Levin Statement Regarding New Trade Agreement Among the U.S., Mexico, and Canada

Statement

Representative Sandy Levin issued the following statement in response to yesterday's announcement of a new trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada:

With the focus in recent weeks on outstanding trade issues between U.S and Canada, there needs to be a renewed focus on the terms of trade negotiated with Mexico.

The fatal flaw of NAFTA 25 years ago must be fixed. There is considerable work left to be done for that to happen.

Keeping Mexican industrial wages rock bottom for 25 years to attract foreign investment did not work for Mexican workers who were being paid 1 to 2 dollars an hour and has meant a loss of jobs and suppression of wages for numerous American workers.

There are indications that the new Administration and Senate in Mexico want to take steps to end the structure of so-called "protection agreements" entered into with no worker participation or approval and labor boards a dead end for worker rights.

The U.S. must actively work with Mexico to achieve basic changes in law and practice as a prerequisite for approval of a renegotiated NAFTA by Congress.

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