Labor Parties to Serve as Deciding Factor in USMCA
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The fate of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USCMA) could now lie in the hands of U.S. Labor Parties, as the Wall Street Journal reports that Democrats are unlikely to support the measure without labor backing. As Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader, said in a statement, “it would probably be doubtful that we will be able to get there if we don’t come to an agreement with the workers of America who feel that they have been badly hurt by NAFTA.”
US-Mexico-Canada trade pact: A necessity in fragile global economy
Though USMCA does improve labor standards and working conditions in Mexico, much of the conversation has revolved around the enforcement of standards, which labor groups feel needs toughening.
A positive trajectory seemed to be indicated by Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, as she said “Democrats were ‘on the path to yes’” following a recent closed-door meeting.
Major fallout was suffered by Democrats following the 1993 NAFTA, which caused some U.S. companies to shift jobs out of the U.S. House Republicans are expected to support the agreement, but labor is also a source of pressure for their constituents. Either way, the window to pass USMCA is closing, as WSJ adds that the pressure of the presidential race will lessen the chance for compromise between Republicans and Democrats.