Democrats Reject Platform Proposal Opposing Trade Deal

[creeksneakers2]

121. Some counters and links

Not all products were designed to become obsolete. I'm glad to hear about your blender. I was mostly talking about the automotive industry. For most of us, a car is the largest consumer expense. See history and Volkswagen.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence#History_and_origins_of_the_phrase

Chinese quality isn't there yet but it probably will be. The Japanese build quality. I remember when made in Japan meant cheap as in not durable. Korea was building lousy cars when they first came out but they've improved them.

Yes, higher wages would help with higher costs and in the short run I think higher wages would outweigh. I don't think they would in the long run though.

My shoes weren't made by child or forced labor. I bought them at Walmart who has rules for its suppliers and audits and enforces them. (Yes, I know few on this board trust Walmart.)

2. Voluntary Labor
All labor must be voluntary. Slave, child, underage, forced, bonded, or indentured labor will not be tolerated. Suppliers shall not engage in or support trafficking in human beings. Suppliers shall certify that they have implemented procedures to manage the materials, including all labor related processes, incorporated into their products to ensure they comply with laws on slavery and human trafficking. Workers must be allowed to maintain control over their identity documents.
A. Voluntary Labor
1. All labor must be voluntary.
2. Slave, child, underage, forced, bonded, and indentured labor is prohibited.

http://cdn.corporate.walmart.com/7c/c3/3d339cb74ec9a2fad98fd43d3589/standards-for-suppliers-manual-english.pdf

Opening up low wage economies geared toward creating exports can cause dramatic growth in standards of living. Look at China.

http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2013-10/24/content_30391004.htm

That happened because of market competition for workers, not labor unions.

I read tonight that TPP expands workers' rights.

The TPP’s promise of a new progressive rule book – one that includes enforceable agreements against child labor and workplace discrimination, measures to punish illegal logging and trade in protected species, and protections against consumer fraud – would mark a substantial step forward in the progressive policy agenda on the global stage.

http://theconversation.com/why-progressives-should-rescue-the-tpp-trade-deal-60304

The labor standards are there. It will be up to us to enforce them.

Officials have not yet released the full details of the agreement. But it reportedly commits all parties to the International Labor Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work -- respect for the right to collectively bargain, the elimination of forced labor and child labor and the elimination of employment discrimination. On paper, U.S. trade deals have adhered to this since 2007. But on top of that, the Pacific agreement contains provisions on minimum wages, maximum hours and occupational health and safety, according to the USTR. It remains unclear how rigorous they are.

http://www.ibtimes.com/will-trans-pacific-partnership-improve-labor-standards-2127388

Somebody somewhere got to eat because I bought a $13 pair of shoes. Somebody probably ate because of your coffee pot too. I'm sorry it didn't last.