Shining a light on TPP Secrecy: Why is civil society being kept in the dark?

Shining a light on TPP Secrecy: Why is civil society being kept in the dark?

On May 6, as the light waned, groups gathered in Olympia and Seattle to protest the shadowy process and excessive secrecy surrounding the TPP negotiations. It was the culmination of a national Spring Campaign, in which petitions against TPP secrecy, Fast-Track, and the media blackout had been circulated internationally and the numbers of signees beamed onto prominent buildings in D.C. each night. The following day, activists would converge on D.C. to call on the government to end the backroom deals and restore accountability to the negotiations of what would be the biggest free-trade agreement ever signed by the United States.

After a briefing on the status of this massive trade agreement and where local representatives stand by the Washington Fair Trade Coalition, Backbone Campaign taught a short course in how to use light as protest and introduced us to the equipment. For an hour, as people strolled nearby and cars rushed down the freeway, we illuminated prominent buildings with messages against the TPP and directed people to learn more and call their representatives.

Check out our photo album from the actions!

Leaked negotiating documents show no enforcement for environmental or labor standards.

Leaked negotiating documents show no enforcement for environmental or labor standards.

Tell the U.S. Congress, We the People want fair trade, not free trade.

Tell the U.S. Congress, We the People want fair trade, not free trade.