ILWU International President Bob McEllrath was among more than 60 leaders of major unions in the public and private sectors nationwide who sent a strong and united message to Congress against fast-tracking trade deals. Collectively representing almost 20 million workers and their families, they wrote (excerpts):
Fast Track trade deals mean fewer jobs, lower wages, and a declining middle class. Fast Track has been used since the Nixon Administration to advance deals, like NAFTA, that are sold to the American people as job creation measures. But these deals, written largely by and for the world’s largest corporations, don’t create jobs: Their main purpose isn’t even related to trade; it’s to enshrine rules that make it easier for firms to invest offshore and increase corporate influence over the global economy.
If you stand for higher wages, more jobs, and greater opportunities for America’s hardworking families, you must oppose Fast Track.
The full letter, including the list of union leaders, is available for download here.