By Marc Bussanich
New York, NY—In the blinding snow and frigid cold, New York labor leaders and three members of the New York Congressional delegation voiced their opposition to the U.S. Congress attempting to fast-track the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade pact. Watch Video of Presser
The TPP is a proposal among 12 countries in Asia and Latin America, including the United States, that proponents say would enhance trade and investment among the participating countries.
But many different groups, including organized labor, have been opposed as to how the negotiations are unfolding, mostly in secret, and how Congress wants to pass the pact with only an up and down vote without comprehensive negotiations.
Mario Cilento, New York State AFL-CIO President, said the fast-track legislation is the worst aspect of the TPP.
"Fast track legislation means Congress would surrender their constitutional authority over free trade, prevents any amendments to a trade deal, limits floor debate and forces an up and down vote on a short time line without any other limitations," said Cilento.
Follow Marc Bussanich on Twitter marc@laborpress.org
