<div dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.progressivecaucuscenter.org/approaching-trade-tariffs">https://www.progressivecaucuscenter.org/approaching-trade-tariffs</a> <div><br></div><div><h2 class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="text-transform:var(--heading-font-text-transform);margin:0px 0px 2rem;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:var(--heading-font-font-weight);color:rgb(0,0,0);text-align:center;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><span class="gmail-sqsrte-text-color--accent" style="text-decoration:inherit;word-wrap:break-word">APPROACHING TRADE AND TARIFFS FROM A PROGRESSIVE, PRO-WORKER POINT OF VIEW</span></h2><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;text-align:center;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word">Updated August 1, 2025</strong></p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;text-align:center;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word"><em style="word-wrap:break-word">Authors</em></strong><em style="word-wrap:break-word">: Sara Steffens, Director of Worker Power, Congressional Progressive Caucus Center</em></p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">As the Trump Administration continues to push <a href="https://rooseveltinstitute.org/publications/trump-admin-tariffs/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">ineffective tariff policies</span></a> and ignite escalating <a href="https://apnews.com/article/consumer-prices-inflation-trump-trade-6ea513a44876c2f4dc948a25c15b0eb0" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">trade wars</span></a>, America’s working families are <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tariffs-liberation-day-prices-inflation-economy-recession-2025-4" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">left hanging</span></a> in the balance — caught between <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/15/business/walmart-earnings-tariffs-consumer.html" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">rising prices</span></a> and a<a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/private-sector-job-growth-notably-weaker-in-june-amid-rising-economic-uncertainty/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>weakening job market</span></a>, and <a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/private-sector-job-growth-notably-weaker-in-june-amid-rising-economic-uncertainty/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">worrying</span></a> about what comes next. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">It’s tempting to blame tariffs alone for the larger chaos of Trump’s <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/04/30/nx-s1-5380204/trump-economy-gdp-tariffs-recession-consumers" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">mismanaged economy</span></a>. But that critique ignores the fact that working families and communities throughout the United States have been harmed by decades of <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/the-u-s-approach-to-globalization-has-gone-from-bad-to-worse-under-trump-how-to-construct-a-progressive-policy-agenda-instead/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">disastrous trade agreements</span></a> designed to protect corporate interests.  And it overlooks the hits economists know will result from Trump’s attacks on federal workers, campaign of terror on immigrant workers, slashing of investments in infrastructure and clean energy, and devastating cuts to Medicaid and other critical programs that support workers and the economy.</p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Now more than ever, pro-worker advocates and policymakers have a critical role in showing how progressive fair trade policies — including strategic, targeted tariffs — can help build a better future for workers and communities.</p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Here are six points of broad agreement among progressive, pro-worker advocates:<br style="word-wrap:break-word"></p><h4 class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="text-transform:var(--heading-font-text-transform);margin:2rem 0px;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:var(--heading-font-font-weight);color:rgb(0,0,0);word-wrap:break-word;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><span class="gmail-sqsrte-text-color--accent" style="text-decoration:inherit;word-wrap:break-word"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word">1. THE STATUS QUO IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.</strong></span></h4><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Corporate-dominated free-trade agreements like the <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/trade/north-american-free-trade-agreement" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">North American Free Trade Agreement</span></a> (NAFTA) and its successor, the Trump-negotiated <a href="https://ustr.gov/trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements/united-states-mexico-canada-agreement" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement</span></a> (USMCA), have been a <a href="https://www.epi.org/blog/naftas-impact-workers/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">disaster</span></a> for workers and communities. So-called “free trade” policy has failed to protect working families, devastated American communities centered around industrial production, and sparked a race to the bottom, accelerating economic inequality. Widening trade deficits with China and Mexico continue to suppress U.S. employment.