June 15, 2015
By James Hoffa
Washington, DC. – In rejecting the Trade Adjustment Assistance portion of the trade package, a resounding bipartisan majority of lawmakers agreed that workers don't want to be retrained for a new career – they want to keep the good middle-class jobs they have now. Despite the fact the House also approved the fast track portion of the package doesn't change that. The House considered the same joint legislation that the Senate passed last month and said no.
The battle, however, does not end here. The Teamsters and others who stand with American families must remain resolute. Corporate cronies are likely to try to get TAA and fast track through the House again as soon as next week. Workers' voices need to continue to be heard on Capitol Hill.
"For now, though, we congratulate lawmakers for seeing through the rhetoric and deciding to side with the people over the powerful. The future for American workers isn't better with fast track. Real job security comes from rejecting this measure.
Mr. Hoffa is president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters
