A Way Forward for Workers' Rights in US Free Trade Accords

Summary

Background: The 2007 Trade Policy Template and Shortcomings in Prior Trade Accords

Shortcomings in Trade Accords Prior to the 2007 Trade Policy Template

Improvements in Trade Accords Under the 2007 Trade Policy Template

Improving Workers' Rights Protections

Protecting Core Workers' Rights in Domestic Laws

Protecting Workers in All Trade- and Investment-Related Sectors

Accounting for Corporate Responsibility

Improving Compliance in US Trading Partners

Improving Enforcement

Depoliticizing Labor Rights Enforcement Mechanisms

Ensuring Transparency and Public Participation in Labor Rights Enforcement

Facilitating Access to Labor Rights Enforcement Mechanisms

Private Labor Complaint Filing Assistance

Informal Government Labor Complaint Filing Guidance

Monitoring Trade Accord Labor Rights Compliance

Conclusion