To the editor:

American workers have suffered long enough because of bad trade deals.

Since NAFTA’s approval in 1994, the U.S. economy has lost more than 1 million jobs due to outsourcing. We’ve felt the impact in every area of every state as unemployment has skyrocketed and families have struggled to make ends meet.

More than 60,000 factories — including some right here in Virginia — have shut down or moved offshore as a direct result of bad trade deals. We’ve lost all types of jobs, from customer service call centers to furniture manufacturers to agricultural processing facilities and more.

The Trans Pacific Partnership, which is being negotiated in secret and many of whose details remain cloudy, has been called “NAFTA on steroids.” Is that something your job can survive?

Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine will be voting on whether or not the president should have fast-track trade authority. If Congress approves the “Fast Track,” members will preclude themselves and the American people from being able to debate, amend, or alter the TPP in any fashion before it’s enacted.

If this trade partnership is truly good policy that values working people ahead of corporate profits, then why negotiate in secret and block Congress’ ability to do its job? Fast-track trade authority and the TPP are shaping up to be bad deals for working people.

Larry Young

International Association of Machinists

President,

Eastern Virginia Area Labor Federation