Organized labor takes gamble by battling Obama’s trade bill
WASHINGTON (AP) – Organized labor’s fierce opposition to President Barack Obama’s trade agenda threatens to split the political left and deal another blow to unions if the president prevails in an upcoming House vote.
But labor groups say they have little to lose by battling trade deals they consider job-killers. And they’re ready to divorce themselves from Democrats who think otherwise.
Union activists are picketing offices and running TV ads against congressional Democrats who have endorsed or remain open to Obama’s bid for “fast track” negotiating authority.
He wants fast track powers to offer trade proposals that Congress can ratify or reject, but not change.
Obama is overwhelmingly relying on House Republicans. But he needs perhaps two-dozen House Democrats.
Unions are pounding his targets with calls, demonstrations and political threats.
