Fair trade group to confront McDermott about Columbia FTA at town halls

[eridani]

Action Alert: Tell McDermott to Stop DUCKING the Issue of Workers' Rights!

The Washington Fair Trade Coalition and all of our supporters have been working hard to convince our Congress members to take a stand and oppose the Colombia FTA. So far, most have been ducking the issue.

Our recent calling campaign with Rep. Inslee had some success in getting him to take this issue seriously. At least 13 calls from organizational leaders went into his office in one week - and there were certainly more that we didn't confirm - which sent a powerful message. Toward the end of the week the statements coming from his office changed from "no position" to "no official position but leaning against" the FTA. For a Washington State Congress member (remember, there are strong pressures from big corporations in this state to support "free" trade) this is an important difference, and should be considered a success. THANK YOU to all who called!

We now feel the time is right to turn our attention to McDermott and to remind him that his constituents are livid about this FTA and that we need him to take a stand! This coming week provides a perfect opportunity to do so, as McDermott will take part in three Town Hall meetings to which we can bring our questions and concerns. Please join us in reminding McDermott that workers rights matter. 2,500 unionists have been killed, and yet he is considering the FTA? Stop ducking this issue McDermott - take a stand!


The Town Halls will take place at the following times and locations:

· Thursday, May 29, 7- 8:30 pm: Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 NW 77th St., Seattle

· Saturday, May 31, 2-3:30 pm: West Seattle Public Library, 2306 42nd Ave SW, Seattle (not sponsored by the Seattle Public Library)

· Sunday, June 1, 2-3:30 pm: 2100 Building, 2100 24th Ave S, 98144

Please arrive half an hour before the scheduled start time if you wish to help us distribute flyers and call the attention of meeting attendees to the issue of workers' rights in Colombia. **Duck masks and other fun props will be provided!** Though of course, feel free to bring other duck-themed items, signs etc to call attention to the issue. Alternatively, simply come along to the meeting, bring up the issue of Colombia, and urge him to stop ducking this issue and to take a stand.

Violating workers' rights is serious. By not taking a stand on this issue, McDermott is ignoring something that is very important to his constituents. Please call his office and this week, and then join us at one (or all) of the Town Halls. Let's ask McDermott to take a clear position against the Colombia FTA. QUACK!

Washington Fair Trade Coalition
606 Maynard Ave S, Suite 252
Seattle, WA 98104
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
www.washingtonfairtrade.org

Working on behalf of people and the planet for a fair global trading system

[daggahead]

1. You need to see how the US Commerce Dept ...

... is spreading propaganda.

http://www.commerce.gov/

Look for the "Colombia Tariff Ticker" at the upper-right of the page.

Disgusting.