The U.S.-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, which was signed in October 2000, is not meeting its full potential and worker rights in Jordan continue to be violated as a result, say experts from both nations.
"Many of us use Jordan as a model and so we are now testing reality against our hopes," said Gene Sperling, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress. "The reality is nowhere near the ideals of the agreement."
The Jordanian government has not adhered to International Labor Organization standards, according to a new report titled, "Justice for All: The Struggle for Worker Rights in Jordan," published by the Solidarity Center earlier this year. The report and a May 3 article in The New York Times exposed how some workers in Jordanian industries labored under sweatshop conditions.
Meanwhile, the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement took another step forward today with approval in the Senate by vote of 60-24. It is still pending in the House. Senate approval was widely considered to be a major hurdle for the White House, and is now expected to be approved by the House, possibly by election day.
Comments