7
Ways to Make Trade Fair
1. International Labor
Standards
The right to organize and the right to a safe
and dignified working environment, as designated
in the United Nation’s International Labor
Standards, should be required in trade agreements.
Likewise, there should be market-based incentives
for nations to improve labor conditions for
their workers, as is achieved in the U.S. free
trade agreement with Jordan.
2.
End Export Subsidies for US Agriculture
“Dumping” goods on a foreign economy
at below the cost of production is not free
trade and should be prohibited. This means the
US should eliminate subsidies given to large
agribusinesses for products produced for export.
3.
Ensure Food Security
All countries have a right to protect their
agricultural sector in order to feed their own
population. The destruction of the rural sector
in developing countries should be stemmed before
the countries become entirely dependant on grains
imported from the north.
4.
Greater Democratic Involvement
Trade talks should be open to civil society
organizations so that all stake holders are
able to help craft the treaty. Just as big business
has a seat at the table, citizens who are most
vulnerable to the effects of trade must also
have a voice in negotiations.
5.
Local Power to Protect the Environment
Cities in the US and abroad must have the power
to set meaningful environmental standards for
their own communities. The rights of multi-national
corporations should not supercede those of the
communities that host them.
6.
Greater Control Over Investment
A successful “development strategy”
for any country must include the power to influence
how money is invested within its borders. Trade
agreements should not obstruct the capacity
of governments to steer investment so that it
can promote sustainable development.
7.
Development of Local Linkages
International corporations should be given incentives
to create linkages with the economy of their
host country by finding local companies to supply
their inputs. This promotes local growth and
encourages businesses to commit to the region.
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