Week of Action Against the US-Korea Free Trade Agreement
In the next few weeks-the WA
Congressional Delegation is going to be asked to vote on the biggest
trade deal since NAFTA-the Korea-US FTA.
Here is what it will do for WA State:
- At least 60,000 jobs are at risk in WA State in motor vehicles and parts, other transportation equipment, electronic equipment, metal products and textiles and apparel
- According to the Economic Policy Institute, High Tech and Green Tech sectors will face job loss
- Wheat-Washington State 3rd most lucrative agricultural commodity-will suffer a fall in its trade surplus-according to the US International Trade Commission (USITC)-an estimated $14-69 million
- According to the USITC, the U.S. wood products trade deficit is supposed to worsen by at least $171 million
- The paper products trade deficit is supposed to worsen by at least $96 million
- Under the FTA
Korean Corporations in WA State and WA State corporations in South Korea
are not under domestic/state laws-and have the right to enforce FTA
privileges by suing in special FTA tribunals
Here is who opposes the Korea-US FTA in WA State:
American Federation of Government Employees 3937
Association of Pulp and Paper Workers (AWPPW)-International
Association of Pulp and Paper Workers Local 183
Community Alliance for Global Justice (CAGJ)
Community to Community
CWA-Washington, North Idaho CWA Area Labor Council
International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, District 751
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 46
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 77
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 191
Jubilee NW
Puget Sound Alliance for Retired Americans
Seattle Committee in Solidarity with the People of El Salvador (CISPES)
Society of Professional Employees and Engineers in Aeronautics (SPEEA)
Teamsters Joint Council 28
United Steelworkers District 12
Washington Association of Churches
Washington Fair Trade Coalition
WashTech/CWA 37083
Witness for Peace Northwest
Now that you know...Take a minute and tell Your Elected Leaders to Vote No! on Kor-US FTA
Here is what you can say:
My name is………
I am a voter in your district.
I am calling to urge Rep. (your elected leader) to oppose the Korea-US Free Trade Agreement.
This trade deal is bad for working people, family farmers, consumers and the environment in WA State, the US and South Korea.
Under this agreement:
- The US Trade Deficit
with South Korea will increase, causing tens of thousands of
jobs to be lost in critical WA State industries including
manufacturing, agriculture, forestry and the high tech sector.
- Products can be labeled ‘Made
in Korea’ even if 2/3 of that product is Made in China or North
Korea-where labor rights are not recognized
- International Labor Organizations Conventions are not included
- Financial services will be
further de-regulated as governments are not allowed to use capital
controls to stop further financial crashes
- Foreign investors will have
more rights than people in WA State. Corporations can challenge our
health, safety and environmental laws in special tribunals outside
of the US courts.
For the good of WA State and the
health of our industries you need to oppose this agreement and support
reform of our current trade policies. Thank-you.
WA State Congressional District Offices:
Adam Smith (9) (253) 593-6600
Jay Inslee (1) (206) 361-0233
Jim McDermott (7) (206) 553-7170
Rick Larsen (2) (425) 252-3188
Norm Dicks (6) (253) 593-6536
Cathy McMorris-Rogers (5) (509) 353-2374
Dave Reichert (8) (206) 275-3438
Doc Hastings (4) (509) 543-9396
Jaime Herrera (3) (360) 695-6292
