Labor Leaders Unhappy with Gore's China Trade Deal Stance

Strategic Insights -

The president of the United Steelworkers of America, George Becker, has expressed strong disapproval of Vice President Al Gore's lobbying for the China trade deal. Becker, who played a pivotal role in getting the A.F.L.-C.I.O. to endorse the vice president, stated that labor's support for Gore could be hurt by his recent actions. Becker's comments come as the House is scheduled to vote on the trade bill the week of May 22, with President Clinton predicting that the measure will pass.

Key Takeaways:

  • The president of the United Steelworkers of America, George Becker, is unhappy with Vice President Al Gore's lobbying for the China trade deal, citing it as a betrayal of labor's trust.
  • Becker stated that labor's support for Gore could be hurt by his recent actions, and that the union's members are not forgiving on this issue.
  • The A.F.L.-C.I.O. endorsed Gore last October, but many labor leaders felt confident about their decision after he promised to prioritize worker rights in trade negotiations.
  • President Clinton predicted that the House would approve the China deal, citing its benefits for the country, despite labor's strong opposition.
  • Republican leaders in the House supported a bipartisan proposal to set up a commission to monitor human rights in China, which could help gain support for the trade deal.
  • Representative Sander M. Levin proposed the commission as a way to secure more backing for the trade deal, working closely with Representative Doug Bereuter.
  • Labor leaders are finding it hard to excite union members to vote for and campaign for Gore when he is battling them on labor's top legislative issue.

Statistics:

  • The House is scheduled to vote on the China bill the week of May 22.
  • President Clinton predicted that the House would approve the measure.
  • 1 House Democrat, Bob Clement of Tennessee, opposed the China bill, joining Juanita Millender-McDonald of California.
  • 1 House Democrat, Ken Bentsen of Texas, announced his support for the bill.
  • The A.F.L.-C.I.O. endorsed Gore last October.

Sources:

  • George Becker, President of the United Steelworkers of America
  • Douglas Hattaway, Spokesman for the Gore campaign
  • President Clinton
  • Representative Sander M. Levin
  • Representative Doug Bereuter
  • Bob Clement, Representative of Tennessee
  • Juanita Millender-McDonald, Representative of California
  • Ken Bentsen, Representative of Texas
  • Diane Rehm, Washington-based talk-show host