WHEREAS:
The current North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) style trade agreements have not sufficiently maintained standards regarding workers’ rights, public services, the environment, consumer safety, foreign investment, national sovereignty, the agricultural economies of various states and nations, and more; and

WHEREAS:
The Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment Act of 2008 (TRADE Act H.R.6180/S. 3083) requires the president to submit a plan for renegotiation of existing NAFTA-style trade agreements; and

WHEREAS:
The TRADE Act establishes a special congressional committee which reviews the president’s renegotiation plan, and may amend that plan; and

WHEREAS:
The TRADE Act builds in provisions for policymaking procedures that should replace fast track; and

WHEREAS:
The TRADE Act sets mandatory criteria for protections that must be in future, and renegotiated, trade agreements regarding workers’ rights, public services, the environment, consumer safety, foreign investment, national sovereignty, the agricultural economies of various states and nations, and more; and

WHEREAS:
Several national workers’ rights organizations have already endorsed the TRADE Act, such as the AFL-CIO, Change to Win, CWA, IBEW, UNITE HERE!, the Painters, the Machinists, the Teamsters, the United Steelworkers, the National Farmers Union, the National Family Farm Coalition, Public Citizen, and many others.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
That AFSCME International join the ranks of our workers’ rights brothers and sisters in an endorsement of the TRADE Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
That AFSCME councils and affiliates send letters in support of the trade act to their respective congressional representatives and senators.
 
 
SUBMITTED BY: Ken Allen, Delegate
AFSCME Local 350, Council 75
Jeff Klatke, Vice President and Delegate
AFSCME Local 3135, Council 75
Oregon