America’s economic history is rooted in the exploitation of labor. It’s a lesson worth remembering, but not a history of yester-years alone. Our existing trade deals, like #NAFTA, impose an economic model built on cheap labor where profits matter more than people.
This system undermines the rule of law w/ a global race to the bottom. Trade is not just about goods. It's about people. It's about workers. It's about communities. Unfortunately, President Trump’s renegotiated NAFTA 2.0 does little to remedy the mistakes of the original NAFTA.
That's why I'm introducing the Independent Secretariat for Fair Trade Deals Act. We need a trade model that respects workers & builds strong mechanisms for labor enforcement. My bill will establish an independent Labor Secretariat to monitor & enforce transnational labor issues.
My bill requires any trade agreement include enforceable labor standards and protections; sets Congress’ expectations that objectives will apply to all workers regardless of immigration status, and establishes collective bargaining standards across borders.
If the President expects the #USMCA to be ratified by Congress, he should amend the text of the agreement to include equal labor standards and enforcement mechanisms as are referenced in this legislation.
In our globalized world, we need fair trade among free people. That’s why I am calling for swift action on the Independent Secretariat for Fair Trade Deals Act. kaptur.house.gov/media-center/p…
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