Pacific Trade Pact Missed Opportunities says Woodworkers Union
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WASHINGTON-- The national union that represents woodworkers at some manufacturing companies, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), gave a thumbs down following release of details of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), which were released today by the White House after months of secret negotiations.

The IAM's worst fears about TPP materialized early this morning when the U.S. Trade Representative released the TPP text 

“The IAM's worst fears about TPP materialized early this morning when the U.S. Trade Representative released the TPP text,” said IAM President Tom Buffenbarger. “While we are still reviewing this document, on nearly all matters of immediate relevance to American working families and their communities, this agreement fails to deliver.

"Not only are the labor provisions warmed over language from failed past agreements, but the agreement actually takes a giant step backward, with the inclusion of Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia and Mexico. Additionally, investors and corporations can still challenge basic worker and environmental protections while rules of origin are weaker than even the ones found in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and there are no provisions to bring currency manipulation under control.”

The union says it will activate its grassroots network of political activists at 600 union locals across the U.S. to lobby against the trade deal.

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Bill Esler | ConfSenior Editor

Bill wrote for WoodworkingNetwork.com, FDMC and Closets & Organized Storage magazines. 

Bill's background includes more than 10 years in print manufacturing management, followed by more than 30 years in business reporting on industrial manufacturing in the forest products industries, including printing and packaging at American Printer (Features Editor) and Graphic Arts Monthly (Editor in Chief) magazines; and in secondary wood manufacturing for WoodworkingNetwork.com.

Bill was deeply involved with the launches of the Woodworking Network Leadership Forum, and the 40 Under 40 Awards programs. He currently reports on technology and business trends and develops conference programs.

In addition to his work as a journalist, Bill supports efforts to expand and improve educational opportunities in the manufacturing sectors, including 10 years on the Print & Graphics Scholarship Foundation; six years with the U.S. WoodLinks; and currently on the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. He is also supports the Greater West Town Training Partnership Woodworking Program, which has trained more than 950 adults for industrial wood manufacturing careers. 

Bill volunteers for Foinse Research Station, a biological field station staddling the border of Ireland and Northern Ireland, one of more than 200 members of the Organization of Biological Field Stations.