Free trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA have decimated the US manufacturing base in large part because many of our trade partners operate without the protections for workers rights, safety, or a living wage (exploitation). As importantly, they aren't subject to environmental standards we respect, like the Clean Air Act, which is contributing to global carbon emissions.
Free trade can be a powerful force for improving lives, but only when the playing field is level. The American worker can compete with any country's worker, but not when the price competition is with countries without real environmental or labor standards.
We can phase in these standards, require them of our trade partners, and help workers here and abroad, as well as stem the tide of global climate change if we act now. Please sign on to this petition to write legislation to hold our trade partners to the same labor, safety and environmental standards that we cherish as Americans, and bring back much needed jobs to our people.
Why is this important?
Free trade agreements like NAFTA and CAFTA have decimated the US manufacturing base in large part because many of our trade partners operate without the protections for workers rights, safety, or a decent wage. Many also aren't subject to environmental standards we respect, like the Clean Air Act. With a fair playing field, we can better compete and bring more manufacturing jobs back to the US, as well as improve environmental, labor and safety standards worldwide.
