Pending FTAs still have uncertain futures

There is still no certainly about the future of the the three pending FTAs with Colombia, South Korea, and Panama. While most news sources indicate that none of them will come up for a vote this Congressional session (and hopefully there will be no lame duck session!), we still must keep watch.

Colombia: Recent reports indicate that the rate of murders of trade unionists is higher in 2008 than 2007 (see article in Further Reading). However, President Uribe is scheduled to visit Washington DC in the next few weeks, and we know that President Bush is still pushing for this FTA's passage. Uribe has also made claims that Jimmy Carter supports the FTA, although the Carter Center says he has not taken a position.

Panama: Pedro Miguel Gonzalez, who is wanted in the United States on charges of killing a U.S. soldier in 1992, stepped down on Monday as president of Panama's National Assembly. His role in the country's congress has been the primary political impediment to the passage of this FTA (besides all the flaws of the NAFTA model, which are of course very important!). However, President Bush has indicated in recent statements that he will not push for a vote on this until after the Colombia FTA is voted on, since that agreement was negotiated first.

South Korea: Recent statements by officials in Seoul indicate that many officials are losing hope that the proposed FTA between the US and South Korea will be passed in the near future - if at all. During an interview with The Korea Times, Lee Hye-min, Korea's deputy minister for trade and chief FTA negotiator, said, "It is certain that the U.S. will not be able to ratify the agreement until the presidential election." It was indicated that the election Barak Obama as president might make its passage even less likely. See link to full article at the end of this newsletter.

Trade policy in party platforms

The official platforms of the Democratic and Republican parties are now released and available to the public. Both address trade policy issues, but with significantly different views on what kind of trade America needs 

The Democratic Party platform dedicates a significant amount of space to trade policy and fair trade issues. These issues are given much more attention than in previous elections - which may reflect the increased pressure from the public, and groups like WFTC, to focus on fair trade! Issues like strong labor and environmental policies in trade agreements, ending tax breaks for outsourcing, opposition to investor-state provisions, consumer safety, and more are addressed. The full platform can be accessed here: Democratic Party Platform 2008.

The Republican Party platform also addresses trade issues. It advocates for greater international trade, a reinstatement of Fast Track, and immediate votes on all pending FTAs. Some attention is also paid to toxic products and protecting US agricultural producers. However, overall, most of our demands for fair trade rather than free trade do not appear. The full platform can be accessed here: Republican Party Platform 2008.

Next WFTC Board meeting Nov 13

Mark your calendars - the next Board meeting of the Washington Fair Trade Coalition will be held on Thursday, November 13 at 1pm at the Washington State Labor Council office. It is being held slightly later in the month than usual so that it will occur after the elections. We hope this will make it easier for people to attend.

Reminder: "Battle in Seattle" movie opens Sept 19

Don't forget to check out the "Battle in Seattle" movie when it opens in Seattle on September 19. It will be playing at the Seven Gables Theater. Remember, by seeing the movie in the first few weeks, you not only get to see this important story re-told on the big screen; you also may give others around the country the opportunity to learn more about trade, the WTO, and the strength of people power.

See www.battleinseattlemovie.com/labor or call the Seven Gables: (206) 781-5755 for more information. Ask about group rates. Book your tickets now!

For further reading

"Is History Siding With Obama’s Economic Plan?"

"2008: Colombia Trade Unionists Die in Greater Numbers"

"Colombian President Uribe Misleads Press About Carter's Intentions - Jimmy Carter NOT In Favor of FTA"

"Seoul Shelves KORUS FTA"

"Obama renews promise on NAFTA, 'card check'"