[CTC] A Dozen Unions Lean on Congress: Fix or Oppose NAFTA 2.0

[Arthur Stamoulis]

Letterhead version of the letter is attached...

Politico Morning Trade

— Leaders of 12 unions are urging House lawmakers not to vote on the USMCA until significant improvements are made on labor and enforcement. Without changes, the leaders warn they will oppose the pact. 

A DOZEN UNIONS LEAN ON CONGRESS: FIX OR OPPOSE USMCA: The heads of 12 leading labor groups are warning House lawmakers that the USMCA as written does not meet the needs of working people — and that without changes, they will oppose the pact. 

Robert Martinez Jr., president of the International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers, led the letter on behalf of his union and 11 others that comprise the AFL-CIO's Industrial Union Council, which represents more than 4.5 million members. The letter, a copy of which was obtained by POLITICO <http://go.politicoemail.com/?qs=2cebd5498e9a667bb43bc37c99b01af59d03d861f17a3420febdce6e47f4e5c9326e1f684fb2467fa2c91580d4f27fa4>, urges lawmakers not to "waste this rare opportunity" to fix issues in U.S. trade policy, adding: "The workers and communities that have suffered the disastrous consequences of NAFTA will not accept half measures."

The letter shows that as the window narrows for approval of the USMCA this year, union officials — whose support could prove crucial to the deal's passage — remain unsatisfied with the agreement.

Clear warning: "The House should not bring NAFTA 2.0 to the floor before it is significantly improved and reflects our core recommendations," the letter says. "If an agreement that falls short in these critical areas is considered, the unions of the IUC will unfortunately have no choice except to oppose its adoption."

Laying out demands: The union representatives ask that the USMCA include the "detailed improvements" on labor that union officials say they sent to USTR. They also demanded a "structurally sound" enforcement mechanism and for Mexico to provide adequate resources to administer a "comprehensive program of labor inspections."

Other signatories include the heads of the United Steelworkers, United Automobile Workers and United Mine Workers of America.

Arthur Stamoulis
Citizens Trade Campaign
(202) 494-8826




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