April 8, 2015
By Neal Tepel
Washington, DC – As Congress prepares to consider Trade Promotion Authority – also known as Fast Track – the AFL-CIO, their affiliates and community allies, are taking action to stop the ill-advised legislation. Local unions have been holding community events, writing members of Congress, making phone calls and signing petitions. The level of grassroots activity shows workers’ fear of another set of bad trade deals that lower wages and send jobs overseas.
Actions are continuing, leading to a National Day of Action on April 18. On March 4, labor leaders met with senators and other members of Congress. On March 9, 250 Oregonians rallied in Portland against Fast Track. On March 25, AFL-CIO affiliates participated in a letter writing campaign and launched a radio advertisement to put pressure onto Senator Ron Wyden to stand firm against Fast Track. On March 26, the Seattle and Bellingham city councils passed anti-TPP resolutions. On March 28, another 250 Ohio union members heard Senator Sherrod Brown and Congressman Tim Ryan talk about the impact of bad trade agreements. On March 30, 300 more union members rallied in Toledo against Fast Track legislation and the TPP.
Over 86,000 calls have been made to members of Congress, while over 40,000 people have signed onto a national petition to stop Fast Track. Around the country, over 400 events have been organized in Congressional districts. Opposition only continues to mount. Now, there is only one question remaining: Is our president listening?