</p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Since its passage, NAFTA has caused widespread <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/adding-insult-to-injury-how-bad-policy-decisions-have-amplified-globalizations-costs-for-american-workers/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">wage suppression, job displacement, and job loss</span></a>, including of higher-wage union jobs in manufacturing and related industries. Meanwhile, the move to grant China permanent access to our market without requiring progress on labor, environmental, human rights, and other standards led to the <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/growing-china-trade-deficits-costs-us-jobs/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">loss of 3.7 million jobs</span></a>, nearly three million of which were in manufacturing. One study estimated that in a single year, Americans who were able to find new employment still suffered $37 billion in lost wages, as victims of offshoring moved into lower-paying work.  The impacts of corporate-centered trade policy has impacted workers <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/botched-policy-responses-to-globalization/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">across lines</span></a> of <a href="https://groundworkcollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/The-Impact-of-Trade-on-Black-Workers.pdf" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">races</span></a>, <a href="https://www.usitc.gov/publications/332/pub5374.pdf" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">ages</span></a>, and<a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/trading-manufacturing-advantage-china-trade/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word"><span class="gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span>geography</span></a>. The auto industry alone has lost 65 “big three” U.S. plants since the passage of NAFTA — and despite the USMCA’s promises to raise labor standards in Mexico, Mexican autoworkers still are paid one-tenth the wages of their U.S. counterparts.</p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Even where factories have not yet closed, the credible threat of offshoring has been used to undermine workers at the bargaining table, to bust unions, and created <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/briefingpapers_bp147/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">a challenge</span></a> for trying to build power at the workplace and get an <a href="https://www.academia.edu/811978/Well_close_Plant_closings_plant_closing_threats_union_organizing_and_NAFTA" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">equitable share.</span></a> Workers are right to critique the rigged trade deals of the past, and to expect better from their elected leaders.</p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"></p><h4 class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="text-transform:var(--heading-font-text-transform);margin:2rem 0px;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:var(--heading-font-font-weight);color:rgb(0,0,0);word-wrap:break-word;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><span class="gmail-sqsrte-text-color--accent" style="text-decoration:inherit;word-wrap:break-word"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word">2. TARIFFS ARE NOT INHERENTLY GOOD OR BAD.</strong></span> </h4><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Like taxes, <a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/tariffs-everything-you-need-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">tariffs are a tool</span></a> — their effectiveness depends on <a href="https://www.vox.com/policy/406605/trump-tariff-plan-liberation-day" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">the details</span></a> of how they are used. It matters <em style="word-wrap:break-word">a lot</em> how and when tariffs are applied, and whether their use is targeted to achieve a specific desired outcome. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Tariffs paid by importers can be an important and effective policy tool – but only if done right. Strategic and targeted tariffs, such as those conducted under Sections <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/232-tariffs-aluminum-and-steel-faqs" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">232</span></a> and <a href="https://www.cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/entry-summary/section-301-trade-remedies/faqs" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">301</span></a>, can promote high labor standards, support environmental outcomes, build supply chain resilience, and even promote national security interests. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">For workers in industries hurt by unfair trade practices, tariffs can be a lifeline to level the playing field, preserving domestic production and good jobs. But in efforts to grow the U.S. manufacturing sector, and compete in industries like next generation energy production, tariffs alone are not a panacea — they are just one element of a broader industrial policy strategy. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"></p><h4 class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="text-transform:var(--heading-font-text-transform);margin:2rem 0px;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:var(--heading-font-font-weight);color:rgb(0,0,0);word-wrap:break-word;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><span class="gmail-sqsrte-text-color--accent" style="text-decoration:inherit;word-wrap:break-word"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word">3. REBUILDING AMERICA’S MANUFACTURING ECONOMY WILL TAKE A LOT MORE THAN TARIFFS ALONE</strong> – <strong style="word-wrap:break-word">INVESTMENTS AND INCENTIVES ARE KEY.</strong></span></h4><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Experts agree: retaliatory tariffs that start and stop unpredictably are a disaster for our economy and communities. The resulting chaos <a href="https://www.plasticstoday.com/automotive-mobility/will-tariffs-spark-a-us-manufacturing-renaissance-" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">discourages long-term business investments</span></a> in opening new manufacturing facilities.</p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">What works? <a href="https://aflcio.org/about/leadership/statements/tariffs-and-trade-policy" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">Targeted, durable tariffs</span></a> paired with industrial policies like  public investments in science, research, domestic production, and infrastructure, regulation, and workforce development. Think of programs like the <a href="https://www.commerce.gov/news/blog/2024/08/two-years-later-funding-chips-and-science-act-creating-quality-jobs-growing-local" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">CHIPS and Science Act</span></a>, the <a href="https://www.progressivecaucuscenter.org/whats-in-the-final-text-of-the-inflation-reduction-act" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">Inflation Reduction Act</span></a>, and the <a href="https://www.jec.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/d1342923-d8e8-4c82-b1ea-6818a9253e25/econ-benefits-of-bipartisan-infra-deal-fact-sheet.pdf" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">Bipartisan Infrastructure Law</span></a>. These programs combined substantial public investment and tax incentives with pro-worker provisions that reward employers that use high-paid, union labor. <br style="word-wrap:break-word"></p><h4 class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="text-transform:var(--heading-font-text-transform);margin:2rem 0px;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:var(--heading-font-font-weight);color:rgb(0,0,0);word-wrap:break-word;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><span class="gmail-sqsrte-text-color--accent" style="text-decoration:inherit;word-wrap:break-word"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word">4. MANUFACTURING JOBS ARE GOOD JOBS WHEN THEY ARE <em style="word-wrap:break-word">UNION</em> JOBS. </strong></span></h4><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Workers aren’t yearning for a return to turn-of-the century manufacturing sweatshops rife with <a href="https://eh.net/encyclopedia/history-of-workplace-safety-in-the-united-states-1880-1970/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">injuries</span></a>, <a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/mlr/2017/article/history-of-child-labor-in-the-united-states-part-1.htm" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">child labor</span></a>, poverty wages, and rampant exploitation. What communities want to revive are the high wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions made possible by decades of strong union advocacy in industries like auto manufacturing and steel production. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Reducing the credible threat of offshoring is only part of the picture in strengthening workers’ hands on the shop floor and at the bargaining table. Policymakers who truly want the best for workers pair economic development with policies that make it easier for <em style="word-wrap:break-word">all workers</em> to form and join unions. This includes maintaining a <a href="https://www.progressivecaucuscenter.org/crisis-at-nlrb" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">functional</span></a> and adequately funded National Labor Relations Board; funding and strengthening <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/05/14/nx-s1-5398092/niosh-reinstates-occupational-health-workers" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">workplace safety</span></a>, wage, and <a href="https://nationalpartnership.org/news_post/dismantling-ofccp-far-reaching-repercussions-for-underrepresented-workers/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">antidiscrimination</span></a> enforcement; repealing the Trump Executive Order that <a href="https://www.progressivecaucuscenter.org/understanding-trumps-latest-attack-on-federal-unions" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">stripped union protections</span></a> from a million federal workers; and passing essential labor reforms including the <a href="https://bobbyscott.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/bipartisan-labor-leaders-introduce-bill-protect-workers-right-0" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">PRO Act</span></a> and the <a href="https://norcross.house.gov/2025/4/norcross-hirono-introduce-public-service-freedom-to-negotiate-act" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">Public Service Freedom to Negotiate Act</span></a>.</p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"></p><h4 class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="text-transform:var(--heading-font-text-transform);margin:2rem 0px;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:var(--heading-font-font-weight);color:rgb(0,0,0);word-wrap:break-word;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><span class="gmail-sqsrte-text-color--accent" style="text-decoration:inherit;word-wrap:break-word"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word">5. WHAT TRUMP IS DOING ISN’T PRO-WORKER—IT’S A CON. AND HIS TARIFFS JUST WON’T WORK THE WAY HE CLAIMS THEY WILL.