Resolution in Support of the PNW Cross-Border Day Of Solidarity for a People’s Trade Agenda

March 18, 2026

WHEREAS, the Pacific Northwest has a long and strong history of resistance to corporate-centered “free trade,” including the 1999 Battle of Seattle WTO protests; 

WHEREAS, over 150,000 jobs have been lost in Washington and Oregon combined since NAFTA, many of these being union jobs in manufacturing, agriculture, and increasingly, service sector industries; 

WHEREAS, in Washington State, there has been a net job loss of over 34,000 manufacturing jobs, which amounts to at least 10% of the industry; 

WHEREAS, these outsourced jobs are being moved to low-wage nations with abysmal records on human and labor rights; 

WHEREAS, labor has been a strong supporter of the fair trade movement, and union support has been crucial in countering corporate-driven trade; 

WHEREAS, the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) is currently being negotiated, which will impact the economic rules of North America, accounting for 30% of all U.S. exports, impacting jobs, wages, labor rights, consumer privacy, environmental policy, “digital trade”, and more; 

WHEREAS, these negotiations have been kept from the public, preventing public scrutiny and accountability; 

WHEREAS, the three countries will be meeting in early July 2026 to propose amendments to the USMCA; 

WHEREAS, working people are on the frontlines of being impacted by trade, especially in such a trade-dependent region, it is crucial that they are part of these discussions and decisions that will affect their lives; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that MLK Labor will mobilize and organize to have its members’ voices heard in USMCA negotiations;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MLK Labor endorses the Washington Fair Trade Coalition and others’ USMCA events and activities, culminating in the PNW Cross Border Day of Solidarity for a People’s Trade Agenda on May 30; 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that MLK Labor encourages members to attend the events in the lead-up and during the Cross-Border Days of Solidarity in May;

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that MLK Labor will contribute $500 to the Days of Solidarity campaign, to ensure that members’ voices are heard.