International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) International President Tom Buffenbarger today issued the following statement on the introduction of a Fast Track bill in the U.S. Senate:
“We are angered and deeply disappointed that the legislation introduced today repeats the same old corporate-driven approach to trade that has cost America hundreds of thousands of jobs,” said Buffenbarger. “The unenforceable negotiating goals for the nearly completed, yet still secret Trans-Pacific Partnership will not help working families struggling with stagnant wages nor U.S. businesses besieged by foreign currency manipulation. I call upon IAM members across America to contact their Senators and urge rejection of this deeply flawed legislation.”
As the leading aerospace union in North America, IAM members proudly manufacture products that are exported to countries around the globe. The IAM strongly believes that our trade negotiations and agreements must be open and transparent and reflect the interests of all Americans. This means enforceable labor and environmental standards, access to safe and affordable medicines, high quality food and product safety standards, as well as a rejection of the secret trade tribunals that give multinational corporations the ability to sue sovereign governments over domestic regulations.