U.S. Trade Representative Makes Moves Related To Trade And Labor Enforcement

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) recently released a list of detailed answers to frequently asked questions about labor-enforcement processes that were established under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The list also provides answers to questions about how to use a confidential, web-based tip hotline for USMCA-related labor issues, as well as about rapid-response petitions and labor chapter petitions under the agreement.

The USTR said individuals and companies should use the hotline to submit information about labor issues that occur in Mexico and Canada, and that it is most interested in issues regarding labor rights that are covered by the USMCA — in particular, freedom of association, and collective bargaining, forced labor, child labor, employment discrimination, minimum wages, hours of work, and occupational safety and health.

Find the USTR page here.

In related news, the Office of the USTR also has posted a Federal Register Notice inviting public comments and recommendations on how all U.S. trade and investment policy actions, including responsible business conduct, could advance racial and gender equity and support for historically underserved communities.

Read more about that initiative and how to comment here.