TPP Ottowa: The bad keeps getting steadily worse: TPP talks reach accord on labor, quarantine rules

[cali]

<snip>

Regarding labor issues, the import and export of products made by children or through forced labor will be banned in accordance with criteria set out by the International Labor Organization. Sanctions will be imposed on violators, such as the suspension of tariff exemptions.

Developed countries were pushing for labor rights protection and improved working conditions, while emerging economies were intent on prioritizing economic growth. But in the latest round of talks, the opposing sides compromised and agreed to a rule that the nations involved will settle suspected violations by holding discussions to seek improvements, instead of immediately imposing sanctions.

<snip>

(yeah, developed countries really 'pushed'.)

Each nation quarantines foreign foods, plants and animals at ports and airports to prevent the entry of harmful insects and diseases.

However, there are fears that some nations will enforce strict regulations or set safety criteria without any scientific backing, solely to protect their domestic farm industries. Negotiators therefore reached an accord to introduce a framework for expert discussions to settle disputes between nations.

<snip>

http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0001414471

[Enthusiast]

1. How about we just abandon the entire TPP concept.

[MisterP]

9. someone complains about useless security and tells the TSA to be careful near his privates

and Dems immediately jumped on him as a Murdoch-funded shill (until he wasn't)

America's not helpless, we're SUPINE

[Mnemosyne]

2. K&R for more visibility. nt

[bigtree]

3. I don't believe we can prevent things like child labor or ensure environmental responsibility

. . . by gifting offending nations by dropping tariffs FIRST, and then expecting that taking them away later, after that country has reaped billions out of this trade deal, that they will eliminate child labor or clean up their act.

It's backwards, like declaring that political trumps military in Iraq, but leading with the military. It's backwards thinking and it amounts to little but capitulation.

We should have clear verification that standards are being adhered to BEFORE we extend any trade goodies (which, by the way, need to be negotiated by the U.S. with an eye to what U.S. workers needs are, not lowering our standards to meet lesser nations').

[n2doc]

4. This i one case where I am rooting for a dysfunctional congress

No matter what sort of crap they 'agree' to, I am counting on Republicans to say no, because it is what Obama wants. And hopefully enough Democrats still remember who they used to be to help sink it. Probably naive.

[bigtree]

6. no, not naive

. . .that's a pretty good description of our national legislators.

[WillyT]

5. K & R !!!

[antigop]

7. K&R nt

[marmar]

8. K&R

This issue has to stay on the front burner.