Campaigns

VOTE FOR CHANGE IN AMERICA

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/replace_nafta_and_the_so-called_free_trade_model_with_a_fair_way_forward_the_trade_act

Ask Members to Publically Oppose the Panama Trade Agreement!

Please call your Representative and Senators today at 1-202-224-3121 and ask them to come out publically against the Panama trade deal.

For More Information on the Panama FTA, Click Here!

How has "free trade" worked for you?

Share Your Experiences at www.TradeStories.org

Was your job shipped abroad to another country? Has your livelihood been affected by increased imports? Perhaps trade pacts have impacted your family or community in some other way? If you've been personally affected by "free trade," we want to hear from you at www.TradeStories.org.

For too long, debates over international trade have been dominated by corporate elites and economic ideologues, rather than rooted in the experiences of ordinary Americans. The Trade Stories Project allows people who have been negatively affected by policies and institutions like NAFTA and the WTO to share their views on a matter crucial to the global economy. This includes displaced workers, farmers, small business owners and immigrants who have typically been excluded from the trade debate.

A new year, new President and new Congress should result in a new model for trade. Unfortunately, corporate lobbyists are already working hard to make sure their views are represented in Washington. We need to work just as hard to make sure our voices are heard. By sharing your story at www.TradeStories.org, you will:

Help document the real impacts of free trade agreements in communities across America
Bring issues like job loss and economic insecurity into the public spotlight
Show policymakers that existing trade pacts are not working for ordinary people

Pennsylvania Story
Ken Love

Ken Love

Pittsburgh, PA

Ken worked for General Motors for 23 years. He lost his job when GM closed its Pittsburgh plant. Taking a 60 percent pay cut, he put himself through college and became a Pastor at Kerr Presbyterian Church.

"My lifestyle changed drastically. The plant closing affected my family, community and co-workers. Even the small businesses were at a loss. For example, a small family-owned bar around the corner from the plant that depended on the workers for lunch and drinks after work slowly went downhill. Companies such as Delta Electric, Lenex brakes, and many other small part supplying Pittsburgh plants, who depended on the GM plant as a customer for their products, are being shut down."

Opposing the Columbia Free Trade Agreement:

Labor leaders, environmentalists, farm workers, religious leaders and other civil society groups in Pennsylvania continue to work hard for just trade policies. Members of PAFTC members and other organizations have been working hard to lock in our congresspeople to oppose the Columbia FTA.

Congressman Holden Signs Opposition Pledge to Columbia Free Trade Agreement

http://www.usw.org/usw/program/content/4667.php

Congressman Altmire Signs Opposition Pledge to Columbia Free Trade Agreement

http://www.usw.org/usw/program/content/4644.php

T.R.A.D.E. Act Announced:

On June 4th 2008, the Trade Reform, Accountability, Development and Employment (TRADE) Act, cosponsored by fair trade champions , a landmark piece of fair trade legislation called the TRADE Act was introduced in Congress with over 50 original cosponsors. This legislation would go a long way towards ensuring that trade policy actually benefits working people and strengthens the economy, as well as protecting consumers, the environment, public health and small farmers, both at home and abroad.

The TRADE Act is supported nationally by a wide range of progressive organizations including the AFL-CIO, Change to Win, Sierra Club, National Farmers Union, United Methodists, Public Citizen, United Steelworkers, Machinists, Teamsters, Communication Workers of America, UNITE HERE, Friends of the Earth, National Family Farm Coalition, Citizens Trade Campaign and many others. Please voice your support for this important legislation.

2008 PA Members of Congress who have co-sponsored the TRADE Act:

Rep Brady, Robert A. [D-PA-1]

Rep Murphy, Patrick J. [D-PA-8]

Rep Murtha, John P. [D-PA-12]

Rep Doyle, Michael F. [D-PA-14]

Rep Holden, Tim [D-PA-17]

PA Senator Robert Casey

Rep. Kanjorski

Rep. Carney

Learn More and Take Action