Word: laborer
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Dates: during 1990-1999
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...other nation, making other countries distrust the ultimate motive behind policies we put forward. When the U.S. pushes for an end to agricultural tariffs, other nations wonder whether the objection is based on principle or on our substantial agricultural exports. Similarly, where we see expensive but justified and necessary labor standards, other nations frequently see thinly veiled protectionism...
...wanted environmental protections integrated into trade agreements were accompanied by those who dumped foreign steel into the ocean for the crime of being too cheap. The perception of a U.S. in favor of free trade only where it serves our interests could doom any attempt to improve environmental and labor standards abroad and must be addressed in our negotiating tactics...
Those concerned for labor standards and environmental protections in developing nations should quickly see through unthinking calls for abolishing the WTO. The best means of improving conditions will be through more integration of developing nations into a world trading system, not less. A blanket ultimatum conditioning trade on such standards would drive other nations away from the bargaining table...
Whatever approach is taken by U.S. negotiators, it should strive for the end goal of improving labor and environmental protections abroad without giving cover to would-be protectionists. Whatever its successes economically, free trade will fail politically if these side effects are not addressed...
...Salvador, the cost of the labor for a $15 T-shirt amounts to all of three cents. The material costs total less than$1.50. There is plenty of room for a living wage and decent working conditions to coexist with corporate profits...