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May 22 2003 - The Catholic Commission for Justice Development and Peace is concerned that the Australian Government has failed to include labour rights and environmental protection in its negotiations with the US over a Free Trade Agreement. This is in contrast to the US position in the negotiations.

Executive Officer Marc Purcell said, "Australia has a long record of guaranteeing human rights and protecting labor and environmental standards. But these standards seem to have fallen off the Government's list when it comes to the current free trade negotiations with the Americans."

"The American President is required to include protection of labour standards and the environment under his fast track authority to negotiate free trade agreements. This is best practice and we want to see Australia strive for this too. Surely we can agree to protect what we have got in each country. Doesn't the Government feel working conditions of Australians and our environment are important as the American do?" he asked.

Under the Comprehensive Trade Negotiating Authority Act of 2001 the US President has the power to promote enforcement of internationally recognized core labor standards and these have been included in FTA's with Chile and in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). These include:

1. Labor protection for children and young persons.
2. Minimum employment standards partaining to minimum wages.
3. Prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses.
4. Freedom of association and protection of the right to organize.
5. Right to bargain collectively.
6. The right to strike.
7. Prohibition of forced labour.
8. Minimum employment standards pertaining to overtime pay.
9. Elimination of employment discrimination.
10. Equal pay for women and men.
11. Compensation in cases of occupational injuries and illnesses.
12. Protection of migrant workers.

Catholic Social Teaching supports human rights, labour rights and a clean and safe environment as important protections for the vulnerable in society and for future generations.

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