Unions plan nationwide trade protests

Unions are keeping their fight against a trade bill alive.

The AFL-CIO and its allies are organizing dozens of events over the Memorial Day recess to keep the pressure on House Democrats and Republicans as the chamber nears consideration of “fast-track” trade legislation.

The groups are holding a Memorial Day picnic outside of House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer’s (D-Md.) office, have plans to protest with giant Q-tips outside Rep. Ami Bera’s (D-Calif.) Sacramento office — to “clean out his ears, constituents don’t want to fast track” trade — and a week of activity in Democratic Rep. Jim Costa’s district outside of Fresno, California, according to sources familiar with the events.

“During this week’s recess, union members, small business owners, environmentalists, consumer advocates, and progressive allies across the country will continue to urge their representatives to stand with the working people of their districts and against a bill that would lead to undemocratic trade deals that lower wages and eliminate jobs,” said Geoff Wetrosky, AFL-CIO national campaign manager.

The protests come after the Senate voted late Friday to renew the president’s “fast-track” authority to negotiate new trade deals. The House is expected to take up the trade legislation as early as mid-June.

The measure is a top priority for President Barack Obama and has been the subject of intense lobbying activity. A top aide to Speaker John Boehner told one of the lead business groups pushing for the bill that they were getting outgunned by unions and that they needed to increase the number of calls to lawmakers’ offices.

Trade Benefits America Coalition spokeswoman Amber Marchand said the coalition has many activities planned over the next week to try and build on the momentum of the Senate vote.

“Activities include hosting events with members of Congress, placing opinion pieces in local papers, meeting with members and their staff one-on-one, and other proactive activities during the Memorial Day recess,” Marchand said.
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