News & Analysis
Trump softens stance on NAFTA
President Donald Trump announced this week that he will not immediately terminate U.S. participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement, the White House said, after he spoke with the leaders of Mexico and Canada about ways to re-negotiate the accord. Trump on...
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This Weekend: Marching Towards Justice
This weekend marks 100 days into the Trump administration. One thing is clear: our vision of a fair trade policy — based on global cooperation, protecting workers, the environment, and public health, limiting corporate power– is not a priority for the current administration.
Check out these great opportunities to march together, learn together, and act together from Earth Day to May Day:
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Voluntary Dolphin-safe Tuna Labels Struck Down by WTO
This week, the WTO authorized Mexico to impose an annual $163 million in trade sanctions against the U.S. for the dolphin-saving U.S. labeling program for tuna. The WTO ruled against the program in November 2015, calling it a "technical barrier to trade." If their...
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Standing in Solidarity with Striking Immigrants
Over the last three weeks, nearly 1000 immigrants have gone on hunger strike at the Northwest Detention Center in Tacoma protesting inhumane conditions. Last week, Washington Fair Trade Coalition responded to a call for support and held a solidarity day at the...
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Senator Cantwell Challenges Trump Nominee to Rethink Our Approach to Trade
Seattle, Wash. — The Washington Fair Trade Coalition (WFTC) today praised Senator Maria Cantwell for challenging Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to promote a more just and sustainable global economy. “Voters in Washington and beyond are...
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With TPP dead, it’s time to rethink trade
Across the political spectrum, the American people sent a clear message in this election year: we’ve mismanaged globalization. Friday's announcement that the TPP would be tabled indefinitely was a testament to the growing resentment. Decades of “free-trade”...
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Do you have your tickets yet? Annual Fair Trade Breakfast, Dec 6!
Our annual Fair Trade Breakfast is coming up, and the timing couldn't be better. This year we'll be hearing from the four fierce women who have been at the helm of the Washington Fair Trade Coalition. Their stories span a decade of work building a local movement for...
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Stop a Lame Duck TPP Vote: Take the Pledge of Action!
Take the Pledge of Action to Stop the TPP in Lame Duck. Americans have had enough of back-room policymaking that favors corporate elites over working families. Simply put, the TPP is a corporate power grab disguised as a trade agreement. Opposition to the...
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Heck Opposes TPP: Trade Should Be About People
Seattle, WA – Today, momentum increased against the Trans-Pacific Partnership as Congressman Denny Heck announced he would vote against the TPP, calling it one of the most important decisions of his career. The massive trade pact between 12 countries, which would...
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Hundreds converge in Tacoma for Trade Justice Festival
TACOMA, WA – Hundreds gathered today at the Festival for Trade Justice to rally against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) at Wright Park in Tacoma, where leaders from local labor, environmental, and community organizations gave speeches demonstrating diverse...
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President Obama welcomed to Washington with TPP Death Star and Exploding Oil Train
Fair trade activists met President Obama in Seattle on June 24, 2016. The President was in town to speak at a fundraiser for Governor Inslee. Hundreds of donors were treated to the spectacle of the TPP Death Star, exploding oil trains, and endangered marine mammals....
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Come for the Rally, Stay for the Festival! Festival for Trade Justice, Tacoma, June 25
Reposted from The Stand: TACOMA (June 3, 2016) — The tide is turning against the TPP, and Tacoma plans to celebrate. The Trans-Pacific Partnership, the massive 12-nation “free trade” agreement that would set NAFTA-like rules for about 40 percent of the global economy,...
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Official Report on the TPP – Almost No Measurable Value
By Stan Sorscher, WFTC Board President and former Boeing Engineer When we negotiate a new trade deal, the US International Trade Commission prepares an official economic report. Their report on TPP came out last week. The ITC methodology makes very optimistic...
read moreFlawed Trade Deal Doesn’t Make Cents for Tacoma
Tacoma, WA – Yesterday evening, constituents gathered outside Representative Derek Kilmer’s (D-WA) fundraiser at the Museum of Glass with a handful of pennies and a message: “TPP Doesn’t Make ¢ents for America.” They called on Representative Kilmer to take a position...
read moreRegister Today! Northwest TPP Summit, April 16
Activate Now! The Northwest TPP Summit is only a week away Don't forget to register and be part of building a regional network to defeat the TPP. Connect with activists from across the Pacific Northwest, sharpen your skills, and take the struggle for fair trade to...
read moreState Legislators Oppose Flawed TPP
This week, State legislators sent a message from Olympia to D.C.: stop the Trans-Pacific Partnership. The letter, signed by 23 House Democrats, is directed at members of U.S. Congress who will ultimately decide whether to approve or reject the massive trade deal....
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Trade Wars: Episode 1, (Another) New Hope
Planet Earth, 2016 - The Empire's new corporate superweapon, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, has finally been unveiled after years of secret development. As the Rebel Alliance goes into battle in city after city to fight for democracy, human rights, and the future of...
read moreActivate Now! TPP Summit, April 16
Register now! We're building a regional network to defeat the TPP! Join us for this day-long summit and training to connect, sharpen your skills, and help take our struggle for fair trade to the next level. April 16, 9:30AM-6PM 901 N J St, Tacoma, WA Breakfast and...
read moreLet’s talk food: event highlights TPP and just food systems
Last week, the Community Alliance for Global Justice (CAGJ) hosted an incredible event about how new trade agreements like the TPP undermine efforts to build a strong and healthy food movement. The event, entitled “Another Food System is Possible! But Not with the...
read moreCalls for Fair Trade, not TPP, Gain Momentum
Yesterday, Spokane City Council joined Bellingham and Seattle in unanimously declaring their opposition to the TPP. While "the citizens of Spokane strongly support international trade when fair rules of trade are in place and seek to be an active participant in...
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