LANSING – Michigan AFL-CIO President Karla Swift issued the following statement today in response to the introduction of Trade Promotion Authority legislation in Congress:
“Michigan workers know a bad trade deal when they see one. For decades, we’ve seen how corporate-driven trade deals like NAFTA have devastated our communities through lost jobs and lower wages. Last year alone, Michigan’s trade deficit was $66.8 billion. Michigan simply can’t afford another bad trade deal that ships more American jobs overseas to countries like China and Mexico.
“Trade deals have wide-ranging economic impacts and shouldn’t be negotiated behind closed doors and then rubber-stamped. The current Trans-Pacific Partnership deal under discussion would cover 40 percent of the world’s GDP. A deal this big should be debated in a full and open manner like every other piece of legislation.
“Michigan can’t afford another bad trade deal. That’s why Congress must reject Fast Track and maintain its constitutional authority and leverage to improve trade deals, and protect American workers.”
###
