Colombia takes labor actions, eyes U.S. pact approval

[Richard]

http://beta.news.yahoo.com/colombia-...194120357.html

"We are eager to see Congress move the Colombia trade agreement forward as soon as possible along with the Korea and Panama agreements and a renewal of Trade Adjustment Assistance. It's time to seize the market-opening, job-supporting opportunities of the pending trade agreements for American businesses, farmers, ranchers and workers," Kirk said.

I wonder if the state of MI picks this opportunity up ?

[rb336]

What opportunity? moore places to export jobs?

[Richard]

What opportunity? moore places to export jobs?

• Key U.S. exports will gain immediate duty-free access to Colombia, including almost all products in these sectors: agriculture and construction equipment, aircraft and parts, auto parts, fertilizers and agro-chemicals, information technology equipment, medical and scientific equipment, and wood.

Colombia’s economy is the third largest in Central and South America. This comprehensive trade agreement will eliminate tariffs and other barriers to U.S. exports, promote economic growth, and expand trade between our two countries. U.S. goods exports to Colombia in 2010 were $12.0 billion.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/defa...eAgreement.pdf


All of the Bolded wording that I highlighted above are related to new start ups located in Detroit.


Commitment by the United States and Colombia to adopt and maintain the ILO’s five fundamental workers’ rights and to submit to legal proceedings if either side fails to meet that commitment. The fundamental rights are:
− Freedom of association – the right to form and join a union;
− The right to collective bargaining;
− Elimination of all forms of compulsory or forced labor;
− Effective abolition of child labor; and
− Elimination of employment and occupation discrimination based on gender, race, or other factors.

Totally different situation in relation when compared to other countries where jobs are being relocated,Mexico,China etc. Land is not cheap and it would not be cost effective to relocate a company there ,they have plenty of their own their own natural resources natural gas,gold ,oil,precious gems etc.

How it applies to Michigan

http://www.trade.gov/fta/colombia/michigan.pdf

[oldredfordette]

And their human rights record?

[maxx]

The U.S. was supposed to get all sorts of new customers for their exports in Mexico, but instead we have dumped cheap corn on their market, put farmers out of work there, and created more Mexican immigrants.

"...
Under the plan, Colombia committed to hiring 480 new labor inspectors, including 100 this year.
It also pledged a number of actions by June 15, including enacting laws to establish criminal penalties for employers who undermine the right to organize and bargain collectively..."

So soon there may be another irony to U.S. policies. Iraq will have universal healthcare and Columbian workers will have gov. protections to organize. Or maybe the protections will just be on paper and subject to the whim of whoever is in office like in the U.S..

[Richard]

This whole pact came about as a stop gap measure as Columbia is signing pacts with China,Korea and others that have no trade restrictions in place as we do.

From 2008 to 2010 Michigan exported $100 million in goods to Columbia.

The upcoming Canada–Colombia Trade Agreement will lower tariffs for Canadian products competing directly with key U.S. exports such as wheat, construction equipment, and transportation equipment.

So can Michigan absorb that $100 million dollar loss?

The reason I questioned if MI would pick up on this is because it has already proven that it can supply the goods and with the new start ups in tech it can certainly raise that number.

The Columbian people are much like we were years ago in regards to work ethics and pride and they understand a lot of what Detroit has gone through in the past and can relate,most of the middle and small business owners that would benefit with a partnership on both sides,in essence it would not be hard to forge some personal relationships that would insure Detroit and the states continued success.

Once the pacts with the other countries are signed the writing is on the wall and Michigan will no longer be able to offer what the other countries will.

It would not take much for a representative to make some appearances over there to forge some stronger ties and the flight would certainly would be cheaper then the one was to China,the foot is already in the door why risk the loss by not being proactive.