The latest numbers from the Economic Policy Institute reveal that the share of income going to the broad middle class began to fall as union membership and power were reduced.
As the unions’ ability to raise wages diminished, so did the ability of middle class families to earn a fair share of the nation’s growing income. Research has shown that as unions were less able to establish wage standards, the wages of nonunion workers in the same occupations and sectors were also reduced.
U.S. trade policy has often padded the profits of big corporations while driving down wages and standards for American workers. The latest trade agreement to be considered, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), would put downward pressure on wages, leave consumers with less to spend, destroy jobs, and exacerbate income inequality. That is why the UFCW and the broader labor movement are united in opposition to the TPP.
During TPP negotiations, the entire progressive community—from labor unions, to environmental groups, to civil rights organizations, to consumer advocates—has been denied a seat at the table. Meanwhile, 600 corporate lawyers are advising the U.S. Trade Representative. No one can reasonably expect a fair trade agreement to emerge from this process.
Proponents of the TPP are pushing to give President Obama fast track authority which would prevent Congress from considering any pro-worker amendments. This legislative tool has been used in the past to push through some of our nation’s worst trade agreements.
UFCW lobbying efforts are focusing specifically on fast track. If fast track dies, the TPP dies with it.
Congress should pursue an agenda to raise wages, strengthen workers’ rights, create more opportunity, and combat income inequality. The TPP would do exactly the opposite.
For tools to help defeat this bad deal, visit www.stopthetpp.org.