China PNTR Vote

President Jay Mazur's Statement

Today's vote put the interests of corporate America ahead of the interests of working America. The US Congress - urged on by the White House - gave a green light to multinational corporations and the Chinese government to continue to abuse workers. Congress' vote is a loss for workers, people of faith, and those concerned with human rights across the globe.

UNITE's members and retirees worked tirelessly with our allies to force a debate on the nature of globalization and the value of worker standards and human rights. They lent their voice in solidarity with Chinese workers who have no right to speak out, to organize for collective bargaining, or to express their religious beliefs. In the end, we couldn't match the money and the power that corporate America unleashed on Capital Hill to make their case for protecting their investment in China.

However the fight for fairness in today's global economy is not won or lost on one congressional vote. We are in this for the long haul. We will continue to do everything we can to create a global economy that supports workers' rights and environmental standards.