News Archives
May 23, 2007
Oppose Fast Track Trade Agreement Reauthorization
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO urges Congress to oppose the upcoming “Fast Track” Trade Promotion Authority reauthorization. For too long, Congress has forfeited their rights to protect American workers by granting President’s the authority to unilaterally negotiate international trade agreements.
CLICK HERE to send an automatic e-mail to your Representative in the House and to Senators Lautenberg and Menendez urging them to oppose “Fast Track” reauthorization which expires at the end of June 2007.
The New Jersey State AFL-CIO also urges the Leadership of the New Jersey State Assembly to post for a vote AR-250, sponsored by Assemblyman Nelson Albano (D-1) and Assemblyman Jeff Van Drew (D-1), which opposes “Fast Track” reauthorization.
The negative effects of job loss on New Jersey’s communities when a plant closes and those jobs are moved overseas cannot be underestimated, nor can the devastating social and economic effects on the effected families.
By opposing “Fast Track,” Congress would take the first step to ensure that all future trade agreements contain strong pro-labor protections. If “Fast Track” is again approved, the ability for Congress to amend trade policy and include these essential protections will be sacrificed. We believe this is the wrong path for America and the wrong path for New Jersey workers. “Fair Trade” is a principal we need our elected officials to stand firmly in support of Congress should not continue to allow policies such as CAFTA and NAFTA to be enacted without strong and enforceable worker protections. Now is the time to ensure that workers are protected both here in America and abroad.
We commend the Leadership of the House of Representatives for taking positive first steps in inserting pro-labor protections into the Peru and Panama free trade pacts. However, these agreements with the White House should not be considered a preface for “Fast Track” reauthorization.