FREE TRADE Critics: Local powers at stake

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Sat, Nov. 15, 2003

FREE TRADE
Critics: Local powers at stake
Opponents of the Free Trade Area of the Americas deal say it could undermine local programs for minorities and the poor. U.S. officials call those claims `hogwash.'
BY KARL ROSS
[e-mail]

As Miami prepares to play host to a critical free-trade summit, critics warn that the proposed agreement contains little-publicized provisions that could undermine the powers of local officials to enforce labor, civil rights and other laws.

''Most politicians have no idea that their governance is on the table,'' said Lori Wallach, director of Global Trade Watch, one of the groups expected to lead the opposition to the Free Trade Area of the Americas next week. ``And they're certainly not being asked for their consent to trade away their authority over policy-making prerogatives.''

Last month, during a trip to Miami, Wallach distributed fliers stating that local living-wage laws and set-aside programs for disadvantaged contractors would be ''at risk'' to challenges by foreign businesses.

Under the draft version of the FTAA, Wallach said foreign firms could try to collect damages or repeal a range of programs, including grants to small businesses, empowerment-zone tax breaks and preferences for local vendors if they impede their ability to make a profit. (snip/...)

http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/7267349.htm