May 6, 2015
By Neal Tepel
Washington, DC – Since Fast Track legislation was introduced on April 16, the AFL-CIO has launched a strong campaign across the country warning about the Pacific Trade Rim deal’s many dangers. According to the AFL-CIO, Fast Track would roll back state and local laws safeguarding food and the environment, as well as laws that protect working people from wage theft, predatory lending, and consumer fraud.
Last week's wave of action across the country builds on grassroots activity back in March when union members, environmentalists, small business owners, progressives and community activists made more than 86,000 phone calls to members of Congress, gathered more than 40,000 petition signatures, and organized more than 400 events across the country. Labor delegations have been meeting with members of Congress at the nation’s capitol, as well as their home districts for several months. And last week, the AFL-CIO and its affiliates intensified efforts to communicate with Congress, launching a six figure digital ad buy in 34 targeted districts and 16 states.
From New York City to Portland, labor and community demonstrations opposing Fast Track could not have made the point clearer: the Pacific Rim trade deal is an awful idea. Is anyone out there listening?
