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SANCTIONS SOUGHT FOR TRADE LAW VIOLATIONS
The AFL-CIO wants President Bush to impose sanctions against China for its unfair trade practices.
In a complaint filed with the U.S. Trade Representative, the labor federation invokes the workers’ rights provisions of the U.S. Trade Act, which authorizes the president to take action against countries that violate trade agreements or engage in “unreasonable trade practices,” including failure to enforce internationally recognized worker rights such as the right to organize and standards of minimum wages, maximum hours and occupational safety and health.
Reps. Benjamin Cardin (D-Md.) and Christopher Smith (R-N.J.) co-signed the complaint. “China’s persistent denial of basic workers’ rights is a direct violation of international trade rules, providing them with an unfair and immoral trading advantage,” said Rep. Cardin.
HOSPITAL DISCLOSURE MEASURE BECOMES LAW
AFT Connecticut is celebrating enactment of a law requiring public disclosure of hospital-acquired infections.
“This issue is about patient safety and a patient’s right to know,” says Sharon Palmer, president of AFT Connecticut.
The law, signed by Gov. M. Jodi Rell on June 6, establishes a committee to develop and monitor the reporting system. One seat on the 11-member committee is designated for a labor union representing hospital-based nurses.
FLAWED RETIREMENT PLAN GOES INTO EFFECT
Despite flaws in the 2005 law establishing a defined-contribution retirement plan for Alaska public employees, the state moved forward with implementation.
The Alaska Public Employees Association (APEA) and other employee groups went to court to stop the July 1 implementation of the 401(k)-like individual investment program and defined-contribution health benefit for employees hired starting July 1. The groups cited more than two dozen flaws with the law, including questions over its tax status under federal law.
“It is possible that [public employers] will owe damages to all employees hired after July 1,” Juneau Superior Court Judge Larry Weeks wrote in his decision. “Nevertheless, the conundrum does not meet the test required by the law for a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction.”
As of July 1, the state had not received a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service on the status of the plan. APEA president Bruce Senkow notes that public sector employers, including state and local governments and school districts, may have to pay fines and taxes if the IRS does not approve the plan.
