STATEMENT BY UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION PRESIDENT JOSEPH HANSEN ON USTR

Washington, D.C. – Following is a statement issued by United Food and Commercial Workers International Union President Joseph Hansen:“The decision by the Obama Administration and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to move forward with an arbitration against Guatemala for violating its workers’ fundamental labor rights is a victory for working people in the U.S. and abroad. The Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) protects workers’ right to organize into unions and to bargain collectively for their wages and working conditions. Yet, Guatemala has a shameful record when it comes to workers’ rights. The decision underscores America’s commitment to strict labor standards in our trade deals. This will be a significant step toward raising working standards in Guatemala and throughout Central America. “