</strong></span><strong style="word-wrap:break-word"> </strong></h4><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">President Trump’s so-called “reciprocal” tariffs, as well as tariffs imposed on Canada and Mexico for non-trade purposes, fit right in with his <a href="https://www.npr.org/2025/04/22/nx-s1-5340753/trump-democracy-authoritarianism-competive-survey-political-scientist" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">authoritarian</span></a>, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/08/opinion/trump-authoritarianism-democracy.html" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">anti-democratic</span></a> approach to government. He is deliberately imposing chaos to enable <a href="https://time.com/7280114/donald-trump-2025-interview-transcript/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">secret backroom deals</span></a> where he holds all the power—opening the door to <a href="https://www.citizen.org/article/trump-loves-tariffs-just-not-for-the-rich-and-well-connected/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">even more of the corruption and cronyism</span></a> that define his administration. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Instead of fighting for workers, Trump is <a href="https://www.reuters.com/video/watch/idRW541209042025RP1/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">rewarding loyalty</span></a>. The wealthy and well-connected who bend the knee will get special treatment — as fossil fuel <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/04/trump-exempts-big-oil-donors-from-tariffs" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">campaign donors</span></a> and <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/05/12/trump-apple-china-tariff-rollback.html" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">big tech</span></a> already have. Small “Main Street” businesses with less power will lose out — and so will the workers and shoppers who depend on them. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">When policies affect us all, working people, unions, and elected representatives deserve transparency and a seat at the table. Corporate CEOs should not have secret access to shape trade deals in ways that line their own pockets while hurting workers. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"></p><h4 class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="text-transform:var(--heading-font-text-transform);margin:2rem 0px;font-family:Montserrat;font-weight:var(--heading-font-font-weight);color:rgb(0,0,0);word-wrap:break-word;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><span class="gmail-sqsrte-text-color--accent" style="text-decoration:inherit;word-wrap:break-word"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word">6. WE NEED BOLD, PROGRESSIVE VISIONS TO REBUILD WORKER POWER IN MANUFACTURING AND THROUGHOUT THE U.S. ECONOMY.</strong></span><strong style="word-wrap:break-word"> </strong></h4><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Trade policy can be complex — but it is too important for progressives to sit out! We need bold, effective, progressive alternatives to the chaos Trump is creating under the false pretense of rebuilding manufacturing. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1">Working families must demand transparency in tariffs negotiations and <a href="https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF10997" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">USMCA reauthorization</span></a>, to ensure new agreements put workers first, don’t undermine labor standards, and address the failures of past deals. And progressive trade policy must be part of a <a href="https://progressives.house.gov/2024/4/congressional-progressive-caucus-unveils-new-legislative-agenda-to-deliver-equality-justice-and-economic-security-for-working-people" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">broader economic agenda</span></a> that puts working families first. </p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><br style="word-wrap:break-word"></p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><strong style="word-wrap:break-word">Resources:</strong></p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><a href="https://aflcio.org/about/advocacy/legislative-alerts/letter-urging-congress-chart-path-trade-policy-puts-american" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">https://aflcio.org/about/advocacy/legislative-alerts/letter-urging-congress-chart-path-trade-policy-puts-american</span></a></p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/the-u-s-approach-to-globalization-has-gone-from-bad-to-worse-under-trump-how-to-construct-a-progressive-policy-agenda-instead/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">https://www.epi.org/publication/the-u-s-approach-to-globalization-has-gone-from-bad-to-worse-under-trump-how-to-construct-a-progressive-policy-agenda-instead/ </span></a></p><p class="gmail-preFade gmail-fadeIn" style="font-size:16px;margin:1rem 0px;line-height:var(--body-font-line-height);word-wrap:break-word;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Montserrat;white-space:pre-wrap;opacity:1"><a href="https://www.epi.org/publication/tariffs-everything-you-need-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask/" style="background-image:unset;background-size:unset;color:var(--paragraphLinkColor);text-decoration:none;white-space:initial;text-decoration-line:underline;text-decoration-style:solid;text-decoration-color:currentcolor;word-wrap:break-word;background-position:unset;background-repeat:unset"><span style="word-wrap:break-word">https://www.epi.org/publication/tariffs-everything-you-need-to-know-but-were-afraid-to-ask/</span></a></p><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline" style="color:rgb(0,0,0)"><br class="gmail-Apple-interchange-newline"></div></div>