“Few things counterpose the interests of multinational corporations to the interests of workers, the environment, and democracy” like the TPP, says councilmember Kshama Sawant
The Seattle City Council resoundingly approved a resolution Monday evening cementing its opposition to so-called Fast Track authority that’s needed to speed passage of corporate-friendly, rights-trampling trade deals like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
The resolution (pdf), which passed the nine-member council unanimously, expresses concern with the “closed-door manner” in which that 12-nation pact is being brokered, as well as its potential to “undermine local governmental authority to create reasonable rules and regulations, including those related to environmental safeguards, future climate policy, and food safety standards.”
Furthermore, it outright opposes Fast Track authority, which would allow the TPP to be finalized with no opportunity for Congress to amend, review, or debate it. Lawmakers are expected to take up Fast Track as soon as they return from Easter recess on April 13.
“Few things counterpose the interests of multinational corporations to the interests of workers, the environment, and democracy as sharply as trade deals like NAFTA and the Trans-Pacific Partnership,”said councilmember Kshama Sawant, a co-sponsor of the measure. “I am excited to support environmental activists, labor unions and social justice organiza