Halting Fast-Track Trade Legislation a Major Win for Workers

 

Today, Trade Promotion Authority was halted in the U.S. House of Representatives. Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

 

Today’s vote in Congress to halt the fast-tracking of bad trade deals is a major victory for California workers, our environment and the protection of middle-class jobs. We thank every California member of Congress who voted to put the brakes on fast track despite intense lobbying by corporate special interests to move this flawed deal forward. We also thank the thousands of committed workers, activists, faith leaders and community partners who joined together to mobilize against this job-killing legislation.

Though we’re pleased with today’s win, we will remain vigilant. Corporate lobbyists will ratchet up the arm-twisting on Capitol Hill to unprecedented levels in the coming days. Despite their efforts, we’re confident that California members of Congress will hold firm. Trade Promotion Authority was a raw deal today for workers, the environment and the middle class, and it remains a raw deal next week, next month and next year.

It’s time the president and Congress get serious about protecting jobs and the environment by removing the shroud of secrecy that surrounds the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Trade must work for everyone, not just corporate CEOs and Wall St. bankers. Instead of fast-tracking flawed trade deals that hurt the middle class, we urge all of our leaders to set a new course for America that raises wages, strengthens families and provides a path to opportunity and the American Dream for everyone.

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