Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney On the Introduction of the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act

For Immediate Release                                 Contact Alison Omens 202-637-5018

Statement by AFL-CIO President John Sweeney

On the Introduction of the

Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act

June 4, 2008

The AFL-CIO commends Senator Brown and Congressman Michaud for introducing the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act.

Nobody needs to tell America’s workers that the economy is in a downturn.  America’s workers are struggling with stagnant wages, eroding workplace protections, a collapsing housing market, tight credit and rising prices for everyday essentials.  In this economic environment, it is all the more urgent that we reform our flawed trade policies to put good jobs and domestic growth at the center of a meaningful global economic strategy.

The TRADE Act calls for a strategic pause on trade agreements and a long overdue comprehensive review of U.S. trade policy.  This bill also outlines a new U.S. trade strategy—one that puts a priority on the interests of working class Americans, farmers, the environment, and domestic manufacturers, not just multinational corporations.

The AFL-CIO is proud to support the TRADE Act.  It is past time to restructure U.S. trade policy to work for working families – here at home and around the world.

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