Provisions of existing free trade agreements require signatory nations to uphold domestic labor laws and pursue or adhere to international labor norms.  To date, enforcement of these provisions has been carried out largely on a complaint-driven basis. Existing complaint mechanisms have been largely ineffectual due their inaccessibility to foreign workers and the lack of capacity for resource poor organizations and unions to document and file complaints. In addition, complaints take years and years to resolve and workers see little in return for engaging in such processes.

Editorials in the Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times last week called on the Obama Administration to do more to support the return of President Manuel Zelaya.  A resolution opposing the coup in Honduras has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives and needs your support.  Take action today to oppose the coup in Honduras and support Honduran unions who are fighting back.

The General Secretary of the ITF, David Cockroft said in the Federation's press release:

Despite President Tandja's steps to dismantle the democratic institutions of Niger and ignore the Constitution, Nigeriens are fighting back.  Trade unions have organized general strikes and joined thousands of other civil society groups in demonstrations all across the country.  As The New York Times recently reported: