08/24/2016 – APWU delegates held a spirited rally protesting the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) on the second day of the union’s National Convention.

With Secretary-Treasurer Liz Powell serving as emcee, and the APWU Labor Chorus singing loud and proud, speakers outlined the damaging effect the trade deal between the US and 11 other countries would have.

Opponents of the TPP believe Congress may consider the deal in the lame-duck session – after the November elections but before newly elected senators and representatives take office.

“What’s at stake is your jobs, all of the jobs of the people you love and all the jobs in middle-class America,” said Rep. Alan Grayson (D-FL). “It’s a road that leads to nothing but cheap labor.”

Broadcaster Ed Schultz energized the crowd with a fiery pep talk. “If you think that 200,000 workers in your union can’t make a difference, you are wrong! You can make a difference, we have the power!” he said.

Schultz advised delegates to call their local elected officials and ask them to vote against TPP legislation. He also called on Hillary Clinton, the Democratic Party nominee for president, to “get on the phone” with senators and urge them to oppose it, whenever it comes up for a vote.

“This will gut American jobs, depress wages and destroy the middle class,” he said. “It’s a corporate deal that is going to help the people of Wall Street and it ain’t gonna do anything for Main Street”

“You cannot lose. We have the power, 200,000 people can make it happen: We can do it!

APWU President Mark Dimondstein concurred. “Brothers and sisters, take it home, call the White House. What do you think?” he said to the fired up crowd. “The White House has gone on the record last week saying they will work with the Republican House and Senate, and what’s going to stop them? It’s you and me and all the people like us!”

Also see: Obama Readies One Last Push for Trans-Pacific Partnership – NY Times