New York City Joins Growing Numbers of Cities Opposing the Trade Deal

On the heels of Mayor Bill de Blasio criticizing the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) as a "raw deal" and "huge mistake," the New York City Council passed a resolution declaring the city a "TPP-free zone" and urging Congress to reject Fast Track legislation for the trade deal.

CWAers gather outside City Hall before heading in to watch the New York City Council pass a resolution opposing Fast Track and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

"New York City, a global city, is standing up to stop the TPP, which would destroy jobs, threaten food safety and the environment, raise prescription drug prices, and gut consumer protections from Wall Street banks, " said Chris Shelton, vice president of CWA District 1. "We are all united to derail Fast Track."

A day before the vote, leaders from New York City's labor, environmental, social justice and faith communities rallied and testified in support of the resolution, which was sponsored by City Councilwoman Helen Rosenthal. They spoke out about the dangers of the trade deal and called on members of Congress, particularly Rep. Gregory Meeks, who is one of just two Democrats co-leading the "pro-TPP caucus," to listen to their constituents.