Although we don’t yet know whether the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) will give America’s workers a trade agreement that benefits them, what is known is cause for great concern. For example, with regard to labor rights, the outline reads, “TPP countries are discussing elements for a labor chapter that include commitments on labor rights protection and mechanisms to ensure cooperation, coordination and dialogue on labor issues of mutual concern,” but fails to mention International Labor Organization core labor standards or even whether the labor provisions will be enforceable. The TPP must not go back on the progress made in recent years. That’s why the AFL-CIO has been fighting hard for a strong labor chapter that ensures workers in any TPP country, including Vietnam, can exercise basic rights such as freedom of association and collective bargaining.
It is not yet clear that all the TPP countries will commit to enforceable labor standards. But America’s workers can’t go backward: we expect labor commitments that significantly improve upon the Bush-era deals. Because the deal is still being negotiated, now is the time to speak up and share your concerns.
It’s been four years since low-wage workers got a raise. Sign the petition to tell Congress it’s time to raise the minimum wage.
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