Press Release

WASHINGTON– In response to today’s failed attempt in the House to advance a package of trade deals, Working America Executive Director Karen Nussbaum issued the following statement:

“Opposing Fast Track was a no-brainer for the majority of our members in working-class communities around the country. Night after night, people on the doors told our canvassers that they saw through the tainted tactics and influence of corporate lobbyists. They recognize Fast Track for what it is: a job killer.

“Conversations with our members, who don’t have the benefit of a union on the job, generated more than 2,000 hand-written letters to members of Congress detailing the devastation they’ve seen in their communities since NAFTA and calling for leaders to reject another bad trade policy for workers.

“We talked to more than 10,000 working people who told us they didn’t like the secrecy and don’t support policies that send good jobs overseas. Today’s vote shows that by standing together, we can challenge the corporate agenda across the nation and build an economy that works for everyone.”

BACKGROUND

Working America is the fastest-growing organization for working people who don’t have the benefit of a union on the job. Started in 2003, Working America mobilizes its 3 million working-class members throughout the year to fight for good jobs and a just economy.

Our members are working class people from all across the country. They live in suburbs and exurbs. They are gun owners and churchgoers. They are single moms and retirees. They are struggling to make it in this economy.

Our organizers reach out to thousands of people every night at their homes to talk about economic issues they care about, and share ways to take action. Two out of three people we talk to at the doors join Working America. Our members support trade policies that protect good jobs, not enrich corporations that care only about their bottom line.