Pacific trade pact is bad for workers at home and abroad

• Agreement allows multinational corporations to sue the UK government in secret courts for introducing policies which threaten their profits, TUC warns

Commenting on the UK joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said:

“This Pacific trade pact is bad for workers at home and abroad.

“Once again, Conservative ministers have turned a blind eye to egregious human and workers’ rights abuses in their pursuit of trade deals.

“Workplace exploitation is widespread in the countries involved in this agreement – from Vietnam and Brunei where independent unions are banned, to Malaysia where migrant workers are subject to forced labour.

“This deal also allows multinational corporations to sue the UK government in secret courts for introducing policies which threaten their profits – this could include an increase in the minimum wage or bringing energy companies back into public ownership.

“The UK government should be using its leverage on the global stage to promote decent work, deliver green jobs and protect our public services – not treating trade deals as publicity tools.

“It’s time to meaningfully consult with unions and listen to our concerns. That’s how you get trade agreements that work for working people.”