WASHINGTON - Ways and Means Committee Ranking Member Sander Levin (D-MI), Trade Subcommittee Ranking Member Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) and Committee Member Jim McDermott (D-WA) today issued the following statements in response to the request by the Labor Department and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative for consultations with the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain to discuss actions taken by Bahrain that appear to be inconsistent with the Labor Chapter of the United States-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement.
Rep. Sander Levin: “I applaud the Administration’s request to consult with Bahrain over worker rights. Last December’s Labor Department report raised significant concerns about Bahrain’s response to civil unrest in 2011 and while some action has been taken it is vital that Bahrain agree to consultations to develop a concrete action plan to address remaining concerns. The Administration is taking an important step by using our trade agreement with Bahrain to address workplace discrimination and defend the rights of workers."
Rep. Charles B. Rangel: “Our trade agreement with Bahrain gives us tools to defend the rights of workers, and this Administration has the good sense to use those tools. We will closely monitor progress on this issue as the consultations proceed."
Rep. Jim McDermott: “I am encouraged by the Obama administration’s request for formal talks with Bahrain. As a FTA partner, Manama is subject to certain labor standards that must be upheld, especially in times of domestic unrest. I hope the consultations are constructive, particularly as they relate to discrimination of workers and trade unionists based on religion or political views."
