(WASHINGTON) – The Teamsters Union applauds today’s introduction of “The Jobs and Competitiveness Act” (H.R. 2756) which would provide significant gains in the area of U.S. trade enforcement.

The legislation proposes critical reform that would enhance U.S. trade policy and competitiveness. With the current administration promising a new course for our trade pacts that will stress fair trade rather than free trade, this legislation will establish strong enforcement policies that will only complement this new approach.

“The Jobs and Competitiveness Act would go a long way in addressing issues that have long plagued U.S. trade policy,” said Teamsters General President James P. Hoffa. “The legislation gives the U.S. a real path to enforcing violations in key areas like currency manipulation and labor standards by our trade partners.”

The Teamsters have been a vocal critic of past trade agreements like the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that have put American workers at a significant disadvantage and led to millions of jobs leaving the country. The Jobs and Trade Competitiveness Act includes provisions that would encourage domestic insourcing and discourage foreign outsourcing.

“This bill represents the direction we should be moving as a country on trade policy,” Hoffa said. “With the renegotiation of NAFTA in coming months, legislation like this will help establish critical and enforceable protections that will support both American workers and companies.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. 

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