Obama ‘Going to Bat’ for Unions in Trade Accords

[SpartanDem]

July 16 (Bloomberg) -- U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk pledged the Obama administration will go “to bat for American workers” through greater protection of labor rights and more aggressive monitoring of overseas trade barriers.

Kirk, in a speech at a U.S. Steel Corp. plant in Braddock, Pennsylvania, today, said the government will force countries such as Peru and Guatemala to live up to labor commitments they made in trade accords, and publish new lists of countries’ measures that block farm goods or manufactured products.

We’ve been more eager in selling the benefits of trade than we have been vigilant in enforcing trade agreements,” Kirk told about 60 workers at a plant near Pittsburgh. “Enforcement cannot be an afterthought; it needs to be the centerpiece of trade policy.”

Kirk, who has been on the job for four months, has had to drop plans for a quick congressional vote on the Panama agreement after union leaders and Democratic lawmakers, including Representative Michael Michaud of Maine, protested.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=awVWjWGPk3C8

[DJ13]

1. Its a start

The best outcome would actually be to rescind some of the existing trade agreements instead of negotiating more of them.

Even with (small baby) teeth the US workers will just get screwed over by more agreements.

[dolphindance]

2. I don't get it. Is this one bashing Obama admin or is it just news? (n/t)

[SpartanDem]

3. Just news

though I guess could be it bashing if you don't like the idea.

[Colobo]

4. Good.

[ensho]

5. good news

unions are necessary

[Dinger]

6. Wish He & Duncan Felt The Same Way About Teacher Unions

Edited to add:

I am giving this a rec because at least there are some unions being supported.