Changes to Fast-Track Ignore Labor and Environment

Changes to Fast-Track Ignore Labor and Environment

New Thomas Trade Proposals Too Little, Too Late

December 5, 2001

(Washington, D.C.) – The International Brotherhood of Teamsters today continued its criticism of fast-track trade legislation. Proposed changes by the bill's author, Rep. Frank Thomas (R-IL) are ineffective at best, and do little to address labor's concerns.

"The package of proposals dealing with labor and the environment are too little and too late to save this fundamentally flawed legislation," said James P. Hoffa, Teamsters General President. "Representative Thomas still presents a bill that is all bark and no bite. Fast-track will do nothing to create American jobs nor will it encourage our trade partners to honor their international commitments to observe core labor and environmental standards."

The Teamsters Union opposes giving the President fast-track trade negotiating authority. Fast-track is supported strongly by multinational corporations searching the globe for cheap labor and for lowered standards for workers' rights, public health, consumer protection and the environment.

Since 1994, more than 1 million U.S. jobs have been lost in a race to the bottom for cheap wages caused by badly negotiated trade agreements like NAFTA and the FTAA. If Congress surrenders its negotiating authority, American workers will have no one to protect their interests at the trade table.

"At a time like this, American workers cannot afford for Congress to give up its trade authority," Hoffa added. "American laws on labor and the environment cannot be ignored for mere corporate gain."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States and Canada.