Over the last year Michigan has lost more manufacturing jobs than any other state in the union. Many of these jobs have been moved by corporations from Michigan to "free trade zones" in Mexico. Because of the impact on workers in Michigan, there is increasing public awareness of NAFTA, the trade agreement most responsible for this job flight. Unfortunately, while awareness of NAFTA is at an all time high in West Michigan, there has been very little media coverage of CAFTA, the Central America Free Trade Agreement.
CAFTA, as the name implies, would expand NAFTA style trade regulations over most of Latin America. It already has been signed by trade representatives from El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, the U.S. and later Costa Rica at the end of January. But, the fight against CAFTA is far from over. In order for CAFTA to become official it must be approved- along with all necessary implementing legislation by the National Assemblies (Congress) of each participating country.
Despite tremendous popular opposition to the agreement in Central America at present, it seems clear that stopping CAFTA will have to happen in the United States Congress. Members of Congress are hearing a lot these days from their constituents about the negative impact of "free" trade. Now more than ever it is critical to tell your congressperson to say No to CAFTA.
Talking Points on CAFTA From the Quixote Center (Quest for Peace):
- Transparency: This agreement is being negotiated with little or no input from civil society. Indeed, many members of congress will not have heard about it, and those that have will not have seen any of the text of the agreement. Ask your member of congress if they are concerned by this secrecy and if they are willing to make a statement about it.
- Labor Rights: One of the biggest concerns with this agreement is that it will lead to the weakening of labor rights enforcement in Central America and further erode labor in the United States as well.
- Agriculture: One of the greatest concerns about CAFTA is the effect that it will have on the agricultural sector in Central America. The history of the North American Free Trade is a good guide for possible effects in Central America.
- Expansive Corporate Privilege: The North American Free Trade Agreement established the right for companies to sue governments over public-interest laws that may limit their profits. In NAFTA, this is in "Chapter 11," and has been employed 27 times by companies since 1994.
- Undermining Public Services: For ten years public services in Central America have been under attack from many sources. Another concern with CAFTA is that it will establish investor rules that will make it impossible for governments in Central America (and the U.S.) to give preferences to public providers for services. There is widespread opposition to the further privatization of energy services, water services, health and education throughout Central America
More information and Factsheets:
- Stop CAFTA Fact sheet
- top ten reasons to oppose CAFTA
- Heads Up: You Must Act Now to Stop an Appalling CAFTA, FTAA Sneak Attack on State Purchasing Policy
- Fair Trade or Free Trade 2 page handout
- Fair Trade or Free Trade 23 page packet
What you can do:
