Free trade critics hit Obama over Nike visit

Critics who are already upset with President Obama's push for a brand new trade wear down Asia have a brand new target: The president's Friday visit to Nike.

"With but a hundred and twenty fifth of its over one million production jobs set within the u.  s., Nike dead depicts America's lost-jobs, low-wage future under the Trans-Pacific Partnership," same Elizabeth Swager, director of the OR honest Trade Campaign.

Swager's cluster et al attempt to protest Obama's look Friday at the Nike field in Beaverton, Ore.

While Nike has been suspect of abetting foreign sweat outlets, officers say the corporate has worked to enhance the conditions of staff each reception and aboard.

A White House statement says Obama is creating the visit "to discuss however staff can enjoy progressive, high-standards trade agreements that would open up new markets and support high-quality jobs each for OR little businesses and massive corporations like Nike."

The trip comes as Obama promotes the Trans-Pacific Partnership with Asian nations. he's additionally asking the Congress for trade promotion authority, which might permit the administration to send a final agreement to lawmakers for AN up-or-down vote, while not amendments.

The proposed trade wear down Asia will include "high-standards to bring greater opportunity to American businesses, level the taking part in field for yank staff, shield the atmosphere, and lift human rights and labor standards round the world," the White House says.

The critics are not convinced, language free trade deals encourage businesses to move jobs to countries with cheaper labor and lower environmental standards.

Lori Wallach, director of Public Citizen's world Trade Watch, same President George W. Bush additionally enclosed labor provisions in his trade deals, however they need not worked.

"Years later, those terms haven't improved conditions within the countries wherever they apply," she said. "Further, the (Obama) trade agreement can exacerbate financial gain difference and incentivize off-shoring."

Reports Reuters:

"In selecting the company's OR headquarters because the backcloth for his message, Obama risks reminding individuals of world trade's draw back simply once he desires to convert nervous Democrats to back the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a key plank of the administration's strategic pivot to Asia.

"But showing at Nike additionally permits Obama to speak regarding however things have modified from previous trade deals, and to associate his TPP with an organization that claims it's learned from the past mistakes of globalisation."