Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney

Labor

I realize that unions play an essential role for many workers in securing living wages, advocating safe work environments and insuring job opportunity. I received a 100% voting record from the AFL-CIO for 2001, and have advocated on behalf of firefighters, police officers, factory workers and others in efforts to secure equal opportunity, fair contracts and compensation, and long-term work assurances.

Also, in order to protect American workers and to maintain high environmental, labor and human rights standards, I voted against Fast Track Trade Promotion Authority, and will continue to urge for Congress to maintain it's authority over international treaties. I have voted to increase health care opportunities for laid off workers, have written in support of higher Trade Adjustment Assistance funding, and offered an amendment to the budget this spring to provide greater funding for job training.

Finally, I am the sponsor of legislation, the TRUTH ACT, H.R. 460, that would require U.S. businesses that operate abroad to file reports on their activities abroad, including their labor, environmental, human rights, workplace safety and security standards. I have also introduced another piece of legislation, H.R. 2782, the Corporate Code of Conduct Act, which imposes standards for labor, workplace safety and environmental similar to those required in the United States, in order for those firms to be eligible for federal contracts or tax incentives.