House Votes to Stand with Working Families on Trade

UPDATE (6/14): As expected (see story below), Republicans made a motion to reconsider the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) vote, and may attempt to bring up TAA again as early as next week. The AFL-CIO is urging calls to Congressional representatives Chris Van Hollen and Donna Edwards to thank them for voting against TAA and TPA and Steny Hoyer to thank him for voting against TPA, but expressing disappointment that he voted for TAA. All three should be encouraged to vote “No” on TAA if and when the vote is reconsidered. You can reach your Member of Congress at 1-855-712-8441.

“The House of Representatives has done the right thing, but the fight isn't over," said AFL-CIO president Richard Trumka on Friday after the House failed to pass the Hatch-Wyden-Ryan trade bill.

"This is a significant day," Trumka said, "American workers came together and spoke with one voice about the path their country and economy should follow.  We are very grateful for all the activists, families, community leaders, and elected officials who worked so tirelessly for transparency and worker rights in international trade deals."

"The debate over Fast Track so far has been a marvelous contrast to the corporate money and disillusionment that normally mark American politics today," Trumka continued. "This was truly democracy in action – millions of people exercising their free rights to inform their elected representatives.  We should all draw from this experience to help replenish our democracy at every level on every issue."

The AFL-CIO warned that the Fast Track debate is not over and pledged to continue opposing it if and when it's brought back for reconsideration.

"The conversation now should turn to putting a raising wages agenda in motion," said Trumka. "Let's discard the old ways of arranging corporate trade entitlements, and open a path to revitalizing our economy on the basis of real growth, worker rights, higher wages, and shared prosperity.  We look forward to working with any Democrat or Republican committed to a raising wages agenda, including pro-worker trade deals that will transform the American economy and lift up all workers.”