CtW Pushes New Alternative Trade Policy to 'Promote Prosperity at Home and Abroad'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 6, 2007

CONTACT: TJ Michels
(202) 721-6061
tj.michels@changetowin.org

WASHINGTON, DC – To promote trade policies that truly meet the needs of workers in the changing global economy, Change to Win today unveiled an alternative approach to the current failed model and called for Congress to have a meaningful role in current and future trade negotiations.

Change to Win, a coalition of seven unions representing six million members in key service sector industries, additionally called for an immediate end for the executive branch’s “fast track authority” which has resulted in trade policies that have not delivered as promised – along with the loss of millions of good jobs at home, a surge in undocumented immigration, the soaring trade deficit, declining wages, and a deterioration of labor standards. 

“NAFTA didn’t just fail – it made matters worse,” said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa. “We must put a hold on new unfair trade deals and end fast track authority so Congress can help create standards that will stimulate development and maintain high wage standards around the globe.”

The CtW Leadership Council passed the resolution, “Restoring the American Dream through Fair Trade, not Free Trade” at their monthly meeting.  The full resolution is available on the Change to Win Web site.

“This is not simply about protecting American jobs – it’s about promoting prosperity at home and abroad,” said Anna Burger, chair of Change to Win. “A new generation of trade policies that will protect the environment and raise labor standards will help ensure that workers, not just corporations and CEOs, can share in the benefits of today’s global economy.”