For economic purists, free trade is the holy grail upon which the wealth of nations is built and sustained. The underlying argument is quite compelling: People should be “free” to enter into a business relationship with whomever they choose.
Furthermore, free trade is good for everybody, because, well, it’s based on freedom, right?
Middle Class Brings Stability to Society
Recall, for example, that in the latter stages of the Industrial Revolution, workers in various nations unionized to seek to be more equitably rewarded for their labor in the factories, mines, and assembly lines. Naturally, the super-wealthy corporate elites of the day weren’t thrilled about unions because they raised costs and lowered profits.But as unions were formed and formalized, labor laws were enacted that prohibited extreme working conditions and child labor, and established a defined workweek and other benefits we all take for granted today.
Although corporations fought against the union movements, political leaders correctly understood that unions were a stabilizing influence. A society with masses of impoverished workers and only a few ultra-wealthy at the top is a proven formula for violence and civil unrest. Bolshevism was often viewed as the solution to broad wealth gaps (in the current Democrat Party, it still is), which would mean the end of big businesses.
Free Trade Unwinds Workers’ Gains
For big business, NAFTA was indeed a windfall. Instead of paying union wages, or even minimum wage rates for that matter, U.S. manufacturers could relocate to the Third World right next door, i.e., Mexico, and pay members of their workforce a few dollars a day. Business profits went up by relocating to Mexico.What’s not to like?
Unfortunately, for the estimated 2 million Americans who lost their jobs to Mexico and other low-paying, emerging economies, NAFTA wasn’t such a happy event. Formerly middle-class U.S. workers suddenly found themselves in the lower middle class and struggling to stay even there. Towns across the United States lost their economies to Mexico, too. Happily, however, the products they used to make for their former employers were still available for purchase in the United States, and often at a lower price.
Working Harder for Less
But didn’t American workers transition to new jobs?Sure, but the new jobs often paid less and lacked the prior benefits they enjoyed. Those benefits, by the way, helped American society across the economic strata stay healthier and wealthier. Taking those away diminishes society’s tax and consumer bases, and is a drag on public health systems.
It’s a similar story with U.S. firms moving to China, which had even lower labor costs, also known as slave or forced labor. American workers can’t compete with that. Unfortunately, those same poor working conditions remain the norm for most of the world today. The opportunities to earn a living are few, and the power disproportionately favors multinational firms over labor.
De-Globalizing Trade Agreements
On the flip side, the USMCA aims to fix some of the more blatant flaws of NAFTA. It will give Mexican labor the right to unionize and improve working conditions, and is supposed to eliminate forced labor. In other words, wages, workers’ rights, and working conditions will improve with USMCA. That may make U.S. labor more competitive.But clearly, writing a law is one thing; monitoring and enforcement is quite another altogether. This is especially applicable to Mexico, a nation rife with corruption from top to bottom and a large, uneducated workforce. Still, it’s better than what we have in NAFTA.
How much will U.S. workers benefit from the USMCA treaty? It’s difficult to tell. Implementation and enforcement won’t happen overnight.
In fact, it may not happen at all. According to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), because of the impeachment hearings against President Donald Trump, the USMCA may not be considered this year. If the impeachment effort is successful, the USMCA may never happen.
That’s not a good thing for the working class in America and something Congress ought to think long and hard about, but probably won’t.
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