Fair Trade Now!

More than a thousand activists from dozens of progressive organizations rallied on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Wednesday to demand trade deals that work for everyone – not just the 1 percent.

Braving thunder and a downpour, CWAers and our labor, environmental, student, citizen, faith and good government allies chanted, "They say 'Fast Track!' We Say 'Fight Back!'"

CWA President Larry Cohen introduces members of Congress.

About half the participants came from CWA's legislative-political and movement building conference. CWA activists were joined by partners from 42 other organizations and other unions and the AFL-CIO as part of the campaign to build a movement for economic justice.

Rally speakers included Reps. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), Sander Levin (D-Mich.), Mike Michaud (D-Me.), Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), and Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.).

MSNBC's Ed Schultz, who covered the rally, laid it out plainly: Free trade agreements hurt American workers.

"Americans have every right to be outraged that this country is even thinking about this. This is a corporate deal. It's driven by Wall Street. It's been done in secrecy. Doesn't that bother you at all?" asked Schultz.

Union and progressive partners rally together.

Watch the rally coverage and CWA President Cohen here.

After the rally, CWA activists and partners visited the offices of every member of Congress, proving that our alliance is united in the fight for fair trade deals.