Hoffa Notes Contradictions in Policy
StatementsInternational Brotherhood of Teamsters
General President James P. Hoffa today strongly criticized the
Clinton administration’s most recent attempt to draw attention away
from China’s record on human rights and labor abuses while
simultaneously lobbying for permanent Normal Trade Relations (NTR)
status for China.
"The Clinton administration is playing a game of smoke and
mirrors," declared Hoffa. "They are doing everything possible to
grant Communist China the undeserved privilege of permanent NTR
while simultaneously speaking out against China’s human rights,
environmental and labor abuses."
State Department spokesman James Rubin announced Tuesday that the
United States would highlight China’s deteriorating human rights
record with a resolution at the U.N. Commission on Human Rights in
March. The remarks came one day after President Clinton vowed to
fight for congressional approval to grant China permanent NTR
status.
Rubin’s remarks were riddled with inconsistencies in regards to
the merits of granting permanent NTR status to Communist China. "We
engage with China to advance our national interest," Rubin stated.
However, he went on to say, "China’s behavior is contrary to not
only American principles, but the international recognized human
rights interest."
"This deal represents the triumph of unbridled corporate greed
over the values of America’s working families," Hoffa continued.
"Mr. Rubin’s announcement highlights the continued contradictions of
White House policies. If the Administration is truly concerned about
protecting workers around the world, it would end the rhetoric and
support annual renewal instead of permanent NTR."
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents more than
1.4 million working men and women throughout the United States,
Canada, and Puerto Rico. |