Press
PAFTC Praises Congressmen Brady, Doyle, Holden, P. Murphy and Murtha for Co-sponsoring Legislation
Pennsylvania-The Pennsylvania Fair Trade Coalition (PAFTC) praised members of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation for cosponsoring the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act, which was introduced by Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Rep. Mike Michaud (D-Maine) yesterday in Washington D.C.
The act triggers a review of all existing trade agreements, and provides a process to renegotiate them. The bill also outlines principles of what should be included in future trade agreements, and expresses the sense of the Congress that their role in trade policymaking should be strengthened.
"The TRADE Act is a critical piece of legislation that replaces our failed trade model that has destroyed workers, business owners and lives," said Amy McAuliffe, Director of the PAFTC. " I applaud all Congress who have co-sponsored this bill, which will not only protect our workers here in Pennsylvania, but all American workers.”
The current U.S. trade model has had devastating impacts. The U.S. has lost more than 3.5 million good-paying manufacturing jobs since 2000, and more than 40,000 factories have closed in the past 10 years. Pennsylvania alone has lost more than 207,400 manufacturing jobs since 2000, which is roughly ¼ of all factory jobs.
"The TRADE Act reflects responsible fair trade agreements verses the free trade model in existence that has resulted in vast job loss, plants being shut down, wages declined and toxic imports," said Mickey Bolt, USW Rapid Response Coordinator
The TRADE Act articulates specific changes needed to the failed North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)/World Trade Organization (WTO) model to ensure trade deals achieve good jobs, safe food, promotion of basic human rights, healthy communities and environmental protection.
As this bill winds its way through Congress, we urge all of Pennsylvania's congressional delegation to consider the positive impact this legislation would have on our economy, and we look forward to working with them on this critical issue in the future.
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Pennsylvania Fair Trade Coalition Names New Director
Pennsylvania –The Pennyslvania Fair Trade Coalition today announced the appointment of Amy McAuliffe as their new Director. The coalition is a non-profit advocacy organization representing a diverse array of environmental, labor, consumer, family farm, and religious groups to advocate for fairer trade agreements that better benefit American workers and businesses"Amy McAuliffe’s leadership skills will be a great asset to the Pennsylvania Fair Trade Coalition,” said Tim Waters, Rapid Response Director of the United Steelworkers.
Waters also stated that “she has proven her tenacity and hard work and The Pennsylvania Fair Trade Coalition has pulled off a significant victory just in their ability to bring Ms. McAuliffe on board. She will, no doubt, help move them to the forefront in the fight to bring justice to the “out-of-control” global economy.”
McAuliffe has a wide range of coalition experience, working with various community groups, labor unions and faith-based organizations. McAuliffe states, “I’m honored that PA Fair Trade Coalition is giving me the opportunity to work with their movement at this critical time.” "Amy understands how past failed trade policies have impacted the people of Pennsylvania. We are fortunate to have her as our new executive director."
McAuliffe, who resides in the Pittsburgh area, also noted: “I am especially looking forward to joining this struggle here in Pennsylvania where failed trade policies have devastated so many communities and where there is such a diversity of groups who are united to fight for a future where trade deals benefit workers just as much as corporations.”
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Presidential Canidates Response to Trade:
The Pennsylvania Fair Trade Coalition sent questions to all presidential candidates to determine who is most focused on addressing the trade crisis effectively -- by rejecting further agreements based on the NAFTA model,renegotiating existing agreements and promoting a new responsible trade and globalization model.
Responses from Sen. Hillary Clinton
Pennsylvania Fair Trade Coalition, April 10, 2008
Responses from Sen. Barack Obama
Pennsylvania Fair Trade Coalition, April 1, 2008
