WASHINGTON – United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai today met virtually with AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) General Secretary Sharon Burrow and international labor leaders ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ministers Responsible for Trade meetings. Ambassador Tai emphasized the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to a worker-centered trade policy that lifts wages, promotes worker empowerment, and generates economic security for workers around the globe. She also highlighted the importance of multilateral fora such as APEC for their ability to convene economies and foster dialogue on topics of mutual interest. The attendees shared their views on ways to advance workers’ rights in APEC member economies and increase worker representation at APEC meetings. Ambassador Tai welcomed their ideas and emphasized her commitment to sustained engagement with the meeting participants in the future.
The list of attendees convened by the AFL-CIO included the presidents, secretaries general, and representatives from the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO); the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC); the National Trade Union Congress (NTUC); the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (RENGO); the Central Union of Workers (CUT); the National Union of Workers (UNT); the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZTCU); and the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).
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