolution asks that Zebco renew its commitment to Oklahoma workers and prevent what senators say is unfair competition against foreign workers who toil in unsafe working conditions and get little pay and few benefits.

Senator Lewis Long is a Glenpool Democrat.

Long says the state gave the company -- quote -- "welfare and everything you can think of, and now they're sending their jobs to Communist China."

Zebco announced recently that it is shifting production of four of its fishing reels to China because of competitive pressures. The company is letting 240 workers go.

Company officials have said Zebco waited much later to move to China than most domestic reel makers.

Company officials say there's little chance that the decision will be reversed.