WSJ: Unions Flex Muscle to Fight Pacific Trade Bill

Demonstrators protest on Capitol Hill last month against legislation to give U.S. President Barack Obama fast-track authority to advance trade deals. PHOTO: SAUL LOEB/AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE/GETTY IMAGES

Members are using a variety of tactics to pressure Congress to defeat the legislation

http://www.wsj.com/articles/unions-flex-muscle-to-fight-pacific-trade-bill-1433868666

By MELANIE TROTTMAN
Updated June 10, 2015 10:55 a.m. ET

WALDORF, Md.—Retired welder Lonnie Vick had a warning for Rep. Steny Hoyer as he held a banner at a recent union rally outside the Democrat’s office: Vote against a trade bill or organized labor will vote you out of office.

“I can get out and rally the troops,” said Mr. Vick, who is concerned that local manufacturing jobs will be sent overseas if Congress approves the Trans-Pacific Partnership among the U.S. and 11 other nations.

Despite diminished ranks, unions nationwide are presenting themselves as a potent weapon against the trade legislation now moving through Congress: a so-called fast-track bill that would expedite the Pacific trade pact.

Union members are volunteering at phone banks, launching letter-writing campaigns and organizing town halls to pressure lawmakers to vote no. The bill, already passed by the Senate with strong Republican support, could face a close vote in the House as early as this week.

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Union members and community activists in Miami protest an appearance in March by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Lew and his support for the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership. PHOTO: JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES