Unions, activists look to derail Trans-Pacific Partnership fast-track

Trade unions, populist activists and many Democratic lawmakers are rallying against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal. They say the secretive treaty is harmful to US workers, the economy and environmental policies.

Social justice activists from more than 30 states marched in downtown Washington, DC, on Monday, chanting “This is what hypocrisy looks like!” and carrying signs such as “Dump TPP: Don’t trade away our future.” They called on Congress to vote against giving President Barack Obama the authority to 'fast-track' the treaty.

Proponents claim the TPP, the largest trade deal since the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), would open up Asian markets to US exports.



Critics allege that much of the trade pact was written by and for corporate lobbyists, who would reap any benefits while leaving the workers and taxpayers to shoulder all the expenses. Only five of TPP’s 29 chapters are about trade, while others focus on patent protection, financial deregulation, internet privacy restrictions and litigation. ...................(more)

http://rt.com/usa/251437-tpp-opposition-unions-activists/