Number: 97-272
Title: Worker Rights and U.S. Trade Policy: WTO Singapore Ministerial and Fast-Track Extension
Authors: Mary Jane Bolle, Economics Division 
Abstract: The idea of linking worker rights and trade agreements has become a major issue in two arenas. The first arena is Congress, as it considers extending presidential authority to negotiate trade agreements that would then be implemented on a fast-track basis-without amendment and with limited debate. The second arena is the World Trade Organization (WTO). In December 1996, the Singapore Ministerial, a meeting trade ministers, took place and was attended by a majority of the 124 WTO member countries. At that meeting, delegates grappled with whether worker rights is an appropriate issue for debate in the WTO.
Pages: 13
Date: February 24, 1997